2025 Co-op Board of Directors Election
Voting is open from Friday, October 22nd until Friday, November 5th!
The Dill Pickle's 3,500+ owners can now vote for the 2025 Board of Director candidates. Review candidate profiles and click the VOTE button below!
The Board of Directors has 3 vacancies; there are 6 candidates running for the Board. Each owner may vote for up to 3 candidates.
What does the board do?
As elected representatives of the owners, the nine-person Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring the Dill Pickle Food Co-op’s success and longevity while fulfilling its mission. Directors are expected to help set the co-op’s strategy while providing key oversight and accountability of the store and GM on behalf of fellow owners during a three-year term. Learn more here.
Can employees run?
Employees who meet the qualifications are eligible for election as long as no more than two employees serve on the Board of Directors at any given time. (See Bylaws, Article IV, Section 4.2)
Questions?
Reach out to the board at board@dillpickle.coop.
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
I became an owner because the Dill Pickle’s mission reflects my own values around community, sustainability and supporting local food + farmers. Being an owner has given me a way to make a direct, positive impact—knowing that my support helps strengthen our neighborhood and the people who live and work here. Nearly ten years later, the Co-op means even more to me. The store and its employees are a fixture in my life and part of my broader community. Seeing the Co-op continue to grow and thrive is incredible, and I’m proud to support it as both a customer and a current Board member.
How have you participated as an owner?
Outside of my weekly grocery runs, I’ve served on the DPFC Board for the past year—attending monthly meetings, volunteering at in-store events, and supporting various marketing and community initiatives. I’m especially proud to have led last year’s holiday food drive in partnership with Food Not Bombs and to have helped launch the cookbook library in the cafe.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
Being on the Board has been an honor and work that I'm deeply proud of. I would love to continue building upon the work we're doing to support the Co-op's growth, our employees and the broader Logan Square community. There is such a strong need and place for our store, and I'm committed to championing DPFC's mission through continued service on the Board.
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
I bring experience in community partnerships, event production, marketing, social media strategy and hospitality—centered around creating meaningful connections between people and purpose-driven organizations. My background and past work in mutual aid would continue to support initiatives that make the Co-op more visible, welcoming and connected to the neighborhood it serves.
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
I believe the Co-op can open its doors wider through external marketing and partnerships that raise awareness beyond our physical footprint. We’ve done a great job engaging shoppers inside the store, and I see real opportunity in expanding outward—collaborating with local organizations / businesses and neighborhood events out in the community.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would be honored to be re-elected to continue building on the momentum the staff and Board are creating within the Dill Pickle and throughout our Logan Square community!
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
Shortly after becoming an employee and having the purpose and goals of the Co-op clearly explained to me, I thoughtfully decided to join and become a part of the community. Understanding the Co-op’s commitment to providing local, sustainable, and ethically sourced products resonated deeply with my personal values.
How have you participated as an owner?
I’ve been both an owner and an employee of the DPFC for just under 7 years now. During this time, I have actively participated in helping to organize many of our current community events, contributing my time and effort to ensure their success. I have also regularly tabled at the farmers market, engaging with customers and sharing information about our co-op. Additionally, I do most of my shopping exclusively at the store, supporting local producers and the cooperative’s mission.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I would like to serve on the Board of Directors because I believe it would provide an additional meaningful way for me to contribute to helping the Co-op successfully reach its goals and continue to uphold our shared objectives.
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
I hope to bring my 20 plus years of experience in the service industry to this role. This extensive background has helped me immensely in improving various departments here at the store, especially the Deli and Specialty sections. Being a Chicago native who has lived in the area for just under 30 years, I believe I have developed a strong connection to the community. I’d like to think that this familiarity makes me more in tune with our customer base and local businesses, allowing me to better serve their needs and preferences.
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
I believe that education is truly the most effective way to help people understand why a Co-op is such a wonderful and valuable addition to any neighborhood. I encounter many individuals who, even today, struggle to grasp what sets us apart from stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. By increasing our community outreach efforts, we can reach a larger audience and better educate people about the unique benefits and values that a Co-op provides.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I believe I would be an excellent addition to the board and sincerely hope to contribute even more to the growth and success of the co-op.
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
Community is the center of everything. Plus, I love supporting local and brands that align with my values. When we support each other, we all rise.
How have you participated as an owner?
Ask Josh how many times he sees me a week ;). I choose DP as often as I can over other grocery options and always tell neighbors it's my go-to.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I want to be a leader in my community and inspire others to come together. I also have a lot of community-centered ideas and need somewhere to share them :).
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
I've worked in various sectors of food service, including restaurant management, HR/recruitment for brands like Panera Bread and Portillo's, and now do the same for a hospitality/restaurant management company. At a minimum I can support the recruitment for new coop team members. At a maximum I have connections that can contribute in various ways, whether as partnership pop-ups or idea sharing.
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
-Third space + pop up mentality: We need to take note from our neighbors - next door at Hopewell they do a fantastic job bringing in pop-up restaurants. Pilot Project allows groups to host events for free with the assumption they'll gain business. They actively source groups and offer their space.
-Text alert program: Tasting tonight? I probably forgot but would love a reminder that might not come through on my socials.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I look forward to participating in any way I can!
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
To be a part of a community. I want to maintain my healthy lifestyle. Also I like the products and accessibility.
How have you participated as an owner?
I have been to board meeting.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I want to serve on the board because I would like to enhance the coops image and customer satisfaction.
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
I have experience with Cooperatives. In the late 1978 I was a member of Outpost in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1981, when I moved here to Chicago, I baked vegan bread and sold it to the Rainbow co-op. I've been a entrepreneur for over thirty years. Through my businessperson to Person Distributors, I have sold numerous products such as purses, perfumes, t-shirts and hats. I'm also a paralegal. I have represented myself numerous times pro se. I've also helped numerous people with their legal matters. I'm also a professional drummer. I play African drums and congas. The name of my drum business is 63 Street Beach Drummers Affiliation.
I hope. To share my entrepreneur and creative experience with Dill pickle co-op. I hope to be an inspiration to the advancement of this cooperative.
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
Dill pickle cooperative can introduce more creative experiences in the store. These experiences can be musical performances, Critical thinking projects such as game nights, which could include chess, domino's, even monopoly.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I was a vegetarian for over 32 years. I believe in a diverse diet and that's why I do consume meat.
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
I joined Dill Pickle as an owner because I’m a long-term resident of Logan Square who spends a lot of time at the co-op! I want to support our local organizations, especially those that are values-aligned like Dill Pickle. I care deeply about sustainability, so I have always admired Dill Pickle's impressive bulk station and local sourcing. I feel so grateful to be able to purchase my food and care products at Dill Pickle, and that I have an option outside of corporate/big box grocery stores.
How have you participated as an owner?
I almost exclusively shop at Dill Pickle for my groceries and am in the store multiple times a week! I have coordinated with the general manager to host the Chicago Degrowth Book Club in the eating area, thereby introducing the co-op to like-minded residents and drawing sales as participants purchased snacks/dinner during book club. I have also attended events, like the clothing swap. Lastly, I make an effort to engage with staff members and have offered input on organizations to feature for the "round up" option.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I wish to serve on the board because:
I have now worked in Chicago’s sustainability space for almost a decade, and believe I can leverage my network for the benefit of the co-op. I love connecting people to local resources, and a role on Dill Pickle’s Board of Directors would allow me to amplify that care.
During these tumultuous times and difficult political landscape, I feel called to support economic models that prioritize community, sustainability, and solidarity.
I overall really care about Dill Pickle's longevity and success, and being on the board would allow me to have an impact beyond my weekly grocery shopping. Serving as a board member would hold me very accountable!
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
I previously worked for Plant Chicago, a small environmental nonprofit where I supported small business owners on their circular economy goals. I became adept in facilitating waste reduction, farmers market operations, and the local food scene here in Chicago. I'd be interested in facilitating a waste audit at Dill Pickle!
