Gretchen oversees the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports, focusing on safe and efficient operations while balancing airport needs with those of the surrounding communities.

She began her career with the County in 1998 as an Airport Operations Specialist before expanding her aviation experience in roles at San José Mineta International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration. Gretchen returned to the County in 2012 as the Airports Manager and was promoted to her current role in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from San José State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, Gretchen teaches part-time in the aviation program at SJSU and actively supports aviation youth and scholarship initiatives. She also serves as the Northern California Director for the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives and as a Board Member of the Aero Club of Northern California.

A private pilot, Gretchen enjoys spending her days off exploring airports throughout the Bay Area and beyond.