The 2023 Election Period is Closed

Board Election results have been voted on and approved by the Board of Directors and can be seen below. To run for the Board in 2024, check back here for more details in January 2024 when the Candidacy period reopens.

Meet your New 2023 Board Members

Below were the elected Board Members for this year’s Elections :

Jonathan Groveman

Hello, my name is Jonathan Groveman, and I ask for your vote as a new Davis CO-OP board member.

I moved with my wife and two daughters to Davis, California in 2010 and joined the CO-OP our first week. Healthy and nutritious food is important to me, not only for the health and wellbeing of my family and community, but as an employee of the USDA.

I represent the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the USDA’s conservation agency, as the director of public affairs and outreach. I work daily with California’s farmers and ranchers to support their conservation ethic and needs. They are stewards of this great state and work tirelessly to take care of the soil, air, water, and other natural resources.

I will dedicate this same commitment to serving the CO-OP, to make it more inclusive of our community’s needs through my experience in communication, outreach, and supporting farmers.

Before my USDA position, I was a Navy Officer for 8 years, stationed in San Diego and abroad in Sicily, Italy. I am a native of San Diego – Go Padres – and I graduated from UCSB in 2000.

Thank you for your vote.

Susan Pelican

I am running for the board of the Davis Food Co-op because I believe this is a critical period

*for providing safe and nutritious food at a reasonable cost

*for strengthening the farmers who provide this food, and work to enliven the soils that produce wholesome plants and animals.

*and for feeding the community –including the food insecure — with seasonally grown and prepared meals that are affordable.

I am a founding member of the Davis Food Co-op. I shop there. I am a retired nurse-midwife and an organic farmer with a passion to educate myself and others about the current state of our food system– and to help steer this Co-op toward more organic (not poisoned) food, locally sourced, and away from industrial genetically modified or lab produced foods which do not nourish our bodies or strengthen our community.

If elected, I would ask the Board to provide regular  community meetings and publications to learn about the food system, why it is important to build resilient local communities –and what we can do to encourage this– including growing our own gardens ; and how this informs what we put on the shelves of our Co-op.

I would reach out to more local growers to provide us with as much healthy produce, dairy, meat, fish, and dry goods as possible.

I would  ask for a review of the shelf space devoted to liquor, wine and beer, and ask if it might not be used for other important endeavors– perhaps a juice bar, or a larger selection of bulk foods, or an organic bakery.

I would request a review of the pricing of items—Nutritious food must be made to be affordable.

I would call for a review of staff time to restock and to respond to customer questions and complaints- I  would ask that a Board Member or Committee be assigned to answer the suggestions and complaints box so we know and respond to what Members feel.

As the banner of our website says: KNOW YOUR FOOD –   GROW YOUR COMMUNITY. That sums up my pledge if elected to the Board of Directors.

Briza Ramirez

Hi, I’m Briza Ramirez, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors for the Davis Food Co-op. As a dedicated employee of 15 years and Store Support Manager, I’m eager to bring my passion and expertise to the board.

I believe that the co-op is more than just a grocery store – it’s a hub of the community, where people gather to share their love of local food and sustainable living. That’s why I’m running – to help keep the co-op thriving and accessible to all.

Here are a few specific ideas that I’d like to pursue as a board member:

Customer service: I’ve been working with the public for 15 years and I understand what it takes to provide a welcoming and helpful shopping experience. I’ll work to ensure that the co-op is always a friendly and approachable place for everyone.

Supporting local farmers and suppliers: I’m passionate about supporting local food systems, and I’ll make sure that the co-op continues to source its products from the best local providers.

Technology upgrades: As the head of the IT department, I have the technical know-how to keep the co-op at the forefront of innovation. I’ll work to streamline processes, improve online services, and make the co-op a model of efficiency.

Employee support: I have a deep understanding of the needs of the co-op’s employees, and I’ll work to create a positive and supportive work environment. This will help to attract and retain the best staff, ensuring that the co-op continues to thrive.

I believe that my experience as an employee, my passion for the co-op’s values, and my commitment to the community make me the best candidate for the job. I’d be honored to have your support in the upcoming election. Thank you for your time and consideration.

2023 Election Calendar

12/07/22: Elections Calendar posted on the store Governance Board and on the DFC website

01/06/23: Deadline for receipt of Owner Initiatives for the Election

01/31/23: Deadline for owners to declare their interest for the Board of Directors at the close of the store

04/03/23: Declared candidates have their photos and Candidate Statements uploaded to Elections Page

04/03/23: Declared candidates can arrange to use the Community Information Space near the Tomato sculpture to share information about their candidacy with Member-Owners

05/06/23: Last day of campaigning. Annual Meeting and start of the Election. Online Elections Ballot are sent to Owners at the start of the Annual Meeting

05/06/23: Voting begins at the start of the Annual Meeting

05/20/23: Voting Ends at Store Closing

06/26/23: Board accepts election results at last Board meeting of the Board year

07/17/23: New Directors seated at first Board meeting of Board Year 2023 Election Calendar

ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Purpose 

The Board works on behalf of the Member-Ownership, to set the mission of the Co-op as well as monitor the operations and management of the store. 

Commitment

Director candidates must be committed to the Ends Statement of the Davis Food Co-op. Board Directors are volunteers for a term of three years and commit to working about 15 hours a month.

Benefits

To thank them for their efforts and involvement, the Davis Food Co-op Directors receive 16.5% off all of their purchases at the Co-op. Our Directors also gain a variety of useful skills, such as business acumen, management experience, high-level communication, financial literacy, strategic thinking, and teamwork. 

Minimum Requirements

• Be a DFC shareholder in good standing.
• Prepare for, attend, and participate in monthly Board meetings and the Annual Ownership Meeting in May.
• Serve on one or two committees or task forces.
• Attend and participate in a day-long annual retreat in the Fall and/or Spring.
• Participate in Board training, as well as workshops, conferences, and DFC events throughout the year.
• Regularly read and respond to email correspondence.
• Devote time to learning about the co-op movement and the board decision-making tool Policy Governance.

How to become a Candidate for the Board

The 2023 Declaration of Candidacy has closed. Owners that are interested in running for a seat on the Board of Directors in 2024 will be able to express that interest early next year. If you have questions, you can email Marketing Manager Vince Marchese at [email protected] or the Board of Directors at [email protected].

How to get involved without being on the Board

• Attend the Annual Meeting 
• Attend one or more board meetings
• Meet with a current or former Director
• Apply to serve on a Board committee

Learn More about the Board here

  2023 Election Results