From the Board | January 2017
Meet Your Board
The November board meeting was the first Co-op board meeting for some of our newly elected board members of their new terms: Robert Donovan, Mary Ella Anderson, and Ed Smith. Mary Ella and Ed were appointed to the board within the past year to fill vacancies left by two board members who resigned from their positions. Both have agreed to serve the membership for the next three years.
At the meeting, the board elected their leadership. Leah Stamper will preside as our Board President. Cheri Strong, an employee director who is finishing her third term on this board, will continue her position as Vice President. Mary Ella was elected Treasurer and Colin Fiske will take the position of Secretary. Ed Smith was chosen to be the chair of the Nominating Committee.
1. Ed Smith - Employee Director
Term: 11/01/2016 - 10/31/2019
I grew up in Humboldt County and have shopped at the North Coast Co-op my entire life. My past includes auto repair, custom circuit board design, and freelance writing. As part of the board I look forward to helping guide the Co-op into the future. I hope to improve communication throughout the organization and to members, to update and improve our aging infrastructure, and to work towards reducing our grid electricity consumption.
2. Cheri Strong - Vice President & Employee Director
Term:11/01/2014 - 10/31/2017
I'm a long term Co-op employee. This year I'd like to get a more global perspective on how to slow environmental degradation and the ebbing fortunes of the working and underclasses. In the coming year I'm looking forward to helping grow a more inclusive community and seeing the Co-op become more of a participatory democracy. I'd also like to get to where we focus less on products from big food producers and shift towards giving local businesses more support.
3. Robert Donovan - Board Member
Term:11/01/2016 - 10/31/2019
I am honored to serve the Co-op membership and inspired by their ballots cast. I’m confident the members of the board are determined to serve our diverse community. Our Co-op board is cohesive and capable, and I thank you for the trust placed in me.
4. Colin Fiske - Secretary
Term: 11/01/2015 - 10/31/2018
I lived in Chicago, Philadelphia, Southern California, Florida and Washington, DC, before my wife and I found our home here in Humboldt County four years ago. I divide my time between working on various local causes and campaigns and husbanding my land, resources and wife. I am excited to work closely with fellow Co-op members and employees to increase member participation and address other important topics.
5. Leah Stamper - Board President
Term: 11/01/2015 - 10/31/2018
I was born and raised in Humboldt County. I work as a nurse and spend much of my free time diving in the waters off the North Coast. I also enjoy trying to keep my bees happy and my ducks out of trouble. In the coming year, I am looking forward to connecting with Co-op members and employees, as well as fostering a community of cooperation and participation.
6. Mary Ella Anderson - Board Treasurer
Term: 11/01/2016 - 10/31/2019
I've lived in Humboldt County since 1970 and moved to Arcata in 2012. I believe in simple living and modest consumption. I hope to help reduce waste-making at the Co-op, increase racial, social and economic diversity and continue the Co-op's vital role in our local food network.
Board Seat Available
Are you a Co-op member? Join the Co-op board
and help shape the Co-op’s future successes
Please submit a letter of interest stating the reasons you would like to
be on the board, what skills you would contribute, and any involvement
or participation you have had with the Co-op over the past few years.
Submit the letter to: board@northcoast.coop, or bring your letter of
interest to Customer Service at either store by Monday, January 23,
2017, by 9:00pm.
Direct questions to Nicole Chase at 707-822-5947 ext. 234 or
nicolechase@northcoast.coop.
