Kenneth E. Poole, CEO
Ken Poole founded CREC in 2000 with a simple but powerful idea: that data, strategy, and collaboration could drive more effective economic development. Under his leadership, CREC has grown into a trusted national intermediary—supporting over 250 projects that help regions use data to shape opportunity, build workforce and economic resilience, and strengthen local capacity.
For more than 40 years, Ken has worked at the intersection of workforce and economic development, helping leaders turn insight into action.
Sean McNamara, Emeritus COO
Sean McNamara was instrumental in shaping the organization’s first two decades—building its operational backbone, growing the team, and anchoring its mission. He led CREC from incorporation through 24 years of steady expansion, keeping it mission-focused, financially sound, and partner-centered. Sean also served as the key liaison to association members, especially the Council for Community and Economic Research, CREC’s original client. Before CREC, he led McNamara Associates, advising national and state-level economic development associations on strategy, research, and organizational development.