Gretchen Swanson

Gretchen leads talent and tech education initiatives at 20Fathoms to address the region’s need for qualified tech professionals. Working with local employers and regional partners to identify critical skill areas, she develops programming and resources for tech professionals of all experience levels, helping job seekers successfully navigate their tech careers.

Gretchen is a long-time champion of innovative workforce development partnerships in the Grand Traverse Region. She has supported entrepreneurs and growing organizations as a Business Consultant with Michigan Small Business Development Center and through independent consulting where she specialized in technology integration and talent development. Previously, she served as Director of Human Resources with Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa and during her tenure the organization earned recognition for new workplace wellness and workforce development initiatives. Gretchen is a senior certificated human resources professional (SPHR and SHRM-SCP) with a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University.

In her spare time, Gretchen is working to restore the native habitat of her Benzie County property, expanding it little-by-little each year with new native plant seedlings. You can also often find her exploring the region’s hiking, biking, and ski trails.