We invite all members to participate in our current election for the board which is happening now through November 15th.

Vote here!

2025 Candidates 

Anch Bergeson

Why do you want to join the Board?
I’d like to help support the work and vision of the Oly Food Co-op, to give back some to the community that’s brought good health & nutrition, goodwill, and good business to so many in Thurston County.

What skills would you bring?
* Current member of the Olympia Food Co-op Board (appointed seat) and the Community Sustaining Fund                         *Past volunteer within the Olympia School District, local youth-arts nonprofits, KAOS Community Radio.
* Teamwork, listening, problem solving, event planning
* Data management, web development, project planning & management

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
I share with other Board and Staff members this vision for the Co-op:
– continued growth in membership and business at the Co-op
– updates and expansion at the Eastside Store to accommodate our growth with more retail and warehouse space, improved parking, increased inventory, updated infrastructure, more sustainable energy usage, and (dream big!) a little cafe
– greater engagement with members & staff
– DEI as a prevailing standard
– discounts and other programs to support low-income members
– features on local producers/vendors of food and other products
– meaningful acknowledgement of our regional native tribes
– continued support of local non-profits and business start-ups through Round-up and
other programs

What else would you like to share?
In 2024, I was appointed to the Co-op Board through December 2025. In the past year, I’ve benefited from valuable training in DEI, communications, and cashiering. I’ve appreciated all of the Board and Staff members with whom I’ve been serving on the Board and Committees. I’m also the liaison between the Co-op and the Community Sustaining Fund.

Andie Giron

Why do you want to join the Board?
I want to continue my service on the Board because I feel like my work isn’t quite ready to come to an end, yet. Volunteering on the Board has changed my mind, heart and soul for the better, and I am proud of the impact I have made while serving with my fellow Board members. If elected for another term, I would continue working on projects to make our membership more accessible to lower/no income folks. Through creative wealth redistribution, I want to explore how our community members can support each other financially, sharing existing resources. There is a culture shift happening at the Co-Op and in our larger community, and I am excited to be connected with Flex + Collective staff, and other Board + working members who all want to see OFC act with even more inclusion towards historically oppressed groups. Additionally, I am a policy and food nerd and I really just love to spend my time and energy supporting OFC. I have adored being apart of the Board, and I am extremely grateful for everything I have learned and hope to keep learning!

What skills would you bring?
The skills that I would bring to the board in a new term, include patience, an equity/anti-  oppression mindset, a willingness to set boundaries and speak truth to power, and holistic + critical thinking. As a former nanny and current caregiver for disabled adults, I sometimes question my own ability to act as a Board member in a world that is obsessed with credentials and professionalism. I’m reminded of everything I’ve learned while taking care of vulnerable people. Children taught me to slow down, and I bring a sense of sustainability and human pace to our big picture discussions and ideas regarding the future of the co op and expansion efforts. Caring for disabled adults has taught me to be flexible and that anything can change at anytime, usually when you least expect it! In our ever shifting world, with the feeling of survival mode becoming ever more present, I feel grateful to have the skills to adapt and act to make sure that
Olympia Food Co-Op can support our community as long as humanly possible.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
I envision continuing to shift the culture of the co op, as mentioned previously, so we can reach as many folks in our community as possible. Our Co-Op already has The Free Store, a low income discount of 10% off of membership prices, free fruit to kiddo shoppers, and $7 community education classes, among other amazing programs! I see us expanding our community offerings and presence in the community beyond the usual confines of grocery store but to one of a strong standing, intersectional community hub. I see that the Co-Op not only has the material resources, such as buildings, and a budget, but also a deep culture of care, connection and service to transform our presence in the community. I wonder to myself often – what would happen if we changed our definition of expansion beyond the traditional metrics of growth for a food Co-Op? What community organizations/mutual aid efforts could be uplifted by our partnership and support? Can we amp up our support of farmers and local food suppliers for a more circular economy in our community? These are all questions I hope to explore in my new Board term.

