Meet Our Board Members
Another thing that makes the Co-op different from every other grocery store is that we’re owned and democratically run by thousands of community members just like you! Our Skagit Valley Food Co-op Board of Trustees serves on behalf of our member-owners, and works directly with our General Manager on a variety of Co-op matters.
2025 Board of Directors from left to right: Tony (Former General Manager), Rob, Laura (Former Board Member), Zach, Tom, Brad, Casey, Kristen, Leigha (Board Administrator)
Brad Claypool, Board President & Executive Committee
Kristen Ekstran, Vice President & Strategic Planning Committee
Rob Smith, Secretary & Board Development Committee
Casey Schoenberger, Community Giving Committee
Zach Armstrong, Staff Board Member
Tom Theisen, Strategic Planning Committee
Leah Scates, Interim General Manager (not pictured)
Leigha Staffenhagen, Board Administrator
Monthly Board Meetings
We want to hear from you! All member-owners are welcome to attend our monthly Board of Trustees meetings, which are typically held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:45am.
Bring your questions or concerns to the meeting — we give member-owners the opportunity to provide input either before or after the regular meeting agenda. While the Board encourages input, the Board may not be able to add topics raised to that day’s agenda. Owner-member comments should address Board-related (non-operational) issues and will be recorded in the meeting minutes.
Have a question or want to be added to next month’s agenda? Contact the Board directly at board@skagitfoodcoop.com.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, January 8 @7:45am
Skagit Valley Food Co-op Board Room
Run for Our 2026 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op has always been fortunate to have a good group of qualified, involved owner members who were willing to volunteer their time and varied expertise in serving on the Co-op Board. Each year, two positions are open for candidates from the community. The election runs through the May Annual meeting, and we hope for a good turnout. We are especially interested in bringing in owner-members with skill sets that will enhance our role. As the Co-op is a business, business, finance, and leadership skills are always welcome.
The deadline for the next Board election is fast approaching. If you are interested in being on the ballot, you’ll need to submit this paperwork by February 6 and complete the meetings prior to February 12 in order to have your name and info included in the Notice of Election in the Natural Enquirer and online.
Learn more about running for the Board and how to submit your notice of intent at the link below.
Your Vote Counts
Think of all the places you shop on a day-to-day basis. How many of those places do you have the opportunity to choose who represents you at an executive level? Probably not many.
But here at the Co-op, every active member-owner household gets to vote on who they want to serve and uphold the mission of the Co-op. Once a year, coinciding with our Annual Membership Meeting, active owner-members are invited to vote in the election or run for an open position on the Board of Trustees.
Interested in running for the board? Email us! board@skagitfoodcoop.com.