Owner Number 2

"As co-founder, I am excited to lead the co-op another (and final!) term to ensure a successful opening of our long-anticipated store! I serve as both Board President and project manager to oversee the progress on opening."

Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?

As co-founder, I am excited to lead the co-op another (and final!) term to ensure a successful opening of our long-anticipated store! I serve as both Board President and project manager to oversee the progress on opening. 

Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment

I am a Senior Software Engineer with 20+ years professional experience. I have also served as project manager on several large, complex projects and enjoy that work as well.

Volunteer: Membership/Affiliation/Leadership Past and Present:

Co-founder, Prairie Food Co-op. Co-Founder DuPage for Progress. 

Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

Management, Marketing/Public Relations, Event Planning, IT

What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?

Having served on the PFC board since inception, I have a deep understanding of the steps needed to open our store so that is continues to serve the community long into the future. I have cultivated relationships throughout the co-op industry that help guide our progress. I have spoken several times at the national food c-op conference. 

What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?

To be the store that we have all dreamed about for 10 years! It's not easy to open a grocery store, and it's especially challenging in the post-Covid landscape with continued supply chain issues and labor shortages. I am very proud of all that has been accomplished in the face of tremendous challenges!!

What experience (if any) have you had with cooperatives, food or otherwise?

Previous to founding PFC, I was an active volunteer and owner of Common Ground Food Co-op. My involvement with PFC has given me so much more experience with food co-ops and I've been fortunate to visit dozens across this country. The more I see, the more I love the cooperative movement.