Board of Directors

‘To me, the co-op is like a member of our family. Knowing that we support an organization that shares the same values is important. One way I can show my support is by using my leadership, food background, and business skills to serve on the board of directors to help ensure that the co-op will continue to serve the community, now and in the future.’
-Alex Slichter, TCCP Board president

The Wedge and Linden Hills Co-ops, Wedge Table, and Co-op Partners Warehouse are governed by an elected Board of Directors. In 2017’s consolidation of the Wedge & Linden Hills co-ops to become Twin Cities Co-op Partners (TCCP), the Wedge & Linden Hills boards each independently elected three individuals to move forward to the new board. That group of six individuals then recommended a seventh board seat, along with a chair emeritus position. In 2018, the chair emeritus position expired, and the board recommended an eighth board seat. The Board meets regularly and reports on the state of TCCP at its Annual Meeting every autumn.

Board Role and Duties

The Board of Directors has three primary duties:

To ensure sound management of the co-op
To act as trustees on behalf of the ownership
To set long-range goals and plan for the future

To fulfill these responsibilities, the Board of Directors focuses on four key areas:

Hiring and evaluating the CEO
Financial oversight
Long-range strategic planning
Recruitment of replacement directors

Directors act in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Conduct

The Board also oversees elections and recommends updates to the Articles and Bylaws, the legal documents that define and guide the co-op.

Directors must look after the best interests of the co-op as a whole in a changing business environment. That means that policies and practices at the co-op may change over time.

Owners are welcome to attend the board meetings. If you want to contact the co-op’s Board of Directors, please use the contact us form and be sure to select the appropriate category.

Board Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the board to set long-term goals and ensure planning for the future, ensure sound management of co-op resources, and act as trustees on behalf of the owners.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the Board of Directors must focus on these key areas:

Hiring, supervising and evaluating the co-op’s CEO.
Planning for the co-op’s future and approving management’s plans
Approving capital and operating budgets
Recruiting new directors to ensure a well-qualified board
Making decisions about the mechanics of the co-op’s governance system, development of policies and guidelines and other related matters, (Note: The board does NOT make operating decisions for the store, choose products or supervise staff other than the CEO).

Expectations of Board Members:

Understand and promote the mission of the Twin Cities Co-op Partners
Understand the role of the Board of Directors
Act in the interests of the all owners, not a specific constituency
Attend meetings faithfully and serve on committees effectively (10-20 hours/month time commitment, depending on committee assignments and intensity of board work which may vary over time)
Assess their own performance as board directors
Act in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Conduct
Assure continuity of the highest quality in board directorship

Current Board

Learn more about our current board and read bios HERE

President: Alex Slichter
Vice President: Emily Paul
Treasurer: Tom Pierson
Secretary: Steve Share
Directors: Emily Anderson, Me’Lea Connelly, Lisa Fittipaldi, Sarita Parikh, Jane Schommer

Board Meetings

Upcoming Board Meetings

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the board is holding all meetings virtually until further notice. They continue to respond to owner questions and concerns. Please call 612-871-3993 (x1817) or email board@tccp.coop to contact them.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Board meetings typically begin at 5:30 pm and are held at the Wedge Table Community Room unless otherwise noted.

Owners are welcome to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings. If you are interested in attending, please email board@tccp.coop or call 612.871.3993 x1817 at least one day in advance of the meetings.

To contact the Board, or to inquire about making a presentation to the Board, please email board@tccp.coop or call 612.871.3993 x1817.

Owner Attendance & Presentations at Board of Directors Meetings

Approved regular session Board meeting minutes are available to owners upon request.

Become a Candidate

A qualified board candidate is a co-op member with a passion for our community, strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach. We seek board candidates who can engage in respectful debate and dialogue, bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the conversation.

The position requires an average commitment of 10–20 hours per month and offers a stipend of $7,302 per year.

Elections are held annually each fall. Interested owners should complete the application and submit it to election@tccp.coop. Board Candidate Applications are due June 30, 2020. For more information about the joining the Board of Directors, see Board Role and Duties, Board Responsibilities and Candidate Selection Criteria.

Click here for the application: Board of Directors Candidate Application

Candidate Selection Criteria

Reasons to Consider Running for the Board of Directors:

You want to make a contribution to your community
You want to give something back to your favorite co-op
You have talent and energy to share
You want to be actively involved in a representative democracy

Criteria Considered by the Nominations Committee for Board Candidates:

Active owner of record in good standing (may be verified with Customer Service)
Completed application and resume submitted prior to deadline
Ability to perform the responsibilities and expectations of board director
Commitment to the Code of Ethics and Conduct adopted by the TCCP Board of Directors
Good communication skills
Leadership qualities (listed below)
Understanding of the role of the Board of Directors
Ability to readily understand financial issues and read financial statements such as balance sheets
Previous board, committee or other group experience

Desirable Candidate Leadership Qualities:

The Board of Directors needs people with commitment to the entire ownership of the co-op, not just specific issues. If you possess the following leadership characteristics, or a good number of them, please consider applying.

Able to share a vision, a purpose, an ideal
Empowers others and delegates authority
Is creative, imaginative, and flexible
Respects multiple elements of diversity and diversity of thought
Displays candor and has the courage to challenge respectfully
Follows through on commitments
Understands balance between bottom line and larger organizational purpose
Able to maintain confidentiality when required
Able to work on a team
Able to put the interests of the whole body above the interests of a few
Able to think long term and see the big picture without getting bogged down in details
Previous experience working in a group or on a board and a background or expertise in finance, retail or wholesale management is a plus for candidates

Term: 3 years, beginning with the first board meeting following the October annual meeting

Compensation: $7,302 per year, paid monthly (more for officers)