• Hometown: Elmhurst
• Owner #: 2645

Gerardo was appointed by the Board in August 2026 to fill a vacancy.

Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?
I have 30 years of experience in both retail and non profit and would like to provide the board with my perspective and hopefully help drive the organization to a successful outcome.

What does Prairie Food Co-op mean to you?
I have been thinking that small businesses are the future of retail in general. Large corporate businesses are ruining our communities, health, and like 50 other things!!

Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment 
Currently I am in the process of opening a small consignment thrift store in Oak Park. It is non profit and the goal is to provide funding to local organizations in need of extra support and to fund programs for the parent organization. I also work for Williams Sonoma at a district level providing various levels of support to the leadership and stores across all brands.

Volunteer: Membership/Affiliations/Leadership past and present
Very long list here but it has been everywhere from homeless organizations, churches, youth organizations, etc...

Which of the following areas do you have expertise?
Management, Fundraising, Marketing/Public Relations, Event Planning, Communications

What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director? 
The fullness of my experiences of over 30 years as an employee, director, ED, board member, I've opened organizations and stores as well as closed them down. I hope that I would be able to help navigate doubts and support efforts that will create a successful organization.

What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?
I would want this to be the first place everyone goes for the shopping and the place to get those unique items that can't be found anywhere else.

What experiences have you had with food co-ops in the past?
Many years ago I participated in the beginning stages of a food co-op in Humboldt Park Chicago. It was on North ave and California and unfortunately it closed some years ago and sold their space to Cermak foods

Why should Owners elect you to the Board of Directors?
I have a long service record in non profits and decades in retail I feel my experiences can at the very least help reduce the affects of navigating the doubts of what might work and will work.