Gretchen was appointed to her dual positions in 2015. As the Director of Development and Communications, Gretchen is accountable for Samaritan’s marketing and public relations and is the leading advocate for Samaritan’s emphasis on consumerism. As the Executive Director of the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation, Gretchen is accountable for the Foundation’s strategic leadership and oversight of day-to-day fundraising activities, as well as Samaritan’s Volunteer Services program. Gretchen came to Samaritan from Vitalant (formerly known as the Inland Northwest Blood Center) where she served as a Territory Manager. Prior to Vitalant, she worked at Pullman Regional Hospital in Community Relations. Gretchen earned her BA in Communications from Washington State University, and her MA in Communications and Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.