Frank L. Williams

President

Frank’s passion for all things PR developed while he was serving as recruitment chair and public relations chair for the Delta Rho Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at N.C. State University. He started working with his first freelance public relations client, who also happened to be a fraternity brother, shortly after graduating from NCSU in 1993. He continued freelancing while working in a number of sales capacities and on several political campaigns before founding Pioneer Strategies in August 2001. A Brunswick County native, Frank lives in Leland with his wife, Lori. They attend Northside Church in Wilmington.

Education

B.A. in Communication, N.C. State University (1993)
UNC School of Government Advanced Leadership Corps (ALC), 2020
UNC School of Government Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA), Mentor Level
Spring 1996 Fellow, N.C. Institute of Political Leadership
Grinnell Leadership Jumpstart Program (2006)

Certifications & Accreditations

Facebook Certified Creative Strategy Professional

Professional/Business Organizations

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), North Carolina Chapter
PRSA Counselors Academy
Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC), Affiliate Member
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Former Member, N.C. Leadership Council
Raleigh Public Relations Society: Former President & Vice President
North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce: founded Power Connections networking event; former board member, former economic development chair

Community Involvement

N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service: Former Commissioner (appointed by Governor Pat McCrory)
Leland Area Rotary Club: charter member, Paul Harris Fellow, former president, former programs chair
Rotary District 7730: former Area 4 Membership Advocate
Brunswick Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, Class 14
Communities in Schools of Brunswick County: former board member
Cape Fear Council, Boy Scouts of America: former executive board member, two-time chair of the Leland fundraising breakfast
Brunswick Community College: former member, Small Business Center Advisory Committee
Raleigh Jaycees: former publicity director, Electoral College seminar chair, Jaycee Business Network chair, Regional Business Forum chair and Business Communication Workshop chair

Awards & Honors

Southport Magazine Maggie Award, Local Official Who Worked the Hardest During Hurricane Florence (selected by the magazine's readers; 2018)
Cape Fear Council of Governments Lynwood Norris Regional Champion Award (2015)
N.C. State University Communication Alumni Circle – Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award (2006)
Triangle Business Journal “40 Under 40” Leadership Award (2006)

Hobbies

Fishing (when he has time, and the fish usually win), watching ACC sports (Go Wolfpack!), and reading.

Interesting Tidbit

Frank is the self-published author of two thriller novels, After the Republic and Convergence. Click here for more information on Frank's books.

Favorite Quote

This is one of many: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi

Professional Philosophy

The best way to grow your business is to grow yourself. Be intentional about learning something every day that helps you be more effective and efficient and better serve your clients and the community.

First Job

Busboy at the Sandpiper Seafood House in Leland.

First Leadership Role

Patrol Leader and then Senior Patrol Leader in Boy Scout Troop 265 in Leland.