Freeman Denton

Freeman Denton serves as the director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), bringing nearly 25 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors with a deep commitment to advancing services and programs that support individuals and communities experiencing poverty. A North Carolina native, Freeman has dedicated his career to strengthening antipoverty efforts through strategic leadership, data-driven program development and collaborative partnerships at the local, state and national levels.

Freeman began his public service career as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in Western North Carolina, an experience that shaped his commitment to community-centered work. He previously worked for OEO from 2009 – 2017, providing program analysis and oversight, training and technical assistance and leadership in the administration of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

Most recently Freeman served within the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS), where he held positions as the director of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program and as a performance and strategy analyst in the Industry and Talent Development section. His work at DWS strengthened cross-agency alignment and enhanced workforce strategies that support economic mobility for North Carolinians.

Freeman returns to OEO with the goal of advancing CSBG and broader antipoverty initiatives in partnership with local, state and federal collaborators. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University and Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.