Tracie Frese
Executive Director
What drives a person’s curiosity towards places of the world? For Tracie it was her parents’ old movies of the Taj Mahal and pictures of Europe. It was the arrival of National Geographic in the mailbox each month.
Directing UI gives Tracie the chance to channel that childhood wonder and help the community engage in cultures and opportunities they may not otherwise experience. Previously the Director of the Columbia World Affairs Council, and an alumni of Clemson University,Tracie brings nonprofit leadership as well as a drive to advocate for global awareness in the Upstate. Married to Chris Frese, Tracie has 3 sons: Thomas, Harry, and Cole. Born in Ohio, raised in Alaska and South Carolina, and having lived in Malaysia, she believes that “The most interesting people in the world are interested in the world around them.”
Evelyn Hargett
Office and Membership Coordinator
Evelyn Hargett recently joined Upstate International, and serves the organization in accounting, membership, and other administrative duties. She holds an A.A. degree in Business Administration from Northern State University. Her business career includes managerial accounting functions in various organizations, including more than 12 years at another local nonprofit. She volunteers at several Greenville area venues, including her church, Greenville Theatre, and Greenville Literacy Association.
Evelyn has lived in the Greenville area since 2001. Born and raised in New Jersey, and having lived in South Dakota and Iowa, she is happiest when exploring all that the Southeast has to offer. She enjoys traveling with her husband throughout the U.S., hiking, camping, working out, reading, and caring for her cat.
Linley Crocker
Programs and Events Coordinator
Linley Crocker became a part of Upstate International(UI) as the Programs & Events Coordinator in November 2021. In this role, Linley will initiate, implement and manage key programs and events that are essential in fulfilling UI’s regional mission. She will also govern the development and coordination of the Upstate International Language School. No stranger to event planning, Linley has more than 8 years of experience in the industry.
A native to the Upstate, Linley was born and raised in Campobello, SC. She spends her free time painting, dancing, writing poetry and hiking in the woods with her border collie, Remi.
Elisa Englender
Marketing Coordinator
Elisa is UI’s new Marketing Coordinator! With a major in Marketing & Advertising and an MBA in Branding, she joins Upstate International to help us strengthen the company’s brand across the Upstate and the world.
From working with some of the biggest names in the global fashion industry to owning her own company, this southern Brazilian moved recently with her husband to the Upstate and soon found her new work challenge here.
With a very easy smile and a taste for a healthy lifestyle, she feels her best around her pets or power tools – always with some good music on.
Blake Whittaker
Upstate International Board Chair
Blake Whittaker joined Pinnacle Financial Partners as the office leader for the firm’s Greenville location in 2018.