2022 Candidates for Board of Directors
September 3, 2022
(In alphabetical order by last name)
GERALD ANDERSON – Incumbent
What important unique qualities/skills would you bring to the Board of Directors?
With over fifty years of work experience in numerous settings, I come to you with likely the most diverse array of skills important to the Board of Directors that you could imagine. This includes financial analysis of businesses including new business opportunities, financial management, change management, project management, communications, operations management, business marketing, and design and construction management for commercial property, retail stores, restaurants and hotels.
How have you been involved with the Co-op thus far?
My involvement with the Co-op reaches back almost to the beginning of its existence. I became a Co-op owner in April 2016 and immediately volunteered to table at the Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park to convince members of our community to become owners. Today, six and a half years later, I am still at the Farmers Market nearly every weekend talking to new faces and spreading the word about our great Co-op.
In addition, I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors since 2016 and serving on numerous committees. From 2017 until 2020, I served as Treasurer of the Board and in 2021, the year the store opened, I served as Chair of the Board. The committees I have served on include both owner loan campaigns, the annual 5K run/walk committee, and the sustainability committee, which I currently chair.
And I have had the extreme privilege of being the person in the carrot costume at the half way point of all of our 5k run/walks. Would you believe that I have never had my picture taken more often in one day, than when I was in a carrot costume?
What’s your favorite item in the Co-op?
There is no one item that is my favorite in the store. I spend nearly 100% of my grocery dollars at the store, simply because it has nearly 100% of what I am looking for when I want to cook and I support local in my shopping. It has great organic and no spray produce including such unusual items such as turmeric root and watermelon radishes. It has all types of plant-based cheeses and yogurt. It has wild caught tuna and salmon. It has local tofu and Virginia wines. And it has great locally prepared foods such as Cool Cat Cupcakes, Mo’s City Soups, and Juan More Taco burritos. As far as the kitchen fare, I do have a favorite and that is the Marrakesh bowl with tofu.
What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate, engaging, and dedicated.
NIVIN ELGOHARY
What important unique qualities/skills would you bring to the Board of Directors?
I have worked with rural cooperatives and made numerous presentations to cooperative boards. I understand the cooperative values and principles and their value in community development. I have been in commercial lending for over 19 years and appreciate what it means to invest in community both from the individual and corporate perspective. I own my own business, which opened during the pandemic, which has allowed me the opportunity to make the best of a tough situation. I consider myself a lifelong learner and hope to share what I have learned with others, while still humbling myself to learn from others.
How have you been involved with the Co-op thus far?
I am owner #179 and joined as soon as the opportunity was presented to me. My husband and I were early contributors to give the Co-op a loan before we even found the site for the Co-op. My company, Spavia, contributed $1,000 to the 5k that unfortunately was cancelled due to COVID, but our commitment for the $1,000 remained with the Co-op. Most recently, my team and I volunteered on three different Saturday mornings and afternoons, offering free chair massages to Co-op shoppers. That was VERY FUN for us. Thanks for allowing us that opportunity. I have also enjoyed the Cafe for a nice lunch with coworkers and as a meeting place for networking opportunities.
What’s your favorite item in the Co-op?
I love the coffee options!!!! But even more, I love the vegan palermo eggplant.
What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Creative | Passionate | Service-oriented
MICHAEL SPRAGINS – Incumbent
What important unique qualities/skills would you bring to the Board of Directors?
I have a B.S. degree in Business from Wake Forest University and a J.D. degree from Drake University Law School. After spending several years as an active duty lawyer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, I helped found the Paralegal Technology Program at Johnston Community College in North Carolina and led it for nearly two decades. I am also a certified Mediator and founded the Mediation Center at the college, which I supervised for several years.
I then spent years leading the Business, Public Service, and Technology Department at the college. This position allowed me to manage several widely differing fields, such as Business, Accounting, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Networking, Machining, HVAC, the Truck Driver Training School, and the Basic Law Enforcement Training School. I managed and hired several dozen full-time faculty and dozens of adjunct faculty. Leading this large department involved setting a direction for my varied programs and making sure that all members were aware of that direction and were invested in making sure we met our goals. In 2013 the Governor of North Carolina awarded me the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” which is the highest state award for public service. I have come to understand the leadership and management style necessary to operate within a volunteer organization that is growing. I can effectively work with persons of disparate talents and dispositions, and I have experience in creating an atmosphere of cooperation among the people I work with. These skills will be valuable assets in building a cohesive, successful organization.
How have you been involved with the Co-op thus far?
I have been a member of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op Board of Directors since 2019. During my first term on the Board I served as Board Secretary for two years, during which time I headed a team that revised and updated our Policy Register. I also helped to create and implement an evaluation system for our General Manager. I am currently serving as Vice Chair of the Board.
What’s your favorite item in the Co-op?
My favorite item would be the bulk sales, specifically the walnuts. I also enjoy the deli wraps.
What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Thoughtful, analytical, and cooperative (no pun intended).
ELS VAN WINGERDEN – Incumbent
What important unique qualities/skills would you bring to the Board of Directors?
Commitment, organizational skills, attention to detail, and a firm belief in the cooperative model. I’m comfortable and enjoy interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. A sense of humor helps as well!
How have you been involved with the Co-op thus far?
I became a Co-op owner in October 2017; was elected to the Board of Directors in October 2019, Vice Chair in February 2021 and Chair in 2022. Before our Co-op opened its doors, I was a member of the following committees: Store Site Selection; two Owner Loan Campaigns; Store Development Advisory; Events and Volunteers; and other ad hoc committees/groups.
I’ve broadened my understanding of the economic and social benefits as well as the governing principles of cooperatives by participating in co-op conferences, training workshops, and other seminars over the last five years.
What’s your favorite item in the Co-op?
The produce section is my favorite, but there are so many others!
What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Enthusiastic, caring, straightforward.