Gretchen Alkema, PhD

Gretchen Alkema is president of Wolf Eagle Enterprises, LLC – a strategic engagement and organizational development consultancy for industry leaders in aging, longevity, and care delivery innovation. Gretchen delivers trusted insights and advice, management support, and customized solutions to leaders eager to clear through operational blocks and rise to a higher level of success.

As a nationally recognized expert, strategist, and leader, Gretchen brings over thirty years of care systems and innovation experience to improve the lives of older adults, those with complex needs, and their family caregivers. Gretchen has fifteen years’ experience in public and philanthropic investment, and five years as a Gallup^® Certified Strengths Coach.

Previously, Gretchen served as vice president of policy and communications at The SCAN Foundation from 2009 to 2022. Through her executive-level leadership, she created, oversaw, implemented, and evaluated the foundation’s overall strategy devoted to transforming care for older Americans.  She collaborated with diverse grantees and partners, amplified the capacity of an interdisciplinary staff and Board, and drove year-over-year success through a $6 million average annual spend.

Prior to philanthropy, Gretchen built her care system expertise through a variety of policy, research, academic, and practice-based roles. She advised U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) as a Heinz/Health and Aging Policy Fellow during the 2008-09 health care debate.  She developed an implementation science research agenda as a post-doctoral fellow, addressing medication management concerns for low-income, diverse older adults living in community.  She delivered care management and direct services in multiple public and private settings to those facing complex health and daily living challenges, such as Alzheimer’s disease, post-acute rehabilitation, substance abuse, major care transitions, palliative care, and end-of life.

Gretchen holds a Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Southern California and received post-doctoral training from the VA Greater Los Angeles. She earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan, and bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.  Gretchen is a California native with Midwestern roots, an outdoor enthusiast, and a continuous seeker of the perfect cup of coffee.