Gretchen Hammer

About Gretchen Hammer

Improving the world is hard work. Taking responsibility to lead takes courage, fortitude and a sincere commitment to the common good. At the Public Leadership Group we support people who, by position or calling, are driven to improve the future and ensure that everyone in our communities has equal opportunity to thrive. We work with all sectors of civic life, supporting the public, private and philanthropic sectors to make an impact.The public leaders with whom we work focus on a variety of issues including health care, maternal and child health, child and family development, education and community engagement. Importantly, many of them work across sectors and issues to align and deliver efforts to support families and communities holistically. As a boutique leadership development firm located in Denver we offer three core services, Strategic Planning, Policy and Program Design, Leadership and Board Development. We also work with clients to develop custom services to help them reach their goals. Strategic Planning and ConsultationOne of the most difficult challenges facing public leaders is helping groups crystallize what they are trying to accomplish and actions needed to reach their goals. At the Public Leadership Group, we help clients understand the landscape they operate in and come to consensus on their goals. We have decades of experience leading strategic planning and priority setting for community non-profits to large state agencies. We also work with cross-sector partnerships that are united by a common goal and need help aligning their work.Program and Policy DesignThere are thousands of good ideas and promising approaches to increase opportunity and create thriving communities. Through a structured research approach and our real life experience designing policies and programs, we help clients understand the latest research and translate good ideas into real life actions. Leadership and Board DevelopmentWe work with clients to develop their personal brand of public leadership, building on their strengths and the evidence about what works. We also support clients to develop specific skills such leading cross-sector innovation, creating an effective executive team and organizational culture. We also work with Boards to clarify their shared purpose and approach to governance to ensure they fulfill their obligations and provide the guidance an organization or agencies needs.To start a conversation, message me on LinkedIn.

Experience

1. Senior Fellow

   Mathematica

   Jul 2024 — Present

   As a leader in the State and Local Division, I work with project teams and staff to provide research and advisory services to state and local governments to improve the effectiveness and impact of public programs.

Education

• Colorado College

  BA, Biology

  1990 — 1994

• University of Washington

  MPH, Maternal and Child Health

  1997 — 1999

Skills

• Healthcare
• Public Health
• Non-Profits
• Fundraising
• Public Policy
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Community Outreach
• Policy Analysis
• Grant Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking
• Grassroots Organizing
• Volunteer Management
• Coalitions