Brad Yeckley

Dr. Brad Yeckley is an accomplished professional with a Ph.D. in Workforce Education from Penn State University, an MBA in Corporate Finance and a B.S. in Psychology and Counseling. He is the Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte, overseeing campus entrepreneurship initiatives and the CO-LAB Center, part of the North Tryon Tech Hub in Uptown Charlotte.

Formerly, as the director of Niner Finances at UNC Charlotte, he developed a nationally recognized financial literacy program that has helped shape financial education across North Carolina. Dr. Yeckley also served as the Assistant Director of Financial Literacy at Penn State, where he co-led another nationally ranked financial literacy center. Previously, he co-founded Nittany Controls LLC, where he was CFO and was able to facilitate its successful acquisition.

Recognized as the National Financial Educator of the Year in 2021 and known for his engaging public and keynote speaking, including a 2023 TEDx talk, he continues to impact financial education, entrepreneurship and organizational development across various platforms and regions. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of the Central Carolinas, the North Tryon Tech Hub Entrepreneurship Committee and the North Carolina Council of Economic Education board. In addition to his higher education roles, he is the vice president of Thrust Consulting and co-founded CUPSBY Strategies LLC.  Brad and his wife, Katie, have recently opened Miners Mercantile LLC, a UNC Charlotte branded retail clothing store.