BOARD REPORT WFC Board of Directors
Ryan Jones-Casey Board of Directors Treasurer & Secretary
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Supporting a Lofty Purpose with New Goals
ne of the primary responsibilities of the Coop’s board of directors is to help define the reason for the Co-op’s existence. Or put another way, what would it look like if Whole Foods Co-op achieved its grand vision? A couple years ago, the board of directors revised the Co-op’s Ends Statement which endeavors to articulate just that. Whole Foods Co-op is a thriving consumerowned cooperative that supports, invests, and partners to create a healthy community. A healthy community is one which nurtures emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health. WFC creates a healthy community by: • Requiring a robust local, sustainable food system • Nourishing and replenishing water, air and soil • Prioritizing equity and diversity • Fostering relationships and human connection • Resting on local and shared ownership That’s quite the tall order for a couple grocery stores situated near the shores of Lake Superior! And to be clear, the statement is meant to be lofty and forward thinking, something worth striving towards and casting a purpose for existence that is well beyond simply selling groceries! Will we achieve these Ends in the next year? Almost certainly not. But what about over the course of the next 20 years? I sure hope so, or at least that we would make significant progress towards helping create such a healthy community! The board’s responsibilities extend well beyond simply casting an inspiring vision for the Coop’s existence. We’re also called to steward the Co-op’s finances in our role as fiduciaries while providing accountability to and oversight of our dedicated General Manager. To help keep us on track in these various responsibilities each year
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the Co-op’s board of directors sets goals for itself. For the current year, these include: • The board will review and enhance clarity about obligations and responsibilities of board members who are also Whole Foods Co-op employees. • The board will deepen its financial aptitude for better business acumen. • The board will work to strengthen its relationship with the General Manager. • The board will be a learning and sensemaking organization. Each of these goals are designed to improve upon the solid board foundation that has been laid for us by past board members over the course of the last 50 years. Each goal has measurable outcomes that we will use to determine our success. For example, to deepen our financial aptitude, the board has committed to at least 50% board attendance at Co-op finance trainings. In addition to our new goals, we’ve also had a change to our board of directors. In mid-March, citing personal reasons, Meli Ellsworth-Osanya
Will we achieve these Ends in the next year? Almost certainly not. But what about over the course of the next 20 years?” resigned from the board. Meli was elected in 2019 and most recently served as Board Secretary. We wish Meli well and thank her for her board service, particularly her contributions to our board member recruitment process. For the remainder of the current board term, the roles of Treasurer and Secretary will be combined and the vacant seat will be filled through the next election in the fall. As you can see, there is work to be done and I am grateful to be part of an organization that operates with deeply held values committed to supporting, investing and partnering to create a healthy community.
JAMIE HARVIE President Term expires 2023 jharvie@wholefoods.coop KIM NORDIN Vice President Term expires 2021 knordin@wholefoods.coop RYAN JONES-CASEY Treasurer & Secretary Term expires 2023 rjonescasey@wholefoods.coop MICKEY PEARSON Term expires 2021 mpearson@wholefoods.coop BRANDON SMITH Term expires 2021 brandonsmith@wholefoods.coop MARIA ISLEY Term expires 2022 misley@wholefoods.coop HOLLY WOLFE Term expires 2023 hwolfe@wholefoods.coop EMILY ANDERSON Term expires 2022 eanderson@wholefoods.coop
Board Meetings Meetings of the Board of Directors, except for closed sessions, are open to WFC Owners. If you have an item for discussion at the Board meeting, please submit your item in writing by the first Friday of the month requesting the Board’s consideration. Board meetings are at 5:30 PM on the 4th Monday of every month, subject to change due to holidays and Co-op events. Due to the pandemic, all WFC Board Meetings are currently being held via web conference. If you're interested in attending, please contact wfcbod@wholefoods.coop and we'll send you access information.
