Board of Directors
Board of Directors
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The Board of Directors insure the needs of co-op members are being met. The directors work as a team to set policy, hire and evaluate the general manager, maintain the fiduciary responsibility of the co-op and represent the membership as it creates the vision that guides the cooperative into the future.


The Wheatsfield Board of Directors is composed of nine co-op members. Each year, if there is a contested election, Wheatsfield members elect fellow members to serve on the board. If you are interested in serving on the board please let us know. Applications are reviewed each year in October.


Below are your current Board members, get to know them!


Matt Liebman

Board President

Occupation:

Professor of Agronomy and H.A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, ISU

Board Member Since:
2008

Why I Serve on the Board:

I enjoy serving on the board because it feels like a good way to make sustainably grown food more available and sustainable farming more viable. Serving on the board is also a good way to learn about many positive facets of the Ames community.

Favorite Product:
I have many favorites, but there rarely passes a day when I don't eat Greek Gods yogurt.



Bruce Calhoun

Treasurer

Occupation:
Land Use Planning and Design Consultant, REALTOR ®


Board Member Since:
2009

Why I Serve on the Board:

My motivation to be part of the Wheatsfield community and of its leadership is evolving.  I recently watched the film “Food Matters” which made me acutely aware of the profound and growing conflict between the origins of modern medicine, “Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food” – Hippocrates - the founding father of modern medicine, and medicine today, “the trillion dollar worldwide ‘sickness industry” of nutritionally-depleted foods, chemical additives and our tendency to rely upon pharmaceutical drugs to treat what’s wrong with our malnourished bodies.”  Wheatsfield is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role locally in the critical matter of good health and healing, and I want to be a part of that.


Favorite Product at the Co-op:

fresh in-season, local produce





Stefan Gailans


Occupation:
Graduate Research Assistant, ISU Agronomy

Board Member Since:
2011

Why I Serve on the Board:

I serve my favorite grocery store in Ames. I love the sense of community and well being that Wheatsfield Cooperative promotes. The continued expansion of the consumer base, availability of products sourced locally, and interaction between directors and members are my goals for the store.


Favorite Product at the Co-op:

Gunpowder green tea in the bulk section and Iowa-made beer!




Angie Carter

Occupation:
Graduate Student Research Assistant, ISU Sociology and Sustainable Agriculture


Board Member Since: 2013

Why I Serve on the Board:
I serve on the board because I believe strongly in the mission of cooperative groceries and want to support the co-op as it continues to grow and expand its Ames. For me, the co-op is much more than a grocery store—it is a community.


Favorite Product at the Co-op:

South Union Bread Pitas, TJ eggs, and anything from Kalona SuperNatural.



Rachel Dakarian

Vice President

Occupation:
Development Researcher, ISU Foundation

Board Member Since:
2012

Why I Serve on the Board:

Serving on the Wheatsfield Board is an opportunity to emphasize my loyalty to the co-op and give my time to support a vital community resource.

Favorite Product at the Co-op:

Local Brussels Sprouts, sesame sticks in bulk, dolmas and the Golden Beet & Kale Salad from the Deli.



Gina McAndrews

Secretary

Occupation:
Real Estate Agent


Board Member Since
: 2006

Why I Serve on the Board:

I serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors in order to give back to our community, help build a stronger co-op, and most specifically to support Wheatsfield’s role as a leader, provider and educator in supporting the viability and expansion of local and more sustainable food systems in the central Iowa region.


Favorite Product at the Co-op:
bulk items, especially Muesli, local grass fed beef, ice cream and coffee


Karen Youngberg


Occupation:
Co-owner of Ames Silversmithing


Board Member Since
: 2011

Why I Serve on the Board:

I am a long standing member of Wheatsfield.  I wanted to give back to this great business and felt I could be of service to the store in areas of its business and financial operations.


Favorite Product at the Co-op: Fentiman's Dandelion and Burdock drink/soda. It is so refreshing!





Steven Fales


Occupation:
Professor Emeritus, Professor of Agronomy, ISU

Board Member Since: 2013

Why I Serve on the Board:
I believe strongly in cooperatives, the cooperative mission, and local foods. Serving on the Board allows me to learn more about Wheatsfield and provides an opportunity to contribute to its mission within the Ames community. 
Favorite Product at the Co-op:
The fresh pasta salads from the deli case.





Howard Van Auken


Occupation:
University Professor of Management

Board Member Since: 2013

Why I Serve on the Board:
I believe in the values associated with and promoted by Wheatsfield. My family has been customers of Wheatsfield for more than 30 years. Serving on the board allows me to give back to what has been given to my family for so many years.

Favorite Product at the Co-op:
I enjoy trying different cheeses. The smoked cheddar is especially good. I also found a low salt cheddar that is pretty darn good.