Check out the Impact Report for fiscal year 2024
what does your board do?
Your Co-op is guided by a Board of Directors made up of volunteer directors. Directors are Co-op members, elected by the membership – it’s one of the perks of being a Co-op and being a member. You too can run for a board seat when they come available!
Your board of directors meets each month – you can review the minutes online or contact the board if you’re interested in attending a meeting. Between board meetings, each director participates in at least two of our board committees: Governance, Finance, HR, Hiring, Member Engagement, and Nominations. To find out more about your board’s work and your Co-op, check out the board updates, the impact report from recent fiscal year or attend the Annual General Meeting in September.
our board is responsible for key governance issues including:
MEET YOUR
Board of Directors
Your board of directors is comprised of volunteer members who are responsible for the governance of our Co-op. Below you’ll meet the seven directors elected by our member-owners, the director elected by our employees, and our Board Administrative Assistant.
Wendy WiebeKay CoburnJames HiebertMaggie JonesCathy-Ann GlocknerKate MiersPaul CowanLeannah FidlerSadie Yancey
Wendy Wiebe, President
Wendy’s passion for local food systems stems from her own experience growing up on a poultry farm to now owning and developing a 40-acre farm in Glade, alongside her husband and two kids. With this background, she has a deep knowledge of the pressures and issues facing local food producers. Wendy has a Bachelor of Commerce and has financial experience in public and private organizations, allowing her to contribute to our Co-op’s ongoing financial sustainability. As an employee of the Province of BC, she brings experience in working collaboratively and cooperatively to meet the varying needs of diverse stakeholders while achieving organizational objectives.
Wendy joined the board in 2021 and her current term ends in 2027.
Kay Coburn, Vice President
Kay is a retired educator who has had a decades-long interest in how food choices contribute to healthy individuals and communities. Since moving to Nelson 27 years ago, she has always considered the Co-op her primary grocery store. She recognizes the significant and valuable contribution our Co-op makes to our community and is happy to be a part of the team that helps ensure its continued success.
Kay joined the board in 2023 and her current term ends in 2026.
James Hiebert, Treasurer
James has spent his career applying computer science and technology to the earth and environmental sciences and now spends his days making available information about the impacts of climate change on BC and Canada. James has been a lifelong member of co-ops large-to-small and new-to-mature and values the democratic governance that gives us each a voice in shaping the co-op’s direction.
James joined the board in 2023 and his current term ends in 2026.
Maggie Jones, Director
Maggie is a committed and dedicated member of our co-op. She has spent most of her working life in the natural foods industry and has worked with manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Working with the Co-op, serving our membership, our community, supporting local growers and ensuring the Co-op’s health for the future are all very important to her. She loves to cook and has taught many cooking classes at our co-op. She is an avid gardener and keeps bees on her off the grid homestead.
Maggie joined the board in 2017 and her current term ends in 2025.
Cathy-Ann Glockner, Director
A member of the Co-op since 1990 Cathy-Ann has been involved as a cashier, supplier, Assistant Manager of Customer Service and Front End, Employee Board Director, and avid shopper since joining. She is passionate about the Co-op and brings experiences with our membership, staff, and suppliers to the board. She loves growing flowers and food in her large urban garden as well as playing outdoors in the Kootenays with her friends and family.
Cathy-Ann joined the board in 2023 and her current term ends in 2025.
Kate Miers, Director
Kate is a finance professional and has held senior positions in both private companies and public practice. Originally from Brisbane, she has recently moved back to the Kootenays with her family. Kate was Finance Manager at the Co-op in the old store in 2012/ 2013, and remains passionate about the Co-op’s mission to serve the community and strengthen local food systems.
Kate joined the board in 2024 and her current term ends in 2027.
Paul Cowan, Director
Paul is a business owner and family man. He is very involved within the community and is passionate about economic development and adding to the business savvy at the board.
Paul joined the board in 2024 and his current term ends in 2027.
Leannah Fidler, Employee Director
Stay tuned for more about Leannah!
Leannah joined the board in 2024 and her current term ends in 2027.
Sadie Yancey, Board Administrative Assistant
Sadie is delighted by organization and effective systems. In addition to being our Board Administrative Assistant, Sadie works as the Co-op’s Office Coordinator, making sure our computers, data, internal communication platform and meetings are running smoothly. She has worked at the Co-op since 2014, so you may recognize her from the Produce department or from community outreach events.
what’s new with your board?
want to attend a board meeting?
Contact your Board
Members are welcome to reach out and learn more about our Co-op’s governance, to request to attend a meeting, or just to get in touch!