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Meet the Board
Whole Foods Co‑op is a consumer-owned cooperative that is wholly owned and governed by the Owners.
The Owners elect a Board of Directors to establish and uphold policies on how the business is run. Through the ENDS policy, the Board sets the vision for the cooperative. The Board also sets general policies that define the role and responsibilities of the General Manager who oversees day-to-day operations.
As an Owner, the Whole Foods Co‑op is your store. The success of the Co‑op is your success. You have a voice in your Co‑op’s future through voting in elections, serving on committees, and/or serving on the Board as an elected director.
The Whole Foods Co‑op Board of Directors
Maria Isley
President
Term Expires 2025
Robin Pestalozzi
Vice President
Term Expires 2025
Diane Desotelle
Treasurer
Term Expires 2025
Amber Schlater
Secretary
Term Expires 2027
Scott Van Daele
Term Expires 2027
Susan Darley-Hill
Term Expires 2026
Chris Lee
Term Expires 2026
Tristen Eberling
Term Expires 2026
Elyse LaCosse
Term Expires 2027
Board Committees
- Finance: Diane Destotelle (Chair), Amber Schlater, Susan Darley-Hill, Sarah Hannigan (General Manager)
- Recruitment: Tristen Eberling (Chair), Robin Pestalozzi, Chris Lee
- GMBR: Maria Isley (Chair), Robin Pestalozzi, Scott Van Daele
- Board Engagement: Amber Schlater (Chair), Scott Van Daele, Diane Desotelle, Susan Darley-Hill, Chris Lee
- Board Communication Ad Hoc: Amber Schlater (Chair), Maria Isley, Sarah Hannigan
Meeting Minutes
Board meetings are typically held at 5:30 p.m. on the 4th Monday of every month at our Denfeld store.
Location and time are subject to change; visit wholefoods.coop/events-calendar for the latest information.
Annual Owner Meeting
Are you an Owner?
Directly Participate in Meetings in the Following Ways
Open Listening Sessions: The first 30 minutes of all Board Meetings are set aside for Owners to present comments or concerns on topics they choose directly to the Board. These listening sessions give the Board the opportunity to hear from Owners and help the Board better understand Owner concerns. Parameters are outlined here.
Items for Discussion: Owners can submit items to be included for discussion at a Board meeting. For consideration, submit your item in writing by the first Friday of the month in which you request the Board’s consideration. Such agenda items will be subject to time constraints at the Board meeting.
What Does it Look Like to Be On the Board?
Board members attend monthly meetings (the last Monday evening of each month) as well as monthly or as-needed committee meetings. Committee members determine committee meeting times to fit their schedules. Depending on the board member’s role, one can expect to spend 5-10 hours per month on board work. This includes regularly checking and responding to emails, attending meetings, writing and editing documents, and reading materials to prepare for meetings. There may be times when the GM or board chair requests individual meetings or conversations to discuss board matters, build relationships, or provide operational updates. In addition, several all-day retreats occur throughout the year – typically on weekends.
Each board member receives a co-op email account and must have the ability to access the internet to retrieve emails and attend virtual meetings. A stipend is provided to all Board members to support their service. In addition, professional development is provided to build Board member skills around policy governance, co-op finance, and other relevant topics.
Interested?
If the following statements apply to you, you would be a great candidate!
- I CARE about the needs of our community, our Co‑op Owners, and staff.
- I want to UPHOLD the standards of professionalism, advocacy, and commitment the Co‑op exists by.
- I want to LEARN more about cooperative principles, the cooperative business model, and policy governance.
- I want to SUPPORT cooperative principles, the cooperative business model, and policy governance.
- I want to CONTRIBUTE my wisdom and experience to strengthen the Co‑op.
Eligibility
In order to run for election to the Whole Foods Co‑op Board of Directors, the following must be true for the applying individual. All applications will be reviewed to ensure adherence to Board Eligibility, Article 4.2 of the Whole Food Co‑op Bylaws.
Candidates must:
- Be the Primary Owner of your account for a minimum of ninety (90) consecutive days prior to the application deadline in August. (If you’re not sure you are the primary owner, you can call either store, and the Customer Service Counter can provide that information.)
- Have attended one of the most recent 12 Board meetings before the application deadline.
- Be willing to attend monthly meetings and serve a three-year term.
- Complete the Board Application and pass a background check per Whole Foods Co‑op policy.
- Provide a current resume and list of references.
- Participate in an interview, prior to the election, with members of the Recruitment Committee.
The Next Application Opens in 2025
Applications to join the Board open in early in the calendar year and elections are held in in the fall. Sign up to receive our weekly emails so you don’t miss announcements for application windows and other great news from the Co-op.