I now work as Sustainability Manager at Rheaply, where I help organizations keep their physical items in use - again supporting waste reduction and circular economy work.
I volunteer for The Degrowth Institute, which has already partnered with Dill Pickle for their DeSchool event, in an effort to promote alternative economic models and challenge the status quo. I could connect Dill Pickle to other organizations in this space.
I also have a background in communications (writing, editing, designing, event planning), community building, and project management which I can bring to board leadership!
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
Tabling at other local businesses, particularly when they are experiencing an uptick in foot traffic.
Similarly, partnering with other local businesses on promo events (there is a yoga studio opening across the street on Milwaukee; Dill Pickle could do a little pop-up during one of their upcoming events).
Flyering - either going door-to-door or inserting pamphlets in mailboxes.
Hosting more events in the eating area! I feel this space is under-utilized.
An incentive/campaign for current members to invite others to become members.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply!
Why did you join the Dill Pickle?
I care deeply about knowing where my food comes from and honoring the people who produce it. The Co-op model empowers our community to make decisions based on shared values–from equitable treatment of producers and workers to environmental sustainability and local sourcing– not profit maximization alone. The Co-op's commitment to local, community-centered sourcing and equitable treatment of producers, aligns strongly with my values.
How have you participated as an owner?
I am a weekly shopper at Dill Pickle. I love supporting local vendors and encourage friends and family to do the same by shopping there.
Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?
For the last decade, I’ve worked in food and agriculture innovation, where I’ve built strategy, managed supply chains, and led financial planning across startups committed to sustainable food systems. I’m motivated to translate this background in sustainable food systems to actionable plans at the local level. I believe I can help the Co-op grow in ways that stay true to its values while also becoming more accessible and financially sustainable – recognizing the real challenges that farmers, food companies and consumers all face in producing and accessing healthy, fairly-priced food.
What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?
My background is in food and agriculture, with a focus on strategy, supply chains, and partnerships. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve worked at startups ranging from plant-based food to crop innovation. In each of these startups, I’ve learned to think strategically and operate resourcefully as part of small, nimble teams.
At Impossible Foods - a plant-based food company - I helped shape the sourcing strategy for novel ingredients and supported critical supply negotiations. In my current role at a chickpea breeding startup, I work across the value chain - from growers to manufacturers and food brands - to bring climate-smart, nutritious food products to market. I’ve also supported the company’s fundraising efforts, developing financial models and strategic plans for investors.
In summary, I have experience translating complex food system challenges into actionable business plans. This combination of systems thinking, financial discipline, and strategic execution is what I hope to contribute to the Co-op board.
How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?
The deli and community area is a significant but likely underutilized space for the Co-op. Even as a frequent shopper, it took me over a year to fully notice the space. (By the time I make it around the store and into the check out line, I’m no longer paying attention beyond the last minute ‘treats’ leading up to the cashier).
While preserving this area’s role as a community space, I believe we can also activate it more strategically as a retail space to draw in more shopper and owner engagement. Prepared foods, for example, tend to have both higher margins for the Co-op and value-for-money for busy commuters coming and going from the L-train. By expanding this offering – through seasonal menus, grab-and-go options, or partnerships with local chefs – the Co-op could boost sales while drawing in new and returning shoppers.
One barrier is the current store layout: the deli is tucked behind the registers, making it easy to miss and harder to access. Better signage and clear pathways could help integrate this space more effectively into the shopper experience (or even passerbys on the sidewalk looking for a quick snack or lunch on the go).
More broadly, I also believe focusing on affordable pricing is key to increasing accessibility. Ensuring products are fresh, predictably stocked, and fairly priced means fewer barriers to participation. While there are multiple levers to pull - and this is easier said than done - taking a systemic view to identify higher margin opportunities (i.e. the use of the deli space) can relieve margin pressures elsewhere to drive down pricing where it matters most for our shoppers.
Anything else you’d like to share?
No