she/her/hers
Gretchen Ascher
Credit Manager
About Gretchen
Gretchen Ascher is the Credit Manager at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based community development financial institution with a mission to build just, vibrant and climate-resilient futures for people and communities in Maine and rural regions by integrating finance, business expertise and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably.
In her role, she leads financial underwriting and analysis for new loan opportunities and supports the lending team with portfolio management, reporting, and metrics. Gretchen is passionate about leveraging investment to drive sustainable, community-centered development.
Gretchen previously worked as an Investment Associate at CEI-Boulos Capital Management, a real estate investment fund management company focused on delivering both competitive financial returns and social impact. Additionally, Gretchen previously worked as a Lending and Investment Intern with CEI and as a Housing Policy Research Intern through the City of Detroit’s Mayoral Fellowship Program. Gretchen served as Co-President of the University of Michigan’s Net Impact Undergraduate chapter, which aims to grow leaders at the intersection of business, social impact, and sustainability, and was an active member of Epsilon Eta, a professional environmental fraternity.
When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Gretchen exploring the great outdoors hiking, scuba diving, or perfecting recipes over a campfire.
Education
- University of Michigan – Ross School of Business, BBA and minor in Public Policy
Community Connections
- Maine Pops Concert Band, board member and trombone player
- Maine Career Catalyst Alumni Steering Committee member, 2024-2025
Get To Know Gretchen
What is your favorite candy or snack food?
Anything from the snack food aisle of Trader Joe’s
What was your first job?
Teaching trombone lessons to middle school students
What book, film, tv show or album do you return to again and again?
ELO’s Discovery album
