• Hometown: Lombard
• Owner Number 1083
• Term: Elected 2023 

"If re-elected, I will continue to collaborate with our talented Board, representing our owners' interests, as we open our grocery store. I will support the Co-op's efforts to increase Ownership, strengthen our community, and serve as a model co-op for others."

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

If re-elected, I will continue to collaborate with our talented Board, representing our owners' interests, as we open our grocery store. I will support the Co-op's efforts to increase Ownership, strengthen our community, and serve as a model co-op for others. 

Employment: Please tell us about your past or present employment

For the past 15 years, I have worked at OMSNIC, a medical malpractice insurance company for oral surgeons in Schaumburg. In that time, my role has included event planning, educational program development, and marketing efforts. Currently, I am the Director of our Patient Safety and Risk Management Department where I am responsible for making strategic decisions related to the development of educational resources that align with and further the overall goals of the Company.

Volunteer: Membership/Affiliation/Leadership Past and Present:

I began volunteering with PFC in February 2020. I had the opportunity to call many of my fellow owners as part of the Spring and Fall Community Investment Program and helped to raise nearly $50K for our co-op. I am currently the Vice President of the Board and a member of the Communications Team and  Ownership and Outreach Committee (O&O), contributing to social media posts, newsletters, graphic design, and events.

Which of the following areas do you have expertise?

Management, 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?

I believe my involvement with the O&O team has really allowed me to internalize the voice and mission of our co-op. In this past year on the Board, I was elected by fellow Board members to serve as Vice President, and look forward to assuming the role of President next year if I am re-elected. As Vice President, I have led the efforts to identify organizations for PFC to partner with to ensure we have collective buying power for store staples to ensure we can offer goods at reasonable prices. This is important, not only for the success of our store, but to ensure that our store is accessible for all members of our community. I have experience leading a diverse team - and the PFC Board is similar in that we each have our own strengths and bring value to our operations. As a collaborative team player who is comfortable making informed, strategic decisions, I look forward to leading the Board as we open our store and begin to transition responsibilities to our General Manager. 

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

Short term, I will continue to collaboratively work with our Board and represent our owners' interests as we work towards the opening of our grocery store. It is important for the Board to make informed decisions to ensure long term success for our store. Those decisions should include direction from co-op recognized advisors as well as the input of our Owners. Long term, I hope the Co-op will expand our Ownership, support local farmers/food producers, become an economic multiplier for our community and a model co-op for others in the surrounding areas.

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

Prairie Food is my first Co-op experience. In the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from other Board members affiliated with other co-ops which has been very fulfilling. Otherwise, my food experience is limited to love of it- especially great tasting meats and veggies.