Elizabeth Freas
Dr. Elizabeth Freas is an accomplished executive counselor with over 15 years of experience in technology and 25 years in public education. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, she quickly advanced through leadership roles, serving as a building-based leader, director, and assistant superintendent. Currently, she works with the international company Info-Tech Research Group, supporting CIOs and technology leaders in K-12 and higher education through systems thinking, leadership development, decision-making, and strategic project initiatives. In addition, she is the founder of Freas Forward LLC, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering leaders in education and technology.
A passionate advocate for equity and effective education, Dr. Freas authored The Female Framework in 2025, sharing her insights and experiences navigating both technology and educational leadership. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy (2019) and two master’s degrees in educational leadership (2016) and special education (2013). She is certified as a New York State K-12 teacher and administrator, combining her extensive academic background with practical leadership expertise to shape meaningful experiences for students and educators alike.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Freas actively contributes to her community and professional organizations. She serves on the boards of ErieNet and the Academy for Human Rights, where she is a past president, and participates in the New York State Association of Women Administrators. Recognized as one of Buffalo, New York’s influential women in 2026, she champions empathy, authenticity, and positivity, striving to model these values both in her work and in her personal life. Her career reflects a dedication to fostering leadership, advancing technology in education, and supporting others in achieving their full potential.
• Certified New York State School Teacher K-12
• Certified New York State School Administrator K-12
• President's List - Winter 2021
• President's List - Spring 2020
• President's List
• Capella University - EdD
• New York State Association of Women Administrators (NASAWA)
• ErieNet Board Member
• Academy for Human Rights Board and Past President
• Academy for Human Rights
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the unwavering support of my family and my husband. Their encouragement and partnership at home enable me to fully commit to my professional responsibilities, engage deeply in board service, and contribute to other organizations. Having such a strong support network allows me to go above and beyond in all that I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to develop resiliency. A mentor once told me, “You’re not going to be for everybody,” and that has stayed with me. In leadership, we often have to make difficult decisions and have conversations that others may not want to hear. Being clear and direct is a form of kindness, but it requires building resilience and developing a thicker skin to navigate those challenging moments effectively.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stop overqualifying themselves. Too often, women hesitate to apply for roles or take on new assignments if they don’t feel 100% prepared. True growth happens when we stretch ourselves, take risks, and step into roles that may feel intimidating. It’s important to put ourselves out there, use our voices, and continue to support one another along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is attracting and retaining passionate professionals, especially for high-need positions. At the same time, rapid advances in technology, including AI, present both uncertainty and opportunity. Preparing students for this evolving world requires thoughtful integration of new tools and resources. While these shifts are challenging, they also allow us to reimagine how education can grow and better serve the next generation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, empathy, and positivity. I strive to stay connected to who I am and model these values daily for my team and family. Even when challenges arise, I focus on staying calm, keeping the mission and vision in mind, and bringing others along with empathy and support, while navigating concerns and negativity thoughtfully.