About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is made up of co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership, and who represent the owners in guiding the co-op. The Board focuses on the future and high-level leadership, rather than day-to-day operations, yet maintains meaningful control through clear delegation to the General Manager and monthly monitoring of the General Manager’s performance.

In essence, the Board uses the authority given to it by the owners to set strategic direction, ensure organizational accountability and maintain a healthy, sustainable cooperative for the future.

Board Meetings

All City Center Market Owners are invited to join the monthly Board of Directors Meetings. These meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 5:00-7:00 PM. As we continue through our expansion project, meeting locations may change from month to month. To confirm the current meeting location or learn more about attending, please reach out to us, we’re happy to help you get connected!

We ask that owners RSVP if planning to attend. You can do so by filling out the “Contact the Board” form down below, or email the board at theboard@citycentermarket.coop.

Join the Board

I care. I want to learn. I want to advocate. 

Does this sound like you? If so, we invite you to consider becoming a board member! Your voice matters.

Learn More

– Meet Our Board –

Carissa Elmstrand

Board President, 2025-2028

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

5 Years

Education, and/or Occupation

I have degrees in Environmental Studies and Third World Studies. My husband and I own a farm in North Branch where we raise grass fed beef.

Michelle Pivec

Board Vice President, 2025-2027

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

18 Years

Education, and/or Occupation

I am a fulltime caregiver and strive to support my loved ones with a healthy lifestyle and healthy home.

“I can talk about dogs and cats with anyone. I love them!”

Joanne Kneller Spence

Board Secretary, 2025-2028

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

18 Years

Education, and/or Occupation

I am a fulltime caregiver and strive to support my loved ones with a healthy lifestyle and healthy home.

“I can talk about dogs and cats with anyone. I love them!”

Linda Johnson-Morke

Board Treasurer, 2024-2027

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

14+ Years

Education, and/or Occupation

Retired Engineer – MBA Marketing Emphasis & B.S. Engineering, Purdue University

“I am dedicated to co-ops and look forward to growth of our co-op.”

Gary Moss

Board Member, 2025-2026

Originally from the Minneapolis suburb of Robinsdale, I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Minneapolis College of Art & design. I moved to the Cambridge area in 1976, after serving two years in the Marines (Vietnam) and working for 3M as an Art director. I became a City Center Market Owner shortly thereafter. At that time, to be a member, you had to put in volunteer work hours at what was then called MOMS Food Co-op in Grandy, even helping physically move the co-op at least three times. I have also been involved with the Isanti County Environmental Coalition since the early beginning stages.

Since moving up here, I have pursued my ambition and career as a professional artist. My work is also my hobby (sort of). It involves some traveling to do research photography, one of the fun parts of my “job”. Being self-employed in this career has given me different insights into different areas, which is why I was asked to be on the Board of Directors.

Being a part of the Board of Directors has proven to be enlightening in the realization that the only way to affect what happens to anything one is concerned with, is to get involved.

Steve Jorgenson

Board Member, 2025-2028

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

10 Years

Education, and/or Occupation

Worked in retail, management, consulting, as Grocery Manager for City Center Market for five years, and now as a part-time Storekeeper.

“I find joy and beauty in the arts and nature, and try to live my values through good stewardship of the land I live on. I believe the co-op is a positive force in the transition away from Industrial Ag and its toll on the land, water, soil, and our health.”

Ann Wellmann

Board Member, 2024-2027

How long have you been a City Center Market Owner?

2 Years

Education, and/or Occupation

I have a degree in Computer Science and worked in that field for 20 years. I’ve been working in administration for the past 20.

“I’m a wife, mother and grandmother who desires to share with others the importance of clean, healthy eating. Our Co-op is a great place accomplish that!”

Are you interested in joining the Board of Directors?

 Being a part of the Board is a great way to become more involved with your community as well as help shape the future of your co-op.

If you are interested in joining the board, apply below, or download our printable version here.

 

Please Note: If applying online, we do ask that you read more about the Board of Directors as well as requirements and deadlines.

Please Read Before Applying Online

Any City Center Market Member-Owner is eligible to submit an application to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. This application gives voters information about your background and expertise, what you can offer to our Co-op, and what interests you about serving on the Board.

1. Fill out this application – This first section containing your personal information will remain confidential, however your answers to the questions and your headshot photo will be posted in the store and on the website.

2. Submit your application – Your completed application must be received before midnight August 1, 2022. You can email your finished application to
theboard@citycentermarket.coop, OR mail it to City Center Market, ATTN: Nominations Committee, 122 N. Buchanan St, Cambridge, MN 55008, OR drop it off at the store during business hours. Note: If filling out the application online on the website, your application will automatically be sent in when you are finished and have clicked “submit”.

3. Receive confirmation – A Nominations Committee member will confirm receipt of your application within 3-5 business days after you submit it. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE CONFIRMATION, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

4. Attend your interview – Please attend the Board Meeting on August 8, 2022 to introduce yourself and participate in a brief interview. Don’t worry, it will be fun! The Board will officially approve the slate of candidates later during the meeting.

Board Candidate Application
Best Time to Call
Please submit your photo here. (Must be vertical and in JPEG format.)

Maximum file size: 516MB

Please submit your optional resume here. (Must be in PDF format.)

Maximum file size: 516MB

Contact the Board

Contact the Board
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