Our Team
Katie Weiler Founder & CEO
Katie founded Viable Gear in 2021 after over a decade in business world, predominantly in management consulting focused on actionable strategy and leadership development, as well as marketing strategy. Katie continues to do sustainable consulting to help individuals and companies reduce their waste and plastic footprint with actionable changes that are implementable and financially achievable.
In 2017 Katie began her journey to reduce her footprint by being plastic-free and low waste after learning more about the global plastics crisis through documentary, A Plastic Ocean. Katie become passionate about reducing plastic consumption and the public health crisis that plastic is leading. She has experience speaking to groups about plastics and the power of reducing single-use plastics.
Katie works our of the New England Ocean Cluster in Portland, ME. When she’s not in front of her computer she enjoys skiing, practicing yoga, walking her dog, cooking/eating good food, and spending time with friends and family to maximize this short life!
Dr. Gretchen Grebe VP, Development
Gretchen has been connected with Viable Gear since its start in 2021 as a go-to seaweed expert helping to move Viable Gear forward from many angles. She is currently leading Viable Gear's material degradation testing at the Darling Marine Center.
Gretchen holds a Ph.D. in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources from the University of Maine. Her dissertation research explored the rise in kelp farms in Maine and opportunities for improved farm siting and management.
A Colorado native and avid adventurer, Gretchen spends much of her free time exploring outside.
Emma MacFarlane Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Emma is an ocean enthusiast passionate about integrating innovation and impact to reduce the destructive effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems across the globe. Emma comes to Viable Gear after completing her master’s degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics and Political Science, during which she designed a value creation framework for bringing biodegradable fishing gear to the market. (Read Emma’s dissertation here!)
Emma’s interest in impactful business is grounded in previous professional experiences. She worked for over six years at a philanthropic consulting firm, initially as a manager of fiscally sponsored grant-making projects, and later as the director of capacity management. Earlier in her career, Emma held positions with various social enterprises, including a micro-finance organization, a human rights non-profit, and a fair-trade company that sourced goods from women-led cooperatives around the world.
Emma loves to surf, hike, craft, and cook; she is currently on a quest to try every burrito in Southern California.