Dr. Frank Creech is an accomplished educator and regional leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing education, STEM initiatives, workforce development, and strategic partnerships across North Carolina. His distinguished career spans large urban and small rural school districts, where he has served as a teacher, principal, transformation coach, district leader, and superintendent. Throughout his career, he has championed inquiry-based instruction and innovative educational opportunities. As a principal grant writer, he has secured more than $70 million in competitive funding to support STEM education, school improvement, out-of-school programming, and capital projects.

Dr. Creech also served for 12 years as an instructor in Campbell University’s Master of School Administration program. His leadership extends to statewide and national STEM initiatives, including service with the NCSTEM Ecosystem and the Leadership Coordinating Council of the international STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of Practice. He currently serves on the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Student STEM Enrichment Program Advisory Committee.

Through his work with STEM East, Dr. Creech builds regional networks connecting businesses, educational institutions, economic development organizations, foundations, and government partners to expand real-world STEM learning and strengthen Eastern North Carolina’s workforce pipeline with a focus on energy systems and smart manufacturing.

In his new role as Director of Regional Affairs for NC East Alliance, Dr. Creech works alongside the President and CEO to advance strategic initiatives, cultivate regional partnerships, and represent the Alliance with business, education, government, and economic development leaders. His work focuses on aligning regional resources, expanding collaborative opportunities, and strengthening the connections among education, workforce development, and economic prosperity throughout Eastern North Carolina.