Board Elections

1.) As a healthcare provider and medical education professional, I know that the primary cause of many common diseases is the food we eat and how we use the nutrients it provides. Upward trends in obesity, diabetes, cancers and heart disease are correlated to the increased consumption of processed food. We can change this by making healthier choices every day. I wish to serve on the NHFC board because helping people be healthy is my passion, and I have skills to connect the dots between NHFC and the healthy choices we need to make. Growing up on a small farm in central Minnesota, I was raised by generations of farmers and educators who embodied the values of healthy eating, sustainable food production, and communities rooted in sharing food directly from the source. When we support local growers, expand organic food production and consumption, and share best practices, we build better communities. If elected, I will draw from my upbringing and professional background to be an educator and advocate for healthy choices that yield great results – for people and our community.

2.) As a physical therapist, clinic manager, leader of education/training teams, small business founder and independent consultant, I have developed a number of professional skills over thirty years that I will bring to NHFC. They include developing and executing strategic plans; project management; leading continuous process improvement initiatives; and designing and implementing education and training curriculums. I am also skilled in event planning, leading workshops, public speaking, and conducting objective-based performance reviews. In the non-profit space, I was President of the Eagan Youth Rugby Board for 12+ years, responsible for managing the Board membership, running meetings, shaping the program vision statement and growth goals, and establishing the board’s organizational structure. As a Board member, I support program operations, plan and lead fundraisers, community events, and international tours for players and supporters.

3.) I believe accessibility, affordability, and sustainability are the three biggest challenges that face us at NHFC. Continuing to provide relevant education will be paramount, including sharing the latest nutritional science, the economic benefits for choosing sustainable, organic, local food sources, and sharing best practices among growers, producers, and consumers. Promoting active engagement of owners at Co-op sponsored events beyond the shopping/store experience will be important to help build awareness and expand the producer, supplier, and consumer bases throughout our community.

4.) Other comments:

My husband and I recently moved to the Biwabik area and are looking forward to making this community our home. I am an avid outdoorsperson, nature conservation advocate, and aspiring gardener. I have 4 wonderful daughters and 4 grandchildren.

1.) Personal Passion: As a seasoned HR Executive with an Executive MBA, experience in non-profit, multi-unit retail, dental and technical fields I bring a deep commitment to the principles of sustainability, community empowerment, and ensuring access to resources for all. Returning to this community, I am eager to leverage my expertise and passion to support the mission of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op and champion a local, member-driven organization that resonates with my professional and personal values.
Commitment to the Community: I have always considered the Natural Harvest Food Co-op a cornerstone of our local community, promoting local food systems and fostering community engagement. My move back to the area has further reinforced my desire to contribute to its impactful initiatives. I am enthusiastic about playing a strategic role in amplifying its positive influence and ensuring its continued success.

Desire for Leadership and Service: I am keen to participate in the decision-making processes at the board level and offer my strategic insights. With a rich background in human resources and leadership, I believe in the transformative power of cooperatives to enact positive change. My personal experience in nutrition as I live with an auto-immune disorder equips me to offer valuable guidance, helping the co-op fulfill its mission and build a cohesive, empowered community for all members. My professional experience equips me with the knowledge, skills and tact to ensure that organizations are run with proper practices for the community in which they serve.

2.) Relevant Roles: I have worked as a Community Relations Director for the United Way of NEMN, the Director of Membership for the (former) Mesabi Family YMCA, a Youth Advisory member for UW-NEMN, active member of the Best Friends Society (placement of foster animals), mentor of Carlson Business School students, Newport Beach Elementary Advisory Member and Leaders of the Columbia Gorge Library System where I helped manage financial reports and supported fundraising initiatives. Additionally, I have volunteered with SPOON of Portland, Oregon working directly with members of the local community to ensure equitable access to food as well as orphanages affiliated with the organization in Vietnam and Thailand.

Key Skills and Experiences: These experiences have strengthened my abilities in financial oversight, strategic planning, and community outreach — skills that I believe will be invaluable as a board member. I am also familiar with the principles of cooperative governance and am eager to contribute to the co-op’s continued growth and success.

3.) Opportunities: In the coming years, I see several opportunities for the Natural Harvest Food Co-op, including expanding our local sourcing initiatives, increasing community outreach to grow membership, and becoming a leader in sustainable food practices. The growing interest in conscious consumerism and local food systems presents a chance for us to strengthen our presence in the community.

