Welcome to Your Board Elections!
There are 3 board seats up for election this year and we are happy to see seven passionate and engaged members put their names forward to serve on your Board of Directors.
Here are some helpful points to consider when casting your vote:
What role does the Board of Directors play at your Co-op?
The Board of Directors are a group of seven members who are elected by the membership to utilize their beneficial skill sets and experience to represent members’ interests. The primary role of your Co-op Board of Directors is to guide the strategic direction of your Co-op and to hire and oversee our General Manager. You can learn more about your Board of Directors here.
What skill sets make for a well rounded and effective board?
As mentioned above, one of the boards responsibilities is hiring and overseeing our General Manager as such, one of the key skill sets required on this Board is a candidate with experience and education in Human Resources. Candidates with a background in finance/accounting, communications, + board governance also offer strong skill sets and experience for a successful board. Combine these skill sets with a passion for our Co-op, local food systems, and our community and you have your ideal candidate. To meet the existing board and view their skill sets, click here.
Voting closes on Wednesday September 21st and the new directors will be announced at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). You can register for our AGM on your voting ballot below and find out more details about it here.
Meet your Candidates
Candidates were given two minutes and one take to introduce themselves and share with you why they would make a good Board Director at our Co-op.
Tara Kettner
(incumbent)
Our people are our Co-op’s greatest strength. As an HR professional with 10+ years of Human Resource experience, it is my honour to support our team of people, especially, as we search for our next General Manager. Along with HR experience, my strengths are open listening, respectful deliberation, and strategic decision making.
Am Naqvi
(incumbent)
I bring 35 years of experience and knowledge in good governance and financial expertise; I am able to provide our Coop with independent oversight and monitoring so that it can continue to be financially stable and sustainable and deliver on its mandate to serve our members.
Maggie Jones
(incumbent)
I have a deep passion and commitment to the Co-op movement and the natural foods industry. Working with our Co-op, serving our membership, our community, supporting local growers and ensuring our Co-op’s health for the future are all very important to me.
Kamala Melzack
My skills as a graphic designer/content creator can help with communications and bringing new ideas forward to assist the Co-op in areas where we connect with people. I love supporting local and the power it brings to our community.
Laureen Barker
Member of the Co-op since July 2005; Proprietrix of Gaia Rising Metaphysical, Baker Street, Nelson. Active and opinionated politically, lifelong learner, letter writer and community volunteer. Strong believer in community support for; sustainable local economy, livable cities, and healthy lifestyle possibilities. Live it up!
Nadine BenRabha
My family owns Kootenay Meadows, I was our Co-op’s True Local coordinator for 5 years, and I am a teacher and parent. I can contribute these varied perspectives, my agricultural understanding and connections, and my passionate advocacy for local suppliers, staff, and our Co-op’s values.
Paul Kelly
Paul holds a Bachelor of Applied Business from Mount Royal University and has worked in the natural food sector for over 20 years. He was Grocery Manager, and Operations Manager for the Co-op from 2014-2018. He currently manages the Self Employment Program at Community Futures.
Vote Here!
There are three seats up for election this year. You can select up to three candidates.
You can vote if you’ve been a fully-paid member for more than 30 days. Just remember – memberships are attached to a person, not the member number. If you’re not sure who in your household is the member, ask at customer service!
Two of the seats have 3-year terms and one seat has a 1-year term. The candidate with the most votes will have first pick of term length, and the second highest votes will have the second pick.
Know a member who wants to vote but doesn’t have internet? Send them to Customer Service and they’ll help!
This form is now closed for submissions.
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