Pamela Katrancha

Pamela Katrancha is a native of Pennsylvania and moved to the Hampton Roads area after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Psychology. She and her husband reside in the Ghent area of Norfolk where they raised two sons.

Pam began her professional career at Hope House Foundation as a service provider for adults with disabilities. Part of her job included advocating for job opportunities on behalf of her clients.

In 1993, Pam started Garden Gazebo by opening seasonal retail locations in local shopping malls. In 2003, Garden Gazebo operated 40 retail locations in major malls around the country through a dealer program. Garden Gazebo also has online presence through its ecommerce site, www.gardengazebo.com.

In 2004, Garden Gazebo changed its strategy by opening year-round locations in Virginia. Garden Gazebo currently has a store at MacArthur Center Mall in Norfolk, VA.

Pam and her husband were in the retail business prior to opening Garden Gazebo and in fact moved to the Hampton Roads area with Hickory Farms, a well-known specialty food corporation in which they were franchisees for 45 years. They retired in 2018 from Hickory Farms.

Pam is the immediate past chair of the Retail Alliance Board of Directors, the second woman in over 100 years. She finds assisting other businesses in becoming successful through advocacy, education and networking a rewarding experience.

Being a mentor for ELG is one of the highlights of Pam’s community service. She looks forward to every meeting with the Girl Bosses she mentors as they develop their ideas in an effort to become entrepreneurs. There is always something to teach and learn.

Pam is also a board member of her former employer, Hope House Foundation, where she has served as the board president. Pam continues to serve in various capacities as a board member and has done so for over 20 years.

Pam serves on the board of directors for the Hurrah Player where she will be the incoming board president. She has loved supporting up and coming actors as they perform high quality Family Theater to sold out audiences for over 35 years.

In her spare time, Pam enjoys taking dance classes. Her favorite is tapdance. She also loves to cook and experiment with unique and healthy recipes. Pam has a passion for live theater and travels to NYC regularly to enjoy Broadway performances. She and her husband enjoy live musical performances while traveling or here at home. Pam is Nanna to four adorable grandchildren and spends as much time with them as possible.