OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op has an elected Board of Directors that represents our member-owners and helps guide the co-op. Key tasks include:
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setting direction, mission and vision
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overseeing the management of the business
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establishing and monitoring policies
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implementing the co-op's purposes & objectives
Board members are volunteers serving 3 year terms. Any member-owner in good standing is eligible to serve on the board.
Monthly board meetings are typically held on the 3rd Monday of each month from 5:15-6:45 PM (see events calendar for details) at the Ti Arts Gallery.
Mon, November 17th, 2025
(3nd Monday)
Mon, December 15th, 2025
(3rd Monday)
Mon, January 19th, 2026
(3rd Monday)
Mon, February 16th, 2026
(3rd Monday)
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dawn Karlson
PRESIDENT
" Every summer Sunday when I was growing up, my sister & I sold grapes, tomatoes, & veggies at a roadside stand at my Grandma's house. Growing & eating fresh produce has always been in my DNA, so when I learned about food co-ops while living in the Berkshires, I was hooked. When my husband Mark and I moved to Ticonderoga in 2019, I was happily surprised there was a food co-op in our little town. Serving on the Ti Natural Foods Co-op board aligns with my values: sustainable farming, community, local economy, healthy food. It's been so much fun working with staff and other board members to create a sense of community and cooperation at the Ti Co-op. "
Retired Minister & Global Insurance Executive
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Mike Tighe
VICE PRESIDENT
" My introduction to the co-op came when I was the Chef at Ledge Hill brewery and wanted to utilize high quality local cheeses for our charcuterie boards. I was struggling to find a source and by chance walked into the Ti Natural Foods Co-op and saw their outstanding selection of cheeses from local creameries. We worked with the co-op to feature the cheeses on the boards which quickly became a best seller and I was hooked.
After I left Ledge Hill I wanted to give back to our community. I have since worked with the co-op to host cooking classes which has been gratifying for me and well received by the community. "
Retired Telecommunications Executive
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Ash Alexander
TREASURER
Business Manager,
Co-Owner of Ticonderoga
Animal Hospital
" I chose to join the Ticonderoga Natural Foods
Co-op board because of my deep-rooted connection to agriculture and my passion for supporting local producers. Growing up on a family farm, I developed a profound appreciation for the amount of effort and care that goes into producing high quality products! My goal for my time on the board is to help ensure that the co-op remains a thriving hub for high-quality, locally-sourced goods, and to institute sound financial practices for long-term
success. "
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Casey King
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
" I joined the board of the Ticonderoga Natural Food Co-op because I believe in the co-op's mission to support farmers and producers while providing access to organic and natural products. Being part of the board allows me to contribute to important decisions that can enhance our community's well-being, support ethical practices, and foster a sense of connection among members. Additionally, I see this as an opportunity to bring my skills in marketing, and creative community engagement to help further the co-op's goals and ensure its long-term success. "
Associate Real Estates Broker, Julie & Co Realty
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Rich Strum
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
" I grew up in Hague and graduated from Ticonderoga High School. In addition to working at the Fort, I serve on a planning committee for the New York State Council for Social Studies, am an officer with the Adirondack Torch Club, a member of Mount Defiance Lodge in Ticonderoga and am the coordinator for North Country History Day. The Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op plays an essential role in revitalizing the downtown area and enhances life for the local and regional community. "
Director of Academic Programs,
Fort Ticonderoga
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Debra Meier
CAPACITY BUILDING
"After retiring from Glens Falls National Bank (Arrow Bank) in 2019, where I served as their Senior Vice President of HR and Training, my husband and I made our dream of spending winters in the warmer south and summers at our Eagle Lake camp a reality. While at the Lake, I sought out a local place to shop for fresh produce, grass-fed meats, and natural shelf products while supporting a Ticonderoga small business. That's when I discovered the Co-Op and fell in love with not only the products but also the vibe and community spirit that envelops you the minute you walk in."
Retired Senior Vice President of HR and Training, Arrow Bank
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Adine Viscusi
FOOD SYSTEM STRATEGY
"I deeply believe in the Co-op model, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can elevate producers, empower consumers, and
foster stronger local economies. I have long appreciated the exceptional quality of the food I purchase from the Co-op, and am honored to help sustain and grow its impact. I believe in community ownership, transparency, and
purpose-driven growth and hope to help strengthen relationships with local producers, support food access and equity initiatives, and contribute to a long-term strategy that keeps the Co-op thriving for years to come."
Senior Executive,
Casa Visco
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Dr. Glen Chapman
"I enjoyed growing up in Newcomb, NY spending much time outdoors. I came to the “big city” of Ticonderoga in 1984 and served the community as a doctor for 36 years. As a family doctor l saw all too well how good nutrition plays an all important role in maintaining good health. The old adage “You are what you eat” certainly rang true. I am now retired but I want to continue to contribute to health in the area by helping the Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-Op succeed and help area residents have access to healthy foods including local produce."
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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Kip Berrick
ORIGINATING MEMBER
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