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:
-
setting direction, mission and vision
-
overseeing the management of the business
-
establishing and monitoring policies
-
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 2nd Monday of each month from 5:15-6:45 PM (see events calendar for details) at the Ti Arts Gallery.
Mon, Sept 16th, 2024
(3rd Monday, this month only)
Mon, Oct 14th, 2024
(2nd Monday)
Mon, Nov 11th, 2024
(2nd Monday)
Mon, Dec 9th, 2024
(2nd 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
READ MORE >
" As a founding member of the co-op, Dr. Dean Cook has been committed to its success from the get go. A native of Ticonderoga, Dean returned to his hometown to practice dentistry. He has a strong commitment to the environment and community health. Dean has served on the board since 2015 and continues to provide valuable support to the co-op staff and board."
Dean Cook
VICE PRESIDENT
Dentist, Owner of Adirondack Dental Associates
READ MORE >
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. "
READ MORE >
Michelle Kuba
SECRETARY
" I am proud to be a board member representing the local small farmer. Food co-ops are an important part of sustaining the local food supply. Buying local contributes to food security, animal welfare and helps preserve local farmland in your community. We are the alternative to factory farming, mono-cropping and chemicals. We are believers in nourishing the soil and in turn providing a healthier food choice with a much smaller carbon footprint, as you are not buying food shipped across the country or world. The vision of the co-op, its members, and our customers aligns with our guiding principles as farmers. "
Co-Owner of Crown Point
Farm & Diary
Operations Manager of
Traveler's Insurance
READ MORE >
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
READ MORE >
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
READ MORE >
Mike Tighe
CHEF
" 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
READ MORE >