Mickey Parson
Why would you like to serve on the Board? What makes governance meaningful to you and how will your values align with the Co-op’s Ends?
I have wanted to serve on the board ever since I was a shopper at the Co-op and when I had the pleasure of working within the store as both the Front of House Manager and the IT Manager. With this, I saw how aligned our beliefs and values were with mine. It allowed me to naturally understand the Co-op's goals, focus, and overall plans for helping the community and its people. Helping further guide at a governing level would allow the Co-op and myself to learn together and work towards a much better future.
We know that potential Board members may have past experiences serving on Boards, in other leadership roles, and within our community. What professional skills will you bring to our Board? Share any relevant leadership experience.
I have years (15+) of grocery retail management, financial, construction, and senior IT experience. As stated previously, I have served as part of the Admin Leadership team and advisor to the Co-op. With this, I have cultivated the ability to lead groups of people from all backgrounds, see the larger picture, structure plans, and promptly see them through to completion. I hope to add to the driving factor of proper direction, accountability, and planning for the future. This experience will allow me to bring a lot to the table, not just to the board but to the Co-op as a whole.
What do you hope to get from the experience of being on the Board? What do you hope you will learn about yourself?
I plan to educate myself on food access further and how to make it more available to our local community and grow it to cover even more people who don't have normal means to it through programs and initiatives by the Co-op. I would also like to be more involved in my community through volunteer work, programs, and events.
How will you help the Board balance the needs of upholding our Ends, planning for the future of our community-owned cooperative and monitoring the operations of our grocery store?
With my combined personal experience and that at the Co-op, I have learned to manage large and small-scale infrastructure with ever-increasing goals while engaging in local community projects. I would see to it that the board has clear objectives for evaluating our commitment and responsibilities, including the scope and the approach of any goals, as well as helping ensure the board fully commits to our cause and addresses any emerging issues while managing time and expectations.
Andrew Muller
Why would you like to serve on the Board? What makes governance meaningful to you and how will your values align with the Co-op’s Ends?
I have served on the Board for two terms , and I have loved being an active part of this organization. It has provided me with the opportunity to give back and be a part of the Co-op, and I want to continue to be a part of it moving forward.
We know that potential Board members may have past experiences serving on Boards, in other leadership roles, and within our community. What professional skills will you bring to our Board? Share any relevant leadership experience.
I am a practicing attorney and I have had a great deal of experience interacting with and advising various boards and organizations about their programs and responsibilities. I believe that my point of view has been a valued addition to the Board, and I have served both as Board Secretary and Board Treasurer for the Common Ground Co-op.
What do you hope to get from the experience of being on the Board? What do you hope you will learn about yourself?
I hope to keep being an active part of a wonderful community, and that I can help the Co-op achieve its goals and aspirations.
How will you help the Board balance the needs of upholding our Ends, planning for the future of our community-owned cooperative and monitoring the operations of our grocery store?
I will help by upholding the policies of the Board to maintain a clear and effective operation of the Board, working to be mindful of ownership interest and inspire ownership engagement. While I am clearly not presenting any concrete proposals here, keeping in mind and respecting the diverse interests of our owners is an important consideration in any future plans.