Gretchen Manning is an executive leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning higher education, K–12 education, nonprofit organizations, and public policy. She has served as nonprofit CEO, college Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Superintendent in one of the largest urban public-school districts in Massachusetts. She is also an executive consultant and leadership coach.

Throughout her career, Manning has led complex, cross-functional initiatives; managed budgets ranging from $3 million to $142 million; secured more than $40 million in federal grant funding for new statewide initiatives; and guided organizations through significant periods of change, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, marketing and philanthropy, government relations, and leadership and organizational development. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Policy and Administration from the University at Albany (SUNY), a Bachelor of Arts from Russell Sage College for Women, and post-graduate certificate in Crisis Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School.

In addition to helping organizations and the people within them do meaningful work, Gretchen is also the author of The Beautiful Work Substack where she writes about the intersection of leadership, faith, and beauty.  She is a naturally curious learner and is enjoying learning how to play the drums, as well as art and culture classes.