Bailey Fregeau

Empathetic. Driven. Collaborative.

Current Employer & Job Title: North Country Teacher Resource Center, Director

Age: 34

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY

Education: Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology

Bailey is someone that focuses on the whole picture. Striving for understanding in situations before solutions are formulated. She has a firm understanding that collaboration brings knowledge and there is always something new to learn. She approaches everything with an open mind, easy smile and quick wit that set you at ease while her attentiveness to the conversation makes you feel heard.

In three words, how would others describe your personal brand and where do those traits show up most in your work?

Empathetic, driven, and collaborative. My background in speech-language pathology informs how I lead, grounding my work in understanding diverse perspectives and individual needs. That empathy shapes how I approach challenges and develop solutions that are inclusive and effective.

My drive is reflected in a strong commitment to continuous growth. I actively pursue learning through research, professional development, and collaboration to strengthen my impact as an educator and leader.

Collaboration is central to my work at the NCTRC. Through the policy board, we regularly bring teams together to explore ideas and strengthen practices. By working collectively, we create stronger outcomes for the districts we serve.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely and how have you influenced it?

I most strongly promote a culture rooted in educational relevance and rigor. I believe our work must stay connected to current educational priorities while maintaining high standards for critical thinking and real-world application. I influence this culture by encouraging thoughtful dialogue, supporting innovation, and ensuring our work remains meaningful and impactful.

Where do you invest your time outside of work and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Outside of work, I invest my time in family and continuing education. Family keeps me grounded and reminds me why empathy and balance matter in leadership. Continuing education keeps me engaged, curious, and improving. Both help me stay focused on what matters most.

Who has most influenced your leadership style and what specific lesson from them still shapes how you lead today?

Early in my career, speech-language pathology mentors influenced me by modeling the importance of leading by example, particularly when working with children with developmental delays. They showed me that leadership decisions can have lasting impact beyond the immediate moment.

More recently, I have been influenced by the former NCTRC director, whose leadership demonstrated how vision and relationship-building drive progress. She expanded initiatives, grew professional development offerings, and built strong regional partnerships. From her, I learned that lasting impact comes from balancing innovation with trust and supporting the people doing the work.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now in your organization industry or community and how do you measure it?

I am making my greatest impact at the NCTRC by supporting educators in implementing New York State initiatives such as Portrait of a Graduate. Through the center, we provide relevant professional development to teachers across nearly 20 school districts in the North Country. I measure impact through educator engagement, district partnerships, and how teachers apply what they learn to better support students.

What is something about you that would surprise people and what does it reveal about how you think or operate?

Many people are surprised to learn that I lived in Spain and learned a second language. That experience required adaptability, patience, and intentional communication. It shaped how I approach collaboration today by reinforcing the value of perspective and the importance of listening before leading.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way and how has it changed you?

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that you won’t always be able to please everyone, especially when navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and conflict. Early in my career, I struggled with that reality and took disagreements personally. Over time, I’ve learned that effective leadership requires addressing conflict thoughtfully, listening with empathy, and making decisions that serve the broader mission, even when they’re uncomfortable.

That lesson has changed how I lead. I’m more confident setting boundaries, more intentional in managing relationships, and more focused on the bigger picture rather than individual approval. Understanding that progress often involves tension has made me a stronger, more resilient leader.

What is the biggest professional or personal risk you have taken and would you make the same decision again?

Stepping into my role at the NCTRC was a significant shift from working as a speech language pathologist. It required independence, time management, and self-direction in ways I had not experienced before. I would make the same decision again. The role has strengthened my leadership skills and expanded my ability to contribute at a broader level.

The North Country’s Gen IQ reflects how well we lead market to and innovate across generations. Where are we getting it right and where do we need to evolve?

The North Country is getting it right by adapting to new technologies and embracing advancements that support innovation and collaboration across generations. At the same time, we continue to rely on some traditional approaches that can limit progress and exclude valuable and diverse perspectives. To evolve, we need to be more intentional about inclusive leadership and open to change so our systems and practices reflect the needs of a diverse and multigenerational community.

What is one idea belief or change you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

I hope to see leadership in our region continue to embrace inclusivity and forward-thinking approaches. When leaders actively seek diverse perspectives and remain open to change, stronger organizations and communities emerge. Future success depends on our ability to listen, adapt, and lead with intention.