BOARD OF DIRECTORS

What do you love about your Co+op? Is it our fresh and local produce or high-quality natural foods and health products? Maybe you love our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, or our cooperative values like democratic control, autonomy and independence, and commitment to community. Whatever it is that keeps you coming back to our Co+op, we are so appreciative of your patronage and your ownership. Consumer Cooperatives like the Common Market would not exist without individuals who are committed to the cause - individuals like you.

If you are like me, you might be curious about how a place like our Co+op (YOUR Co+op) can even exist. When I first learned about cooperatives a few years ago, something ignited within me. I felt inspired and in awe of the ways that the possibilities seemed to be endless. There are myriad ways to engage with community, to build relationships with each other and the land, and to cultivate a democratic and cooperative system to ensure the people around us have access to high-quality foods, while practicing sustainability and prioritizing local farmers and artisans.

To me, cooperatives suggest that another world is possible. We get to co-create our future utopia together - and we get to do that now. Part of what led me to run for the Board of Directors was my interest in working with an organization that prioritized its people and honored the land. The Common Market would not be possible without individuals stepping into leadership roles.

So if you, like me, are passionate about change making, relationship building, and cultivating sustainable futures by honoring the Earth and its inhabitants, consider running for the Board of Directors. It is hard and fulfilling work. Being a Board member, for me, has meant working hard in cooperation with others. It has been late nights and early mornings on meetings, actively doing the work to ensure our Co+op continues to prosper and provide accessible and healthy food to our community. It has been ensuring all employees feel heard and supported - from our amazing general manager to our incredible cashiers to the folks who work tirelessly in the cafe to ensure our favorite foods are prepared. Being a Board member has meant listening, taking notes, and listening some more. Not just to our employees, and not just our broader community, but to you specially - our Owners.

I am grateful to be able to serve as our Co+op’s Vice President alongside some truly incredible people. Megan, our President, is a remarkable leader, with a heart of gold. Juan, our Treasurer, is skilled in technology and problem solving. Julie, our Secretary, has been an owner since the early 2000’s and has a keen eye for detail. Armando is a current employee and leader at the Common Market and brings thoughtfulness and creativity to the Board. Joe is also a current employee and leader at our Co+op and brings gratitude and rigor to the Board processes. Alecks is skilled in direct communication and, as a former employee of the Common Market, shares unique perspectives and offers invaluable insight. Toby is a yoga teacher with a commitment to kindness and plant-based alternatives. John has been involved in your Co+op since 2002 and has taken on many leadership roles.

If you are curious about becoming more involved with the Common Market and are passionate about Co+ops, please consider coming to one of our meetings, getting to know us, and exploring ways to get involved with your community. We are so grateful for your commitment to our cooperative values and can’t wait to see you at our next meeting or in the produce aisle.

Mary McKelvie, Board Vice President

Market Board of Directors