Email the Co-op Board of Directors:

board@coopmarket.org

I moved to Fairbanks from a small coastal town in Northern California in 2005, where I had begun to garden in the temperate climate. Once in Fairbanks, the farmer’s markets and our Alaskan garden was my savior during the summer months. My longing for a smaller, more specialty grocery store focusing on natural, organic, and local products was met by the inception of the Fairbanks Co-op. The available items were enticing, and the core values of concern for community, sustainability and fairness matched my outlook. I believe in the mission, became a founding member. The Co-op is my favorite store to shop at– friendly staff, calm and courteous shoppers, and shelves stocked with seasonal, local (when possible), interesting, clean and healthy foods. I joined the board in 2023 to further my involvement with the Fairbanks community and help maintain the sustainability of the Co-op. As a registered nurse with 18 years plus experience working in this community, I feel I can utilize the relationships I’ve developed, knowledge and education as a medical educator, and passion for Fairbanks to help achieve the Co-op mission.

Brian loves the co-op because it makes Fairbanks a better place to live and provides access to healthy, sustainable, ethically sourced food. He has experience working in self-governance as a board member at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fairbanks and has participated in governance at UAF. He credits his academic training in history with helping him develop strong analytical and communication skills, as well as an eye for detail.

As a director I hope to help keep it financially sound, on track to meet goals, and in a position to expand. I hope to lend expertise in finances, marketing, and outreach within our community and beyond. I will work to expand our ability to accommodate more vendors and potentially expand to provide crop storage for better food security.

As a long-time resident of Fairbanks with a diverse professional background in healthcare and community-focused roles, the Co-op Market Grocery and Deli's dedication to community empowerment, sustainable practices, and local sourcing strongly resonate with my personal and professional convictions. I admire the Co-op's mission to foster local resilience by promoting the health and well-being of our community. This mission aligns with my values of providing accessible, ethical, and collaborative solutions to community challenges. I am running for a position on the Co-op Market Board because I believe my experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership, and community advocacy will contribute meaningfully to the Co-op's growth and mission. As a Registered Nurse working in a high-acuity environment, I understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and advocating for systems that benefit the collective. Additionally, my previous roles in managing large-scale programs and teams have equips me with the skills needed for financial planning, program development, and organizational eMiciency. I will be an effective Board Director because of my passion for service, ability to listen to diverse community voices, and commitment to promoting equity and sustainability. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Co-op's dedicated members to ensure Co-op continues to thrive as a valuable community hub.