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Arcata: (707) 822-5947

Eureka: (707) 443-6027

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Board of Directors

North Coast Co-op is governed by a Board of Directors elected by Co-op owners. Elections are held each fall. Two of the seven seats are reserved for employee owners. Directors serve three-year terms unless appointed to fill a vacancy.

Meet Our Board

layla richardson

Layla Richardson

President

Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

elizabeth gahm

Elizabeth Gahm

Employee Director - Vice President

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

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Michael Connors

Treasurer

Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

haley simera

Haley Simera

Secretary

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

jon haumeder

Jon Haumeder

Elections Chair

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

george wintersun

George Wintersun

Board Member

Term: 11/2023 - 11/2026

michael cahill

Michael Cahill

Employee Board Member

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2026

Board Meetings

North Coast Co-op encourages all Co-op owners to attend board and committee meetings and take an active role in governance. Information about board and committee activities is available to owners upon request.

General Board Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month. See our calendar for up-to-date meeting information.

See Our Calendar

Board Committees

The Board of Directors operates five standing committees that contribute to the organization and operations in an advisory capacity. Co-op owners are always encouraged to attend committee meetings as well as join committees. Visit our Meeting Agendas and Minutes and the Co-op Calendar for up-to-date information.

For more information or to be added to a committee email list contact the Board Assistant at (707) 822-5947 x 236.

Reviews and analyzes all financial information to be presented to the board and considers financial motions that ultimately must be approved by the board.
  • Committee Chair: Board Treasurer Michael Connors
  • Staff Liaison: Co-op Finance Controller
  • Meetings: Meets quarterly. Visit the Co-op Calendar for upcoming meeting dates and locations.

Recruits and nominates candidates for the board and its committees. Supervises elections and the
training/development of leadership in board directors and committee members.

  • Committee Chairs: Board Director – Jon Haumeder
  • Appointed Board Members:
  • Staff Liaison: Co-op Marketing Director
  • Meetings: Visit the Co-op Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Acts as an advisory committee to the board, taking on issues delegated by the board as well as reviewing all governing documents and policies of North Coast Co-op including Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Board Policy Manual.

Committee Chair: Board Secretary – Hayley Simera
Staff Liaison: Co-op Ownership Coordinator
Meetings: Meets as often as deemed necessary for its functions. Visit the Co-op
Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Acts as an advisory committee to the board, providing an organized structure for members to come together, to communicate their ideas and concerns, and to influence North Coast Co-op policy and practice.

Staff Liaison: Co-op Membership Coordinator
Meetings: Meets the fourth Thursday of the month. Visit the Co-op Calendar for upcoming
meeting dates.

Meeting Minutes & Agendas

See agendas and minutes for this year’s current and previous meetings. Please note that only approved minutes will be posted here. If agendas or minutes are missing, it could be that the meeting hasn’t happened yet.

Agendas are posted one week prior to meetings. Minutes are posted the following month.

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Bylaws & Policies

As a Co-op owner, we invite you to learn more about how North Coast Co-op is governed by reviewing our bylaws, articles of incorporation, and board policy manual.

All Co-op owners are welcome at the Policies and Procedures Committee meeting, held the third Wednesday of each month in the Arcata Co-op conference room. This meeting covers suggested changes to bylaws and other governing documents. Visit the Co-op Calendar for upcoming dates.

Our bylaws serve as a guide to how our Co-op does business and are routinely reviewed and updated to ensure the Co-op operates in a cooperative manner.

Read Our Bylaws

Our articles of incorporation were developed by our owners and contain the basic rules that govern our Co-op

Read Articles of Incorporation

The Board Policy Manual defines how our board functions and operates.

Read Board Policy Manual

Agendas are posted one week prior to meetings.
Minutes are posted the following month.

Contact the Board of Directors

As a Co-op owner, your feedback helps inform the work of our Board of Directors. You can contact the board by using the form below or by emailing board@northcoast.coop. Messages sent through the form or email go to all board members.

Messages to the board may be included in materials prepared for board meetings. If you prefer that your correspondence remain private, please note that in your message or contact the Administrative Assistant.

Board materials are typically prepared on the third Wednesday of each month.

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layla richardson

Layla Richardson

President

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 challengemyself. Supporting local businesses and initiatives is a true passion of mine. In my role with the Gene Lucas Community Center, 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 former Executive Director of Zero Waste Humboldt, I led efforts to promote sustainable practices and advance 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.
elizabeth gahm

Elizabeth Gahm

Employee Director - Vice President

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

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.
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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 startups 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.

hayley simera

Haley Simera

Secretary

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

I’ve lived in Humboldt County my whole life, and I’m grateful every day to call this place home. My partner, Justin, and our three dogs keep life exciting. We love to hike, explore, and travel when we get the chance. When I’m home, you’ll find me cooking (with Co-op ingredients, of course) or reading. As an amateur gardener, I’m always amazed by the food our local providers produce. Seriously, have you seen our produce department lately? For the past ten years, I’ve been fortunate to work in the nonprofit world—work that I truly love! I’m always happy to chat, feel free to reach out anytime at hayleysimera.board@northcoast.coop.
jon haumeder

Jon Haumeder

Elections Chair

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

I came to Arcata in 1981 to attend Humboldt State University, graduated with a degree in Philosophy in 1986, fell in love with Arcata and stayed. Three children and two grandchildren later, I am a retired builder with time to serve on the Co-op Board. When I have the energy to get up out of my chair, I enjoy gardening and exploring the mountains of our wondrous state. We spent a stretch of time in Portland so our youngest could attend the Portland Waldorf High School. I missed Arcata, the Co-op in particular. Visitors from around the world appreciate our store. In 1995, the International Co-op Alliance proclaimed this list of ten cooperative values: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, solidarity, honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. I believe that the more we embody these values, the more we succeed in our mission. I will work towards that end in my service on the board. If there is something you wish to share in that regard, I can be reached at jonhaumeder.board@northcoast.coop.

george wintersun

George Wintersun

Board Member

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. I starting cooking in my college days, and I’ve always enjoyed it. But 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 as a member director. I look forward to learning and helping to further our mission. I encourage members to reach out to me with any ideas/interests/concerns they may have. My email address is georgewintersun.board@northcoast.coop.

michael cahill

Michael Cahill

Employee Board Member

Term: 11/2025 - 11/2026