What else would you like to share?
Thank you for reading my answers and considering me for another Board term. Being apart of the Co-Op as a member and now, a Board member, has been a privilege that I don’t take for granted. Fresh, local food sold by neighbors and friends feels magical and miraculous when the darkness of our world seems to be growing in visibility by the day. Our community, and our food Co-Op is so special to me and so many others, and I am grateful to be apart of OFC.

Christina Upshur

Letter of Interest

Dear Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors, I am writing to express my interest in joining the Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors. As a proud member of the Co-op for over a decade, I have seen firsthand the value it brings to our community—not only as a source of nourishment, but as a space that fosters connection, education, and equity. I would be honored to help guide the Co-op into its next chapter, bringing my experience, perspective, and deep commitment to its mission.

I firmly believe that food is medicine. This belief has shaped my personal life, my approach to wellness, and my advocacy for greater access to healthy, local, and culturally relevant foods. As a Tlingít tribal member, I carry with me an indigenous worldview that centers reciprocity, stewardship, and respect for the natural world. I believe it would be valuable to have this perspective represented on the board as we make decisions about sourcing, partnerships, and community outreach.

Professionally, I have worked as a tax preparer, which has honed my ability to think quantitatively and approach problems with clarity and precision. This skill set translates well to board work, where careful analysis of budgets, financial reports, and long-term planning is crucial. In addition, my background in customer service has strengthened my communication skills and my ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that are essential to thoughtful, consensus-driven governance.

My vision for the Olympia Food Co-op is one of growth and accessibility. I would like to see us expand our availability of local wares, supporting farmers, artisans, and producers right here in our region. I would also work to ensure that healthy, high-quality food is within reach for everyone in our community, regardless of income. This could mean exploring more robust food access programs, increasing education about cooking with whole foods, or finding creative ways to lower barriers to membership.

Serving on the Board would give me the opportunity to give back to a community that has nourished me for many years. I would approach this role with dedication, humility, and a focus on collaboration, knowing that the strength of the Co-op lies in its members and its shared vision.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I would welcome the chance to bring my skills, experience, and perspective to the Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors, and to help ensure that our Co-op continues to thrive as a resource for everyone.

Glen Phillips

Why do you want to join the Board?
I have been a long time member of the Olympia Food Coop. Our Coop is an important community resource for both championing healthy food and household products and supporting local growers and producers. I know the benefit of supporting a local food coop for my family and the larger community. I also see the potential for our coop. Having been around and experiencing other local food coops in western Washington and northwest Oregon I see how much more our food coop can be and do. I want to join the board to give back to the Olympia Food Coop and to help shepherd it into the future.

What skills would you bring?
I retired during the pandemic after a long working career holding a variety of positions in logistics, procurement, and operations management. I am a graduate of The Evergreen State College with a concentration in Business and Management. I am also a consumer of groceries and household goods and know what appeals to me in a shopping experience. I consider that to be valuable experience for understanding what the coop member/customer expects from the coop.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
Our local food coop has so much potential. I believe we can learn a lot from other local food coops in Western Washington and northwest Oregon. The Astoria, Port Townsend and Mount Vernon coops are examples of what we could become. Our coop has not changed much in the decades since I first joined. I left the Olympia area for 10 years and upon my return found the coop pretty much the same as when I left. A few updates have been made, but it remained essentially unchanged. Emulating those other coops is what I aspire to for our local coop.

What else would you like to share?
I love the Olympia Food Coop. I appreciate what it is and I have an eye towards what it can become. I believe the coop is one of the many things that make Olympia such a special place to live. I would like to see the coop continue to thrive and grow. I would love to have the opportunity to have a role in bringing about that growth.

Jill Saibel

Why do you want to join the Board?
I’m willing to put time and effort into Board duties if I’m selected. I love the Olympia Food Co-op. I’ve been a member for over 40 years and appreciate its emphasis on quality food and inclusive service. I do the lion’ s share of my grocery shopping here.

