Gretchen Opper is a leader in public health policy advocacy with a deep-rooted passion for helping sick and disabled people. Since the mid-1990s, Opper has parlayed her scientific, political, and legal expertise into an impactful career. Now, as a Senior Clinical Policy Advisor at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she continues to shape the future of health care through inspired advocacy.
A Personal Loss Inspires Advocacy
At the heart of Opper’s career is a steadfast desire to help the sick and disabled. Her father’s passing from Lou Gehrig’s disease when she was 19 served as a turning point in her life. Although the loss of her father initially motivated her to pursue a doctoral degree in science and conduct research into the disease, her path shifted when her senior thesis advisor encouraged her to influence public health outside the lab.
By this time, Opper had a Bachelor of Science in biology and pre-medicine from Georgetown University. “I realized that, given my personality, I’m really more of a promoter and advocate,” she recalls. This realization prompted her to change course by earning a J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law, a decision that would ultimately allow her to influence health care on a broader scale.
Wise Advice Steers a New Career Path
Opper’s foray into politics began before obtaining a law degree. In the mid-1990s, she worked with prominent political figures, such as U.S. House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey, and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, as well as on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. She worked as a political fundraiser and as an intern and staff assistant on Capitol Hill, where she gained insight into the legislative process that would help her influence the healthcare system.
Opper received valuable career advice from U.S. Senator Chris Dodd’s chief of staff, who advised her to select jobs that aligned with her interest in disability law or health law. These words of wisdom gave her the clear direction she needed moving forward in her career.
Opper’s first job after law school was at The National Academies’ Institute of Medicine, where she wrote a chapter in a book outlining the federal government’s role in assuring the future of the public’s health in the 21st century. She also worked on a study examining the efficacy of public financing and delivery of HIV care. She later worked at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Section, enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today, she works at the FDA.
A Leader Driven by Purpose and Inspiration
Opper has been with the FDA for over 12 years. She draws from her science and legal background to contribute to the agency. She initially focused on stem cell research and gene therapy. Later, her role expanded to include regulating vaccines and the blood supply and monitoring the side effects of drugs. As a senior clinical policy advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, she now works on clinical trials.
Aside from Opper’s multidisciplinary approach to health care advocacy, she has a unique way of leading others. “There are different ways to motivate people,” she reflects; “the rarest way is through inspiration.” She sees herself as a natural advocate who uses storytelling to convey her vision. Her leadership style is grounded in the belief that people are motivated when they can connect to a larger purpose.
A Vision for the Future
Opper’s ambitions remain focused on public health and policy. She hopes to use her knowledge, skills, and experience to drive change. In her words, “I want to make the world better.” With that sentiment in mind, her plans to continue shaping policy within the Department of Health and Human Services before returning to the political arena.
Opper’s career is an example of purpose-driven leadership. By combining her scientific background, legal expertise, and passion for advocacy, she has made lasting contributions to health care. As she continues to shape public health policy, her work will leave an enduring legacy for future generations.
