Gretchen Bradford
Gretchen Bradford is a native of New Orleans and resident of Pontchartrain Park. She is a Community Leader, Organizer, and Businesswoman. She is currently the Executive Director of Gentilly Development District, President of Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association, Chair and Board President Gentilly Festival, Inc., CEO of GB Solutions & Consulting, serves on Dillard University’s Community Advisory Committee and a Board Member for Preservation Resource Center. Previously, she has served as Community Liaison for Gentilly and Pontchartrain Park on the State of Louisiana Cultural District, the Southern University Chancellor Search Committee and the Regional Transit Authority Strategic Transit Plan Steering Committee.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Gretchen began her advocacy alongside actor Wendell Pierce. She was instrumental in the recovery effort and revitalization of Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly. Because of her passion for her community, she advocated for the rebuilding of homes, the restoration of NORDC Wesley Barrow Stadium, the revitalization of the Basketball Courts, the rebuilding of the playground along with family picnic area tables, the restoration of the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course and Clubhouse, the renaming of the playground and through her leadership the Neighborhood of Pontchartrain Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently she organizes and leads monthly meetings to address the needs of the community. In order to bring awareness of the economic opportunities in the community, she manages and executes new beautification projects in the community through Gentilly Development District.
In addition, to promote wellness and to reunite all community residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Gretchen produces the Gentilly Fest, the 4th of July Celebration, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and other events. During the pandemic, she led the way in food distributions, mask and care package giveaways. She has continued to work diligently to keep the neighbors and public informed about the progress of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood. Because of her leadership, service and commitment Gretchen is highly respected by her community. She was presented by the National Urban League the “Gumbo Coalition Award for Justice Advocates, the City of New Orleans recognized her with the first “Victor Gordon Leadership Award”, the Mayor’s Community Excellence Award. She was also recognized as a “Trailblazer” by Data News Weekly. In addition, she received an “Impact Award” from the NFL Players’ Wives Association. She was saluted with a “Hero” award from the 2013 NCAA Women's Final Four Teams, and she received an “Amazing Woman” award from Greater St. Stephen FGBC, Women of Excellence.
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Gretchen loves her community, and has strong Christian values and beliefs. She is a member of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church where she serves as Director of the Volunteer Ministry and the PACE Ministry. She attended Louisiana State University, Southern University of New Orleans and University of Phoenix where she received a Master’s Degree in Business. She has one son named Joseph Bland Jr. and is the daughter of the late Harold and Marian Bradford. She is one of seven children.