What skills would you bring?
My background and experience include employment as a technical writer, editor, and web site committee member for Washington State. I also have corporate sales experience and basic office skills.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
My vision for the Co-op includes:
• Continue to offer quality foods and specialty items
• Avoid processed foods that contain unnecessary or harmful additives
• Continue a welcoming environment for people of all walks of life
• Expansion of the Eastside Co-op as needed
• Educating the community with classes and demonstrations
• Enhancing access to the Co-op

What else would you like to share?
My husband adopted a vegan lifestyle nearly 15 years ago. I love whole food cooking, and gardening, too. As a senior, I am dedicated to keeping my husband and I as healthy as possible through clean, nutritious, and satisfying food.

 Laurie Weidner

Why do you want to join the Board?
I want to serve on the CoOp Board because I believe in the mission and work of the CoOp, and I want to contribute to its continued growth and success. I also want to join the Board because I believe the CoOp is somewhat of a hidden gem in need of discovery! Past Board members, staff and working members have built the CoOp into what it is today with ever expanding educational programs and offerings for the community at-large and members. I would be honored to contribute to the CoOp’s growth and enhanced visibility in Olympia and the surrounding communities.

What skills would you bring?
I have been a non-profit CEO in Olympia, working for a membership-driven organization with four employees and an operating budget of $1.2 M. This experience has given me special insights, and a focus on serving members. I understand the role of the Board vs. that of staff. I have chaired and served on non-profit and not-for-profit boards, am a seasoned public relations professional and a former state administrator. I have expertise in strategic planning, board development/training, policy development, budgeting, and strategic communications. My degrees are in Communications (BA) and Political Science (MA). However, I nearly completed a BS degree in nutrition science. Healthy eating has always been a central focus of my life, and is part of my DNA. I love sharing healthy eating tips, recipes, and tricks, especially for younger professionals and busy single parents.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
My vision includes building upon current programs and offerings:
– Expand the visibility of the CoOp through increased outreach and promotion to expand support from among younger residents and those from diverse communities
– Expand the community classes, which are a great way to educate community members about the CoOp, its offerings, and initiatives
– Support the overall long-term sustainability of the CoOp through continued strategic planning and fiscal stewardship

What else would you like to share?
I believe the CoOp is a hidden gem. I discovered it by chance as a new resident of Olympia (moved here in 2021). I saw an announcement for a community class and I signed up. That started my love affair with the CoOp! I've taken a handful of classes (all have been wonderful), and I've taught two classes (summer 2024 and winter 2025). I enjoy shopping at both locations, and am especially fond of the fresh produce, spices, gourmet yogurt, and wide variety of fresh flours for baking. I feel fortunate to have this wonderful resource within a short drive to my home, and I believe that the fresh, organic food and community offerings make the CoOp a treasured resource in Olympia. I would be very honored to serve on the Board. I believe that my professional experience will enable me to be an effective contributor to the Board and its committees. I am stepping out of full-time employment in December 2025. Therefore, I am fully ready to commit to the Board and the service hour requirements.

Riley Moody

Why do you want to join the Board?
I believe in acting locally and creating a strong local community; food is our common thread.

What skills would you bring?
Strong organizational skills; team building, analytical tools and working with people and data. Listening and communication skills.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
Continue distributing quality products and to be a community pillar now and into the foreseeable future.

What else would you like to share?
I’ve spent the last year working with Olympia Indivisible particularly in De-escalation preserving our democracy. I did run for the board last year yet was not selected. (Photo at my favorite daily walking destination Squaxin Park)

Sara Glass

Why do you want to join the Board?
I became a member just after moving to Olympia in 1980. At the time, there was nowhere near the access to organic options available now, and I wanted to support the Coop’s business model and mission. I paid $1 a month and eventually received my pink paper card! I’ve recently retired and trained as a working member (Westside, produce). It’s given me more insight into ordering and some management processes and I am inspired to take this next step! I’m also ever grateful for the Coop’s response during COVID. Faster and more efficiently than the other local grocery stores, the Coop created an online ordering and pick up system that meant I could still access my favorite items, including bulk! And those shower curtain partitions and that everyone masked, even after the mandate was lifted. I believe it’s tied to the mission of care and inclusivity and I would love play a larger role.

