Senior Fellow, Center for Community Investment
Co-Director, COLA Lab at the University of Miami
Gretchen Beesing is a dynamic executive leader with extensive experience in community economic development, nonprofit management, and coalition-building. She is currently a Senior Fellow with the Center for Community Investment (CCI), where she focuses on community-owned real estate. She is also co-director of the Community Ownership Learning & Action Lab at the University of Miami.
Previously Gretchen served as the CEO of Catalyst Miami, where she significantly expanded the organization’s programs, including spearheading Florida's first universal children's savings program, Future Bound Miami. With a background in social work and community leadership development, Gretchen has led initiatives in financial empowerment, climate justice, and community-controlled economic development. A frequent public speaker and facilitator, Gretchen has presented at numerous national conferences. Her leadership extends to board service and fellowships with organizations such as CCI, PolicyLink and the Federal Reserve Board. She participates on the development committee for Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust in Denver. Gretchen is a licensed clinical social worker.