2026 Board Candidates
Meet the candidates running for three open seats out of nine on the Board of Directors. Candidates are Co-op Members who work to represent the interests of all Co-op’ members.
The Board of Directors is a vital part of being a democratically run cooperative. They act as representatives of all members and ensure our co-op is thriving and will continue to be a cornerstone of community and ethically-sourced groceries.
Neal Kish
I am pleased to introduce myself to peers and patrons of Davis Food Co-op community. I am a people person who likes to listen and contribute to the vision and needs of vibrant and well-intentioned organizations.
My professional background is procurement and business management. Successful business in any form is built on people, communication, and confidence in each other. When we lead by example to foster these elements, then we create a culture that is positive and rewarding. Davis Food Co-op is seen as a positive and rewarding venture for casual and active patrons. As a board member, I will be active in its next cycle of listening to our community, sharing best practices through objectives to management. I hope to help enhance Davis Food Co-op’s culture of information-sharing, quality food, and supporting staff and our community.
Cindy Lamar
What draws me to join the Davis Food Co-op’s Board of Directors is the chance to solve problems collaboratively, positively impacting the community. I have served on two boards; Girls’ Quest, which supported youth education enrichment, and StartOut for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and founders.
My years of experience as a transformational coach taught me to listen deeply, explore options, and invite multiple viewpoints. I’d like to employ these skills to achieve our shared vision of a cooperatively owned and financially stable, vital food source that maintains and expands access to high-quality goods.
I heard about Davis Food Co-op for years before I relocated to Davis in recollections from my spouse, a UC Davis alumnus. Previously, we lived in Sonoma County and my proximity to and appreciation for farmers grew. I loved driving by pastures and farms populated with cows, goats, and chickens, and I became keenly sensitive to the human impact on the environment and the need for sustainable and conscious consumption.
I attended the January 12th and March 9th DFC board meetings. After listening and participating in small group discussions, I gained a better understanding of some of the issues faced in serving the needs of the Davis Food Co-op store, its staff, and its members. I came away enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn and collaborate with you on the strategic 5- year plan. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to serve on the board and offer a fresh perspective and voice to our shared pursuit of continuous improvement.
Joe Martin
The next few years will be critical to the long-term health and survival of our co-op. Although we are meeting our current financial goals, projections for the coming decade indicate that we need to find ways to expand our revenue stream if we’re going to continue to thrive. Should we open another store in a new location? Are there other ways we can increase revenue while remaining true to our mission as a community-owned cooperative? These are questions that the Board of Directors will need to address in coming months.
I’ve been a co-op member since 2005, and a member of the Board since January 2024. Prior to that, I worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a communications specialist with UCSF and UC Davis. I believe the choices we make about what we eat and how it’s produced have a profound impact on the climate, economic inequality, and other things I care deeply about, so it’s been a privilege to be able to help address those issues on a local level as part of the DFC Board. Among other things, I was able to help craft the co-op’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which sets goals and priorities for the next five years. I am hoping to continue serving so that I can help make sure we progress toward those goals.
I don’t claim to have the answers, but if you return me to the Board, I will do everything I can to make sure that our decision-making process will be as thorough, transparent, and democratic as possible. I’ll work to make sure you’re well-informed about what’s happening, and to give you every opportunity to make your voice heard. I’m confident that, working together with our co-op community, we can choose the way forward that works best for all of us.
I hope you’ll vote for me, but even more than that, I hope you’ll vote. Your participation helps to keep our co-op strong. Thank you for your consideration!
Vince Ortiz
I’m passionate about our mission of sustainable and ethical food practices, and I believe in the power of our community-owned model. If elected, I pledge to leverage my knowledge and skills to ensure our community owned store’s continued success. I will work with fellow board members to guide our future impact during varying economic and social times while acting as an employee representative.
As a dedicated member and employee of the Davis Food Cooperative for the past 14 years, I’m seeking your support for my candidacy for the Board of Directors. My experience within the cooperative has equipped me with an understanding of our operations, governance, and the unique challenges and opportunities we face. I also previously served on the board from 2014-2015 and assisted with several initiatives including working on the Elections Task Force as well as participating on the committee assigned to find for a new General Manager. I would love the opportunity to provide greater change at the Davis Food Cooperative, not just for members but also for all those that help keep the organization running.
Your support would mean a great deal to me, and I’m confident that together we
can build an even stronger cooperative for our community.
Briza Ramirez
Hi, I’m Briza Ramirez, and I’m excited to run for re-election to the Board of Directors for the Davis Food Co-op. I’ve worked at The Co-op for 18 years. I started as a cashier and made my way up to my current role as Store Support Manager. For the past three years I’ve also had the opportunity to serve on the Board as a director. During that time, I’ve been part of the Governance Committee, and have also served as Head of the Board Nominating Committee, through this work, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how The Co-op operates and how strong governance helps it succeed.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to balance my role as both an employee and a board member—staying connected to the day-to-day experience in the store while helping think through the bigger picture. I believe that perspective helps me make thoughtful, grounded decisions.
I’m running again because I believe there’s still more work to do to help move The Co-op forward. My priority is to support The Co-op as a strong part of our community—helping it navigate change while continuing to grow and thrive.
After nearly two decades here, The Co-op has become more than just my workplace—it’s a place that has shaped me. I understand it from both an operational and financial side, and I care deeply about the mission we’re working toward.
Thank you for your support. I’d be honored to continue serving.