What skills would you bring?
Retirement means I will have the time to thoughtfully participate, engage with written materials and attend requisite meetings.I bring those 45+ year historical perspective am collaborative and organized, a very good editor and writer and have effective speaking skills.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
I hope I can effectively guide the Coop as it continues to grow. As a new Board Member, initially I’d prefer to support the vision of those with more experience, but as a frequent shopper at both stores I do have opinions to offer when relevant! I like creative problem solving and am energetic and know I’ll discover areas I can be useful, rather than running for this election with an agenda to push. Thank you for your consideration!

Shannon Chancellor

Why do you want to join the Board?
As a chef and a mother, I see the Olympia Co-op as more than a grocery store. The Co-op is a vital community institution that embodies values I am passionate about. I want to join the board because I value the cooperative model and its power to create positive change in our food system and community. My professional work has shown me how food can connect us all, and the co-op represents the best of what is possible when we prioritize community wellbeing over pure profit. I am drawn to the opportunity to help guide an organization that supports local farmers, provides access to healthy food, and creates spaces for education and connection. The co-op’s cooking demonstrations, volunteer programs, and commitment to showcasing small producers align with my priorities around food justice and community building.

What skills would you bring?
My culinary background provides me with knowledge of food systems, from farm to table. I understand the hurdles facing local producers, the importance of seasonal eating, and how to communicate the value of quality ingredients to consumers. This expertise would be valuable in product selection discussions, vendor relationships, and educational programming. As a mother, I bring the perspective of families navigating food choices on budgets while trying to prioritize health and sustainability. I understand the real-world challenges members face and advocate for policies that support accessibility and affordability. My hospitality and entrepreneurial experiences have taught me how to create welcoming, inclusive environments where diverse people are valued. I am skilled at consensus-building, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving, essential qualities for effective board governance. I am also comfortable with community engagement, which would support outreach and member communication efforts. Additionally, I bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to preparation and follow-through that board service requires.

What vision do you have for the Co-op?
I envision the Olympia Co-op continuing to evolve as a model of how business can serve community good while remaining financially sustainable. I see opportunities to expand our educational programming by tapping into local commerce and education resources to offer more diverse cooking classes, food preservation workshops, and nutrition education the meets people where they are in their food journey. I would like to see the co-op strengthen its role as a platform for local producers, helping members understand the stories behind products and the impact of their purchasing decisions. This could include enhanced producer spotlights, seasonal promotions that highlight local availability, and events that connect members directly with farmers and makers. Sustainability should remain central to our identity, with continued progress toward zero waste, renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agricultural practices. I believe we can lead by example while making sustainable choices accessible and appealing to all members. I also envision expanding volunteer engagement opportunities that utilize members diverse skills while strengthening our cooperative community. The co-op should continue being a space where people not only shop but connect, learn, and contribute to something larger than themselves.

What else would you like to share?
I am committed to the time and energy that effective board service requires. I understand that board work involves both strategic thinking and attention to operational details, and I am prepared for both aspects of the role. My approach to leadership is collaborative and inclusive. I know the best decisions come from incorporating diverse perspectives, and I am committed to ensuring all voices are heard and valued in board discussions. I am comfortable with the financial oversight responsibilities of board membership and understand the importance of balancing mission-driven goals with sound business practices. As someone who has chosen to make Olympia my home and raise my family here, I have a personal investment in our community’s health and vitality. The co-op plays a crucial role in both, and I would be honored to contribute to its continued success and positive impact.

Vote here!

About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is elected by the membership to serve a three year term for the Olympia Food Co-op. The  Board establishes policies, oversees the operating and capital budgets, approves plans and recommendations, and sets general guidelines for staff and working members. They hold ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the Co-op.

Board members also serve on various committees, such as finance, member relations, and expansion. Other responsibilities are listed in the bylaws, which the Board is responsible to uphold.

Board members receive working member credit for their time spent in Board and committee meetings. The monthly commitment ranges between 10 to 20 hours.

2025 elections will be held from October 15 – November 15.