Gretchen retired from the U.S. Navy in 2014, after 30 years of service. During her career, she worked in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Satellite Communications, Computer and Information Technology, Afloat Combat Systems, and Cyber Security. Her leadership positions included Combat Systems Officer on the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73); Commanding Officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Washington; and the Commander of Navy Cyber Forces Command.

While in the Navy, Gretchen’s responsibilities included strategy development and planning, programming and budgeting for the Navy’s afloat and terrestrial networks, strategic and tactical communications, space systems and electromagnetic spectrum management. Additionally, she led a diverse team in developing and implementing revolutionary training in cyber security readiness, telecommunications and network operations, space systems operations and information systems management.

After retirement, Gretchen was fortunate to attend the NOLS Executive Leadership Expedition, which proved not only to be an excellent “transitional” experience, but was one of the best team building, goal-achieving, and risk-management exercises that she had ever experienced. Gretchen currently serves on several boards in Brevard, NC.

Gretchen enjoys hiking, backpacking, and traveling. She and her husband, Roger (a NOLS ELE alumni and NOLS Instructor), have an amazing dog (Dudley) who loves hiking, and insists on daily outings on the trails of Pisgah National Forest in Western NC.