Run for the Board

The Board of Directors plays a central role in a co-operative business. Here are some key areas for which the Co-op Board of Directors is responsible:

• Vision and Direction: The Board articulates the vision for the Co-op in alignment with our Ends.
• Oversight of Leadership: As representatives of Co-op Member-Owners, the Board hires, compensates, and delegates responsibilities to the CEO, holding them accountable on behalf of Co-op Owners.
• Financial Monitoring: Board members are responsible for exercising due diligence in monitoring the Co-op’s financial condition.
• Meetings and Recommendations: The Board discusses matters affecting the Co-op during monthly meetings. When necessary, they prepare information and present recommendations to Member-Owners.
• Operational Oversight: The Board does not engage in the day-to-day operations of the store; they do not participate in selecting items for the shelves or hiring staff. The CEO manages these responsibilities and all other operational duties. The Board establishes high-level policies that guide the CEO in making sound business decisions.

Importantly, much of the Board’s work is reactive; they respond to events, ideas, and opportunities that arise. Directors must focus on the future and be prepared to share their expertise on ways to improve the Co-op’s well-being and better prepare for upcoming challenges.

Any Co-opportunity Member-Owner who is at least 18 years of age and in good standing (no outstanding share payments due) for nine (9) months immediately before the last day of the application is eligible to run for a seat on the Board. 

Candidates who have a conflict of interest (e.g., Board employees or those employed by a competing grocer) with service on the Board are not eligible to run.

For those considering running for a seat on the board it is helpful to have:

• A strong passion and commitment to the Co-op’s core values
• Experience with strategic planning or demonstrated ability to think strategically to shape organizational vision
• An ability to read a financial statement or a willingness to learn
• Experience with community engagement and representation
• Desire to work cohesively as a team with the ability to compromise, reach consensus, and build on shared knowledge
• Professional attitude when making tough decisions, being accountable for the consequences and being able to maintain confidentiality
• Strong communication skills
• Legal expertise, experience with natural food and retail industry, and professional experience in marketing are also of added value to the Board

Board members should expect to commit between 8 to 12 hours a month once elected. These would include responsibilities such as:

• Attending monthly board meetings (typically via Zoom but occasionally in-person meetings in Santa Monica)
• Serving on at least one Committee and attending scheduled Committee meetings
• Attending the Annual Owners Meeting in October each year
• Actively participating in Board work, especially in terms of advanced preparation for monthly meetings
• Attending an annual board retreat, occasional training sessions and Owner engagement events

Co-opportunity Market’s Board of Directors is composed of 9 elected Co-op Owners, serving three-year terms. In the upcoming election, three seats will become available.

Board members serve a 3-year term following their election to office. Terms begin at the start of the year, in January, and run through December 31.

Board members in good standing are also eligible for reelection after serving a term.

The Co-op offers a modest monthly stipend as a token of appreciation for the service of our Board members. Additionally, Board members receive a monthly allowance for Co-op purchases and enjoy the same discount on purchases that all Co-op employees are eligible for.

The complete board election schedule is available at the top of this page. Please note the following key dates and milestones:

• Candidates interested in running for a seat on the board must submit their application by July 31, 2025.
• The nomination committee will begin conducting interviews with all candidates in August and will notify approved candidates by September 18, 2025.
• Voting will commence on October 19, 2025, following the Annual Meeting, during which all candidates will have a chance to introduce themselves to Owners.
• Voting ends on November 3, 2025. After this date, ballots will be counted, and candidates will be notified of election results.
• Elected candidates will begin their new term of the Board on January 1, 2026.

• The Board Perpetuation Committee, made up of three members on the board, is charged with the responsibility of selecting the best candidates for the Board of Directors and making a recommendation to the board.
• The Committee will interview all candidates who submit an application throughout the month of August. Once complete, they will declare approved candidates they wish to nominate for final approval by the board.
• Recommended candidates will be notified personally once the board has approved their nomination.
• NOTE: Candidates who are not nominated will still be eligible to run for a seat on the board and will be part of the ballot when voting begins.

• Once the nomination process is complete, Owners will be notified via email about the upcoming elections and the candidates that are running for a seat on the board.
• All candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to Owners during the Annual Meeting in October, prior to the start of voting.
• Once voting opens, the ballot will include a photo and a statement from each candidate.
• Candidates will also have the opportunity to engage with Owners at the store during a tabling event (at specific times and days), if they so choose.