2024 Election

Democracy is at the heart of our co-op’s organizational structure. As an owner, you have a voice in the governance and direction of your co-op!

This year, Lakewinds owners have two items to vote on in the election: proposed updates to bylaws, and for three seats on the board of directors.

In-store and online voting is now closed. If you missed the deadline you can still cast your vote from 1-1:10 pm at the Annual Owner Meeting on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Updated Bylaws Proposal

Lakewinds’ bylaws were last updated in 2013. The board of directors reviewed the bylaws and recommend that a number of minor changes be made. These changes update language and clarify duties that are now done by Lakewinds staff, not members of the board. Any changes to bylaws require a vote by owners, so by voting “yes,” you approve these bylaws updates.

Click here to review the proposed changes to bylaws.

Meet this year’s board candidates

This year there are six candidates running for three seats on the board of directors. The board oversees the governance of the co-op and hires and oversees the general manager. They are also tasked with supervising financial conditions and sharing the co-op vision to best serve all owners. Each board member serves a three-year term. Review the candidate bios below, then cast your ballot for your top three choices starting Sept. 1.

OWNER SINCE 2017

I believe that what we feed ourselves and our families is one of the most important decisions we make, and how we source our food matters as much as what we eat. That’s why I’m so excited by the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of Lakewinds where my family and I have been members since 2017. When we moved to Minnetonka, we were thrilled to find a place like Lakewinds in our own backyard. My husband, two kids, and I are grateful for the abundance it has brought into our lives, especially the local produce and the bulk aisle!

I am excited about the potential to serve on the Lakewinds board because it combines my global healthcare marketing and strategy experience at Medtronic with my spirit of community service. As a believer in the power of business to make positive contributions to the world, it’s right at the intersection of my professional and personal interests in health, wellness, and sustainability. I hope to bring innate curiosity and strategic thinking with my proven business acumen to serve Lakewinds and all members as it continues to expand the community, environmental, and financial impact it has.

OWNER SINCE 2021

I believe in the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of providing access to sustainable, locally sourced food. After a fulfilling career as an Army Intelligence Officer, I eagerly offer my strategic leadership and crisis management skills to benefit our cooperative. My military experience taught me to analyze complex information, make critical decisions under pressure, and lead diverse teams with integrity and resilience. These skills can help me guide Lakewinds through its most challenging issues to ensure its continued success.

As a Park Commissioner in Shorewood and an active volunteer with local veterans’ groups, I have deepened my connection to our community. These roles have reinforced my commitment to public service and given me valuable insights into community engagement and resource management. I am passionate about supporting initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and inclusivity.

I want to bring these experiences to the Board, where I can contribute to our shared mission of providing exceptional, sustainable food choices and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a positive impact.

OWNER SINCE 2023

My background includes farm to fork experience, from weeding soybean fields in rural Minnesota as a youth, to working in a grocery store as bag boy and cashier in high school, to working in a bakery post-college, to 15 years in quality assurance in food manufacturing. I practice mindful eating and exercise, including ultra-marathons and Pilates.

As a health coach, I know how important nutritious food is to health. As a QA professional, I know the challenges of keeping that food safe. Access to safe, healthy, affordable food is a core value of the co-op movement. I want to help Lakewinds continue to deliver on that promise. I have spent my career working with teams to accomplish goals. I love helping people learn and grow!

I am currently the Quality Assurance manager at JonnyPops, based in Elk River, MN. I took the position in part because of their commitment to kindness as a core principle. That principle applies to Lakewinds as well, and I want to nurture it.

I’ve been a member of Mississippi Market Co-op. I now live in Eden Prairie, halfway between the Minnetonka and Chanhassen stores. My Friday ritual is to stop and shop at the Minnetonka store on my way home from work.

OWNER SINCE 2010

I moved to Minnetonka in 2010 and became a Lakewinds member/owner that same year. I saw the benefits of membership immediately. I appreciate the high quality, organic, sustainable food sold at Lakewinds and I trust that the co-op upholds these high standards. I have a strong affinity for Lakewinds and the great contributions it makes to our community and beyond. I want to be part of its continued success!

I have a genuine interest in food sources, sustainability, “food as medicine,” and the overall health of our community. I would bring to the Lakewinds Board a long career in marketing communications positions in higher education and medical device/healthcare. My experience includes goal setting, team-building, all marketing channels, event planning, organizing volunteers, and budget development/management. I have an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in management. My previous board experience includes Vice President, University of St. Thomas Alumni Board. In that role I was focused on alumni engagement and two-way communication.

I will bring an open ear and an open mind and represent YOU in the decisions being made by the Board. I hope to earn your vote.

OWNER SINCE 2013

It has been an honor to serve on the Lakewinds Board of Directors for the past 3 years, including the current year as Board President. During this time, we have guided the co-op through pandemic recovery and a General Manager transition. Lakewinds holds a special place in my heart because it offers local, healthy food for families and a wide assortment of allergen-friendly foods for my son. I wish to continue to contribute on the board to guide Lakewinds toward fulfilling its mission and making a meaningful impact in our community.

Professionally, I am a marketing consultant, helping organizations accelerate growth and unlock their potential. I started consulting after a 23-year career in consumer products marketing at General Mills, 3M, and Cargill. I am also known for my positive attitude, collaborative communication, and effective coaching. This experience provides me with valuable insights in leadership, marketing, and strategic planning, which are essential in my role on the board.

I live in Minnetonka with my husband and two sons. I enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking and skiing. Additionally, I serve as a Board Member for the City of Minnetonka Parks.

OWNER SINCE 2022

I am grateful that Lakewinds provides my family access to nutritious foods, grown sustainably and locally, at accessible prices. When I shop at Lakewinds, I know I’m supporting my family’s health and the livelihoods of sustainable farmers across our state and region, who rely on markets like Lakewinds to receive fair prices for their products.

How we source and grow our foods represents one of the largest areas of health and environmental impact that is within our direct ability to choose and improve. I am interested in offering my time, talents, and energy as a member of the board to further Lakewinds’ important work.

I bring a deep background in organizational design and project management from over a decade consulting in the healthcare, public utilities, and retail sectors. In 2023, I founded The New Northern in order to work directly with communities, commercial brands, and nonprofit organizations seeking to solve a number of challenges and consequences created by the growing climate crisis.

Cast your ballot

In-store and online voting is now closed. If you missed the deadline you can still vote from 1 to 1:10 pm at our Annual Meeting at Gale Woods Farm on Sunday, Sept. 15.