Meet Our New Director of Human Resources at Sojourner House

At Sojourner House, we are thrilled to welcome Gretchen Howard as our new Director of Human Resources.
Gretchen brings a wealth of experience, a passion for supporting individuals and communities, and a dedication to advancing Sojourner House’s mission to support mothers, children and families in recovery.
Here’s a chance to get to know her better:
Professional Background
What drew you to Sojourner House?
Gretchen was inspired by Sojourner House’s deep commitment to providing holistic support, particularly for individuals affected by domestic violence. “The organization’s values, its emphasis on community empowerment, and its focus on making a meaningful difference aligned perfectly with my own personal and professional values,” she shares. She also found the collaborative culture and the opportunity to work with a mission-driven team incredibly appealing.
Tell us about your career journey.
With over 16 years of experience in human resources, primarily in the behavioral health and nonprofit sectors, Gretchen’s journey is rooted in a passion for helping others. Her career began in banking, where she developed skills in customer service and problem-solving, before transitioning into HR. Over the years, she has honed her expertise in employee relations, training, and leadership development. “I realized my passion for supporting people through organizational growth and ensuring they have access to resources and environments to thrive,” she explains.
What excites you most about your new role?
Gretchen is excited to partner with leadership to strengthen Sojourner House’s culture, ensuring employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. She’s also looking forward to improving processes, fostering growth, and enhancing employee engagement to make a meaningful impact on the organization’s mission.
Personal Interests
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Gretchen’s family keeps her busy—with three children, two dogs, and a husband, there’s never a dull moment! When she has downtime, she enjoys musicals, concerts, and plays with her brother. She’s also an avid home cook and loves escaping to the mountains for some peaceful time in nature.
Do you have favorite books, movies, or podcasts?
Her interests include both true crime and business content. Favorite shows and movies include Making a Murderer, The Staircase, and Zodiac. For podcasts, she listens to My Favorite Murder, Serial, and Criminal. On the business side, she draws inspiration from books like How to Win Friends and Influence People, Good to Great, and Thinking, Fast and Slow.
What’s a fun fact about you?
Gretchen has been playing the piano since she was six years old! She finds it a great way to unwind and connect with something she’s loved for years.
Inspirational Insights
What inspires you most about Sojourner House’s work?
Gretchen is inspired by Sojourner House’s dedication to supporting women struggling with addiction, especially those with children. “The organization’s commitment to breaking the cycle of trauma within families is incredibly powerful,” she notes. By creating a safe space for healing and providing resources for long-term recovery, Sojourner House helps families build healthier, more stable futures.
What is one goal you hope to achieve in your new role?
Gretchen aims to streamline processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. “By evaluating workflows and implementing streamlined systems, I want to help staff focus more on the critical work they do with clients,” she says. Her goal is to create an environment where resources are used effectively to maximize impact.
If you could share one message with the families and community served by Sojourner House, what would it be?
“Life in recovery is absolutely worth it,” Gretchen says. “No matter where you are on your journey, a bright future is ahead if you want it. Recovery is not easy, but with determination, support, and the right resources, you can rebuild your life and create new opportunities for yourself and your family. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Together, we can break the cycle and build a healthier, brighter tomorrow.”
We are excited to have Gretchen on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make at Sojourner House. Welcome, Gretchen Howard!
For more information about Sojourner House, visit our website.