Board of Directors

Cooperative Principle #2 — Democratic Member Control

North Coast Co-op is a wholly member-owned organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by our membership. Elections occur annually in the fall. Two of the seven seats on the board are dedicated to employee members of North Coast Co-op. Board members serve a three-year term, unless they were appointed to fill a vacancy.

Our current board members and their terms are:

Roger
President
Term: 11/2022 - 11/2025

I am an old-comer to the Arcata Co-op, having been involved since around 1977. Probably the most useful thing I can share is I am very available to promote your ideas and desires to sustain our Co-op. My phone number is 444-9901 and I'm in the Arcata Co-op most every day, on my evening transition from work to home. I encourage you to reach out to board members, store workers and your fellow members to keep us going well.

Elizabeth Gahm
Employee Director - Vice President
Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

I grew up in a small town just west of London, England, where the Co-op was at the heart of our community. My family did all their grocery shopping at the local Co-op, and my grandparents even sang in the cooperative choir. Later in life, I found my way to the United States through Volunteers for Peace, eventually settling in Humboldt County to raise my family. I raised my children on organic foods from the North Coast Co-op and the Arcata Farmers Market, and I became a proud Co-op member in 1990. Since joining the North Coast Co-op team in 1997, I’ve had the privilege of working across nearly every department and currently serve as Head of the Arcata Wellness Department. With decades of retail experience, I’m committed to supporting our Co-op’s future, fostering the availability of organic foods, and strengthening local business connections. I invite Co-op members to share their thoughts, ideas, or concerns with me at elizabethgahm.board@northcoast.coop. Together, we can continue building a strong and sustainable future for our Co-op community.

Mimi Smith
Employee Director - Secretary
Term: 11/2023 - 11/2026

I was born and raised in San Diego and moved to Humboldt County in 2020. I have been in love with this area ever since. I find constant sources of inspiration while living here, from the abundance of nature to the amazing art, but most of all I find myself inspired by the sense of community. There is a palpable drive to support your neighbors and create a thriving environment to live in. I feel the North Coast Co-op really represents that drive, and as a senior clerk I take pride in being able to work with the members, customers, vendors and coworkers who help create that community. I look forward to representing the Co-op’s members and employees as a board member. You’ll often find me at the customer service desk in Eureka, come say hi!

Michael Connors
Treasurer
Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

I am passionate about great food and drink. There's little I enjoy more than a great meal with great people. My partner and I love exploring the world’s culinary diversity, discovering new and ancient ingredients and techniques, attending cooking classes, and connecting with farmers. One of the most impactful experiences in my life was managing Toyon, one of the Stanford Eating Clubs, providing meals and celebrations for my peers. I am very fortunate to have been exposed to and learned from an incredible diversity of individuals and organizations in my career, ranging from start-ups to the Fortune Global 500. After university, I worked for a handful of businesses and eventually founded my own consulting practice. I work with a family winery, volunteer for a local bakery, and am a Director of our Co-op. I love engaging with people and thrive in collaborative settings. I'm passionate about creating, improving, and refining systems and products that solve problems, deliver value, and put smiles on faces. We thrive in community - I'd love to hear from you!  michaelconnors.board@northcoast.coop

Brenda Harper
Term: 11/2022 - 11/2025

I was born into a military family in Japan. I lived in many places before spending most of my growing up in a small town in Delaware. My educational background is in Education and Nutrition, with degrees from The Ohio State University and University of Central Arkansas. I have worked for the State of Arkansas, taught elementary school in the Little Rock School District, and then completed a degree in Dietetics & Nutrition before a visit to Humboldt County in 2002 turned into my new place of residency. My involvement in the natural foods industry began in late 1990s, most recently as an employee of the North Coast Co-op, from which I retired in 2016. I have stayed abreast of Co-op happenings since then and now as a Board member I’ll have a hand in keeping our Co-op the #1 grocery store in our area. I look forward to you reaching out to me to discuss your ideas about all things related to the Co-op. You can reach me by phone at 707-498-0761 or email brendaharper.board@northcoast.coop.

George Wintersun
Term: 11/2023 - 11/2026

I am a now-retired computer scientist who moved from Redwood City to Eureka in 2004 with my wife Patricia-Anne.  She had been a member/employee of the Briarpatch Co-op in Palo Alto until it closed, and we were specifically looking for a place with a food co-op.  We were happy to find the Northcoast Co-op, and we've been members ever since. I was raised in rural Pennsylvania, and I remember helping with dinner as a child and watching my older siblings' culinary forays. My experience with organic foods, farmers' markets, and co-ops didn't start until I moved to Santa Cruz for graduate school in the 1980s. It was a revelation, and the Northcoast Co-op (along with our awesome local farmers) continues to advance values consistent with that revelation.  Values that boil down to "good food and good community." I'm delighted to join the board of the Co-op and look forward to learning and helping to further its mission.  I encourage members to reach out to me with any ideas/interests/concerns by emailing  GeorgeWintersun.board@northcoast.coop.

Layla Richardson
Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

I’ve had the privilege of living in Humboldt for over 15 years, and during that time, I’ve grown deeply connected to our community, the outdoors, and the constant opportunity to learn and challenge myself. Supporting local businesses and initiatives is a true passion of mine. In my role with the ERV Community Center Foundation, I am dedicated to building and strengthening community connections. I’m fortunate to collaborate regularly with nonprofits, businesses, community members, and local organizations. In addition, as the Executive Director of Zero Waste Humboldt, I lead efforts to promote sustainable practices and Zero Waste principles in our community. These efforts are fueled by my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of working together for a better future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to a place that means so much to me and to so many others. I welcome you to reach out to the board. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

The board can be contacted via email at board@northcoast.coop. More about communicating with the board can be found on our Contact the Board page.