Big-picture
vision at
Eastside.
Meet the governing body of Eastside Food Co-op. All are Eastside owners and elected by owners. They ensure sound management of the co-op on behalf of all Eastside owners, including setting expectations by developing written policies; delegating responsibility for the achievement of stated objectives; and monitoring compliance with written policies.
Interested in Joining
the Board of Directors?
Applications for board service are now open! Download the Board Candidate Packet to learn more about the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of board members.
Complete your application in one of the following ways:
Download and complete the Board Candidate Packet, then email it to board@eastsidefood.coop.
Download and print the Board Candidate Packet, complete it, and turn it in to Customer Service.
Fill out our online form here.
Applications are accepted through Monday, July 15th, 2024.
If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact the board. Please send an email to board@eastsidefood.coop, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Board Of Directors
The Board’s long-range strategic planning and financial oversight help position Eastside to anticipate trends, weather industry changes and align its work with the values of its owners. The board also oversees recruitment of replacement directors and recommends updates to the articles and bylaws, the legal documents that define and guide the co-op.
-
Michelle Spangler
Board President
Mother Earth Gardens Garden Coach/ Designer
Term Ends: 2024
-
Zack Avre
Board Vice President
Senior Economic Development Analyst,
Hennepin CountyTerm Ends: 2026
-
Kristel Porter
Board Member
Executive Director, West Broadway Business and Area Coalition & MN Renewable Now
Term Ends: 2025
-
Joleen Baker
Board Member and Policy Governance Chair
Sourcing Manager, The Food Group
Term Ends: 2024
-
Sarah Baeverstad
Board Member
Teacher, Pillsbury Community School
Term Ends: 2026
-
Julie Tilka
Board Member and Board Secretary
Communications Professional, Arkray USA
Term Ends: 2026
-
Nina Houts
Board Member and Board Development Chair
Customer Success Manager, Doozy Solutions
Term Ends: 2025
-
Ryan Brown
Board Memeber
Marketing and Communications Manager, Junior Achievement North
Term Ends: 2024
Meetings
Eastside Food Co-op owners are welcome to attend board meetings, held in the Eastside Community Room the second Monday of each month from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Contact the board to RSVP or propose a topic for the board meeting agenda. This month’s meeting agenda can be found below.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Policy Governance
Many non-profit organizations and food co-ops, including Eastside Food Co-op, use a system of board governance called “Policy Governance” developed by John Carver. In this model, the board drafts policy in four categories to direct the cooperative:
Ends
The board defines which customer results are to be achieved, for whom, and at what cost.
Executive Limitations
The board establishes the boundaries of acceptability within which methods and activities can responsibly be left to staff. These limiting policies apply to staff means rather than to ends.
Board-Staff Linkage
The board clarifies the manner in which it delegates authority to staff as well as how it evaluates staff performance on achievement of the ends and executive limitations policies.
Governance Process
The board determines its philosophy, its accountability, and the specifics of its own job.
Interested in learning more about the cooperative business model? Have a question about policy governance? Considering board candidacy? Want to attend an upcoming board meeting?
Meeting minutes from past board meetings are available below.