Gretchen Schwerzler Whitcomb Email & Phone Number

United States

Oversee membership registration and manage a comprehensive database for a national non-profit with local chapter-based communities. Provide onboarding, mentoring, and ongoing support to volunteers, empowering them to build and expand thriving local communities. Collaborate with the national leadership team to develop and implement innovative strategies that increase membership, enhance volunteer training, and strengthen community engagement. Edit and curate content for the monthly newsletter, sourcing, writing, and publishing blog articles to support organizational goals and connect with the broader community. Maintain and update the national website, ensuring all content—images, documents, and resources—reflects the organization’s evolving mission and priorities.

Worked remotely with a team of Tinkergarten Leader Scouts and the central team evaluating Leader applicants. Conducted online information sessions, applicant interviews via zoom and handled email and text correspondence with applicants. Utilized excel to analyze application process data for process improvement and forecasting.

Responsible for the implementation of a Lean/CI Process at five nationwide locations with a $1.2 M budget and estimated annual 2011 savings over $6M. Developed communication and training materials and strategies for aggressive deployment schedule from one plant location to five plants in 12 months.Utilized strong networking and public speaking skills to engage multiple levels of the organization from Senior VP’s down to Union employees

Development of value stream maps, facilitation of Kaizen teams, training and implementation of lean and six sigma principles. Implemented Kaizen based Lean methodology at pilot plant location. Increased participation in activities to 50% of employees and achieved targeted savings budget. Accepted for a Massachusetts State Workforce Training Fund Grant covering 50% of implementation expenses in 2009

One year in Dunkirk plant with rotations in each department, six months in corporate Furnace Operations.Supervised 30 employees on shift rotation for six months and completed a variety of projects in each department. Performed furnace audits, developed corporate standards and training modules, participated in hot and cold furnace repairs.

Development and testing of ceramic refractory materials for aluminum casting applications.