CREATE looks to future, continued growth, in light of Wright’s resignation

By Brandi Makuski

Portage County CREATE announced to its members on Monday that Greg Wright had stepped down from the executive director’s position.

In a May 16 email from Bill Schierl, CREATE’s founder and board president, he says that the board is “profoundly grateful for Greg’s vision and past leadership,” but added the organization’s momentum was the result of a communitywide effort.

“Your energy elevates creativity. Your support builds connection. Your investment fosters collaboration,” Schierl wrote. “You imagine the possibilities in more vibrant and welcoming places and then you find ways to make those possibilities real.”

Schierl’s email also references an “initial complaint and responsive internal investigation,” though he did not elaborate on the alleged events that resulted in Wright’s resignation, which Wright tendered on Friday, May 13.

Wright has been at the helm of the nonprofit center, which supports local arts, cultural, and networking events, since 2014. He’s also been a successful pitchman for CREATE’s programs that provide outreach and support to startups, small business owners, and marginalized groups in the community, making a home for each at CREATE’s headquarters, The Idea Center.

But now, Wright has been accused of entering the apartment of a man, uninvited, and exposing himself to the man, according to the incident report that was released by Stevens Point police on May 13. 

Schierl said in his email that he hopes the community can continue to support the organization and its good works.

“We welcome your continued involvement and input as we chart the path ahead. The staff and board of directors are committed to moving this important work forward,” he wrote.

Schierl also said CREATE is working on hiring a new executive director soon and plans to keep the community informed on that progress.