Gretchen Fauske joined Rasmuson Foundation in July 2026 as Partnership Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience connecting people, organizations, and ideas to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and shape Alaska’s future.  

Before joining the Foundation, Gretchen held leadership roles at the Alaska Small Business Development Center and the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, and previously worked in state and federal government and the private sector. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed bringing together people from different sectors to solve problems and create lasting impact across Alaska.

Gretchen has served on the boards of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Launch Alaska, and the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Whitman College and is completing a master’s degree in Arctic and Northern Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was a member of the University of Alaska’s inaugural Arctic Leadership Initiative student cohort, was inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society in 2026, and was previously recognized as one of the Alaska Journal of Commerce’s Top Forty Under 40.

Outside the office, Gretchen is usually exploring a local small business, cheering on Alaska’s makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, or dreaming up her next creative project. She loves good books, neighborhood walks with her dogs, time with her husband and family, and finding new reasons to fall in love with Alaska.