by Dan Smith – Board Member

Medford Food Co-op’s (MFC) Board of Directors is comprised of up to nine democratically elected co-op owners and plays a vital role in the success and sustainability of MFC. The Board’s role is primarily oversight and visionary, not operational. Mindful of Cooperative Principles, directors help to ensure that the store is run in a manner that is financially responsible, socially conscious, and responsive to the wide interests and needs of our owners. The Board does not make operating decisions for the store. This is the responsibility of Anne Carter, MFC’s General Manager.

As mentioned in the last blog post, the Board recently updated the candidate application and screening process to increase efficiency and transparency. Each year, if positions are open for Board membership, MFC owners may submit applications to be considered for placement on the ballot. After completing the application, candidates must then attend a board meeting and be interviewed by current directors. Next, the Board selects approved candidates for placement on the annual ballot. Finally, candidates are democratically elected by MFC’s owners. Newly elected board members are announced at the Annual Owner Meeting in May.

Might you be willing to join the MFC Board? Consider your goals. Successful Board members are motivated to advocate for owners and the broader community. Serving on the Board would give you an excellent opportunity to help shape how the Co-op fulfills its mission. Board service has its rewards while also having certain time expectations and other commitments that should be carefully considered before applying to serve. You can read more about Board Service in this document.

Are you someone who wishes to contribute more? Would you like the community to benefit from your skill set? Would you care to acquire new skill sets? If you are excited about the potential growth of the MFC, if you would like to deepen your knowledge about what makes a Co-op tick, and if you wish to better support the owners of the MFC, then consider joining the Board!

If you are interested, please follow this link to the candidate application. For more information or if you would like to attend a Board meeting, please contact board@medfordfood.coop.