Gretchen E. Alkema is Vice President of Policy and Communications at The SCAN Foundation. In this role, Gretchen oversees the Foundation’s communications and policy strategy development and execution, championing a world where all people – regardless of age, life circumstance, or ability – live well in the place they call home. Prior, Gretchen served in the office of Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) as a Heinz/Health and Aging Policy Fellow where she advised on aging, health, mental health, and long-term care policy. She also worked in a variety of community-based care settings in both the public and private sectors. Gretchen holds a PhD from the University of Southern California (Gerontology) and completed post-doctoral training at 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 enjoys hiking, 19th century Russian novels, and a great cup of coffee.