Gretchen Fauske

Gretchen Fauske is a marketing-minded economic developer with a strong passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and Alaska. Currently serving as the Director of Special Programs and Strategy at the Alaska Small Business Development Center, Gretchen is actively involved in testing ideas with entrepreneurs, creating visuals to simplify complex concepts, and sharing stories about the economy. She also holds a position on the board of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach. Gretchen's educational background includes a Master's degree in Arctic and Northern Studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College, and additional studies in Australian Literature and Marine Parks Management. She also attended West Anchorage High School. Throughout her career, Gretchen has held various roles in prestigious organizations, such as Director of Special Programs & Strategy at Alaska SBDC, Associate Director at University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, Dreamer-Doer at Special Projects, Business Development Officer at the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Communications Manager at USKH Inc., Legislative Correspondent/Assistant to the Chief of Staff at U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Salesperson at Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking.