ELECTION to Board of Directors
Our goal is to open a successful retail food cooperative in Pullman, serving the region’s needs for healthy and local food.
For more information, please contact the
Board at hello@pullmangoodfoodcoop.com
Elections will take place June 8 - 17, 2023
The voting member of each household will receive a link to vote.
Board Candidate - Andy Jacobs
Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of Pullman Good Food Co-op?
I am passionate about co-operatives and want to do what I can to support PGFC and spread the word on why cooperatives should be the cornerstone of our community.
What professional experience, training, education, or other board experience have you had that would contribute to the Board’s work and the mission of Pullman Good Food Co-op?
I have extensive experience running a small business including founding a worker co-operative in 2018. I'm a graduate of the RDI Rural Leadership program and have also been volunteering with the PGFC since its inception. I'd love to get more involved with the process.
What skills and qualities do you have that uniquely qualify you for the Board of Directors, and why do you want to run for the Board?
I am deeply familiar with co-operative principles and law, democratic leadership, mutualism and community building. I've had extensive experience in lean start-up businesses and how technology can integrate with co-operative efforts.
Think about a situation that demonstrates your ability to create a climate that values cultural diversity. How would you encourage sharing different perspectives?
I've always believed in democracy at work and in participatory government. I've learned a lot about being a leader and facilitator during my career and I love to help empower people of all backgrounds to participate in forming and controlling the community around them. Where there are barriers to folks participating I actively find ways to get their voices heard.
Describe any experience you have in reading and understanding financial statements.
I've been a small business owner and serial entrepreneur since 2001. I've been part of many technology startups and, most recently, founded a worker-owned cooperative. I've always been heavily involved in the financial health of these companies and in the cooperative have learned a lot about consensus decision making for finances and surplus allocation.
PGFC members can receive 10% off select services/parts at Chipman & Taylor Chevrolet in Pullman!
Position Description
Pullman Good Food Co-op is governed by a democratically elected Board of seven directors serving three-year terms. The Board is your voice at the Co-op and uses the principles of policy governance to represent the interests of member-owners and to safeguard the future of the cooperative. As a start-up Co-op, the Board actively works on the steps necessary to open a store.
Directors are required to
1. Agree to abide by the Board’s policies.
2. Sign a non-disclosure agreement.
3. Sign a Code of Conduct.
4. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
The primary responsibility of the Board is to act as trustees of the Co-op ownership by providing leadership to ensure the Co-op’s future. Specific responsibilities for individual Board members are to:
● Create and perpetuate the organization that can open and own a food co-op.
● Prepare for and attend all monthly Board meetings.
● Research issues thoroughly to be informed about Co-op operations and issues.
● Serve on committee(s) and attend committee meetings.
● Know and follow the Co-op’s bylaws, policies, and procedures.
● Bring complete honesty and personal integrity to the Co-op’s Board.
● Provide leadership for the Co-op and its management.
● Attend Board trainings and annual weekend retreats.
Eligibility
● Board members must be owners in good standing of Pullman Good Food Co-op.
● Only one individual per membership is eligible to serve on the Pullman Good Food Co-op Board of Directors at a time.
● Paid employees of the Co-op are not eligible to serve on the Board of Directors
● Board members must have strong communication and leadership skills and be willing and able to make decisions in a collaborative environment.
Board Responsibilities
● Develop and implement opening of the Pullman Good Food Co-op.
● Enact governing policies, carry out the directives of Co-op’s Articles and Bylaws and update these documents as necessary to ensure the ongoing success of the cooperative.
● Act as trustees of member-owners by providing oversight of the Co-op’s finances.
● Provide a vital link between the co-op and member-owners.
Expectations
● Assume fiduciary responsibility of the cooperative on behalf of all member-owners.
● Learn and practice the principles of Policy Governance to provide effective policy and leadership for the organization.
● Serve a three-year term unless elected to fill the remainder of another Director’s term.
● Prepare for, attend and participate actively in board activities, including but not limited to: monthly meetings, committee work, online discussion, training sessions, and retreats.
● Work cooperatively to reach decisions and accept group decisions as the voice of the board.
● Faithfully represent the Board’s interests and positions to the public while maintaining confidentiality as appropriate around protected matters.
● Work to perpetuate and improve the board itself through active recruitment, participation in democratic elections, policy formation, self-monitoring and self-assessment. Agree to abide by the Director’s Code of Conduct policies, which include avoiding any conflicts of interest with respect to fiduciary responsibility.
● Commit a minimum of 20 - 25 hours of time to board work and meetings each month (and more for officers).
Compensation
There is no financial compensation for serving on the Co-op Board.