Challenges: At the same time, challenges such as maintaining financial sustainability, adapting to supply chain disruptions, and ensuring continued member engagement in an evolving market will require innovative strategies. I am eager to work with the board to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

1.) I have been a member of Natural Harvest since 1991. I worked at Natural Harvest for almost 5 years during the transition from the original storefront on Virginia’s main street to the log building on Bailey’s Lake. I was also a board member for several years in and around that time period. The coop has been an important resource for me and my family for 30+ years. Being on the board is an opportunity to utilize my skills and time towards ensuring that Natural Harvest continues to serve this community with healthy natural products in the future.

2.) Aside from the above experience, I owned and operated several businesses including a natural products store. I have a strong understanding of the industry, the product, the customer, the challenges.

3.) We face two strong challenges – changing natural foods grocery landscape, and the potential fragility of our product supply chains.

The large corporate stores have taken notice of the strength of the market food coops have developed over the last 50 years, and they are moving into this segment in earnest, with same product sales at coops decreasing now for several years compared to the big boxes. Many formerly small producers are taking advantage of the business opportunities, all too happy to see their products on the shelves at Walmart. What does that mean for the local coop?

Additionally, local food production is difficult for many reasons, but increasingly seems more critical. The pandemic caused gaps in inventory and on store shelves, and daily we hear of threats to our food supply from disease and contamination. More local reliance would help alleviate our exposure to those risks, as well as provide us a more sustainable and nutritious food supply. 

I see opportunities for Natural Harvest to continue its success in seeking, supporting and offering better alternatives for sustainable and healthy living while fostering community involvement and investment, harnessing the creative energy of an educated and spirited membership. We’ll respond to the current challenges with the same commitment and optimism that a little hole-in-the-wall based group of hippies built into the store that we all know and enjoy today!

1.) I am interested in serving on the board of directors for Natural Harvest Food Co-op because I am passionate about supporting local, sustainable food systems and ensuring our community has access to healthy, high-quality products. Natural Harvest plays a key role in promoting ethical business practices, environmental responsibility, and community engagement — values I strongly support. With a background in education and experience working with diverse populations, I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. I would bring leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills to help the co-op grow and adapt to the evolving needs of its members. I also appreciate the cooperative model and its emphasis on democratic decision-making. Serving on the board would allow me to contribute to strategic planning, financial sustainability, and outreach efforts, ensuring Natural Harvest remains a vital resource for our community. I am eager to support its mission and help shape its future.

2.) I bring extensive leadership, organizational, and community engagement experience that aligns with the responsibilities of a Natural Harvest Food Co-op board member. As a director, I oversee strategic planning, policy implementation, and financial decision-making — skills that directly support the governance and oversight role of the board. My background as a teacher has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse groups, and foster inclusive environments, which is essential for ensuring the co-op remains a welcoming and community-driven organization. Additionally, my volunteer work with my church has given me experience in nonprofit operations, event coordination, and community outreach. This aligns with the cooperative principles of education, sustainability, and mutual support. I am committed to upholding the co-op’s mission, engaging members, and contributing to its long-term success through thoughtful decision-making and collaboration.

3.) As a family of five, I see exciting opportunities and challenges ahead for Natural Harvest Food Co-op. One major opportunity is making healthy, local food more accessible and affordable for families. Many parents want to feed their kids nutritious meals but struggle with cost and convenience. Expanding bulk discounts, family meal planning resources, and partnerships with local farms and schools could help. A big challenge is competition from large grocery chains. Families are busy, and if shopping at the co-op isn’t easy, they may go elsewhere. Finding ways to streamline shopping —whether through meal kits, online ordering, or grab-and-go options — can help Natural Harvest stay competitive while maintaining its community focus. Community involvement is also essential. Hosting family-friendly events, cooking workshops, and nutrition programs can build stronger connections with members. Expanding partnerships with schools and food assistance programs can ensure more families have access to fresh, healthy food. Looking ahead, Natural Harvest has the potential to be more than a grocery store — it can be a gathering place, a resource for better living, and a leader in sustainability on the Iron Range. By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and community ties, the co-op can continue to thrive for years to come.

4.) I strongly believe in the cooperative model and its ability to create lasting, positive change in our community. As a longtime supporter of Natural Harvest, I appreciate its role in providing healthy food and fostering connections among members. While I bring experience in leadership, education, and community engagement, I also look forward to learning from fellow board members and co-op staff. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my time and skills to help Natural Harvest grow and continue serving families like mine.