As Executive Director of Upstate International (UI), Tracie helps local communities engage in cultures and opportunities that they may not otherwise experience. Prior to UI, Tracie was the Director of the Columbia World Affairs Council, worked for the South Carolina Secretary of State, and is an alumnus of Clemson University. She has built a career bringing leadership to nonprofit organizations and building global competency and non-partisan learning experiences for our region. Tracie is a certified Global Fluency Training Facilitator, a Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Fellow, an organizational mentor for World Affairs Councils of America and on the advisory board for Greatful Greenville.
Under her creative leadership at UI, thousands of people have been able to enjoy life-enriching experiences by
participating in the UI language school, Upstate International Month, Salsa at Sunset, Global Fluency workshops for business leaders, and internationally related educational opportunities. In 2019, Tracie spearheaded the partnership with World Affairs Councils of America, creating the World Affairs Council Upstate and culminating in the 2023 World Affairs Council of the Year Award.
Tracie also enjoys speaking to groups where she can foster a dynamic exchange of ideas. As a connector, Tracie is
passionate about helping others make new and rewarding relationships that improve their mission reach or bring new business to their companies. She is particularly proud of the International Women’s Group which welcomes, supports, and celebrates the international diversity that makes Greenville and the Upstate Region such a vibrant place. A favorite program of hers is UI’s Beyond the Headlines speaker series which brings a platform of trust for the critical issues impacting our world.
Born into a military family in Ohio, raised in Alaska and South Carolina, and having lived in Malaysia, Tracie believes that her upbringing provided her the opportunity to look at life through different lens. She hopes to help provide that for others through her work at Upstate International. Tracie is married to Chris Frese and they have three sons: Thomas, Harry, and Cole. She is a new land owner and spends her free time working on the land and marveling at the wildlife. She loves travel and believes her time in other places provided perspectives that help her.