Seven Core Principles of Co-ops
In addition to our mission, Prairie Food Co-op is dedicated to following and promoting the core principles that cooperative businesses around the world operate by. These principles, along with the cooperative purpose of improving the quality of life for their members, make cooperatives different from other businesses.
Meet Our Board of Directors
The board of directors is responsible for leading the co-op and guiding the organization. They have been elected by Owners to act on their behalf. The board is committed to absorbing the ownership's needs and wants and making the best decisions for the organization as a whole.
In Spring 2015, the Board was awarded a competitive $10K seed grant from Food Co-op Initiative based on the strength of the organization, strong leadership, and potential for success. The Board also received "2017 Outstanding Cooperator" and "2020 Co-op Innovator" awards at national "Up and Coming" Food Co-op Conferences. Of hundreds of organizing Co-ops, PFC continues to standout and receive national recognition for hard work, dedication, excellence, and innovation.
The board is comprised of nine to eleven members, depending on current needs. Elections are held annually every Spring, where Owners elect Directors to serve as their voice on the Board. PFC Owners are welcome and encouraged to run for the board, vote for the board, and attend monthly board meetings to stay abreast of the progress towards opening our grocery store.
Many thanks to PFC Owner, professional photographer, and DuPage County Board Member Sheila Rutledge for the headshots.

Kathy Nash
President
Leslee Keri
Vice President
Tom Lamberty
Treasurer
Gerry Haptas
Secretary
Emmarie Burger
Director
Jess Buttimer
Director
Quinn Coulson
Director
Erica Cutts
Director
Crystal Echevarria
Director
Amy Fahey
Director
Jerry Nash
DirectorInterim Directors, serving at request of the Board
