strong>Sevananda Board of Director’s Message to Member-Owners
The board of Sevananda is working hard to stabilize the governance of our cooperative, to complement the hard work going on in the store to bring an even higher level of service to our members and customers.
The board of Sevananda is committed to survivability, sustainability and profitability.
You should know: The board is implementing a multi-step plan to return Sevananda’s governance to stability.
1. The board is currently recruiting and appointing members to fill vacant board seats. Our newest interim appointees are Bert Smith, Clinton Barrow, Natasha Daniels, and Ahzjah Netjer Simons.
2. The board is working on guidelines for the nominating committee, including qualifications for serving on the committee.
3. The board is working on revising the bylaws of the co-op to allow for electronic voting to elect both nominating committee members and board members to allow for broad participation across the co-op’s membership.
4. The board will initiate a process in the spring of 2013 to elect a nominating committee using electronic voting.
5. The board will be elected in the fall of 2013 using electronic voting.
Board Governance Priorities for 2013
1. Communicate more effectively with our members.
2. Create a vital interactive network for member-owner-board engagement.
3. Educate members as to the board’s governance process.
4. Support the expansion and development of Sevananda.
5. Revise Sevananda’s Ends to better support local farmers, and regional food systems.
6. Revise bylaws and policies to assure a fair, open and transparent election process for all member-owners.
Board Bylaw Recommendations
The many bylaw proposals submitted at the fall 2012 member meeting confirm what the board has known for several years: our current bylaws require revision to create a stable foundation for our cooperative. The tension in the election process has grown out of our governance structure which lacks appropriate oversight. Watch the Sevananda Board page in Co-options, on our website, and other channels for updates. The Board will utilize these opportunities to understand the concerns of members and to create improvements to stabilize our governance.
Board Members
Calvin Vismale has been a member-owner since 1975 and has served on the Board many times; starting in the mid 1990’s. He rejoined the board in 2005 to continue his work writing policy and working with the General Manager and other board members to envision the future of Sevananda. He is on the Executive Committee and is the current Board President.
Kijai Turpeau is a staff member in her eleventh year, and is the Bulk Herb Buyer for Wellness department and is on her second term on the board. She is the Board Secretary and is on the Executive and Member Linkage committees.
Jen Macuch Kato has been a member-owner since 1980, and is serving her 5th term on the Board. She is Chair of the Bylaw/Policy Committee and also serves on the Finance Committee.
Tawhiyda Tupak-El is on her first term serving on the Board. She has previous co-op experience at Mariposa Co-op in Philadelphia and serves on the Training and Member Linkage committee.
Rahn Stevens is on his second term on the Board and is also the Wellness Department manager. He has been on staff eleven years and is the Chair of the Member Linkage committee.
Interim Board Members
Bert Smith (Interim Appointee 2012) has been a member of Sevananda since 2011. He is serving on the Bylaws and Policy Committee and is also serving on the Member Linkage Committee. As an Interim Appointee, Bert brings with him, over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, including leadership skills development, strategic planning & quality management, and boardwork for the YMCA and Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Mental Illness, to name a few. Bert’s Bio.
Clinton Barrow (Interim Appointee 2012) has been a member of Sevananda since 2010. He has previously served as a key member of the Finance Committee during the interim general management team phase of Sevananda’s growth and development. Clinton currently serves as Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Natasha Daniels (Interim Appointee 2013) has been a member of Sevananda since 2011. She is currently serving as Chair of the Member Linkage Committee. Natasha is a veteran publicist with more than 15 years of experience directing public relations for some of the countries most prestigious and highly recognized non-profits and universities,including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, City of East Point, Spelman College, and Meharry Medical College. Natasha’s Bio
Ahzjah Netjer Simons (Interim Appointee 2013) has been a member of Sevananda since 2004. She has been a staff member for 8 years, serving in the role of Member Services & Marketing Manager, Editor of Co-Options, and Producer/Host of the Co-op 101 radio program. She is currently serving on the Member Linkage Committee. Ahzjah brings 13 years of experience as a marketing professional with expertise in events, publishing and broadcast media promotions in the holistic health & wellness industry. She is President of Conscious Living Omni-Media Group,Healing Humanity Thru Media and Founder of the Children’s Wellness Network, Creating a Living Legacy of Healthy Community. Ahzjah’s Bio
How do I contact the Board?
email: board2@sevananda.coop or call Board Administrator,Yaa ELOHIM at 404-281-3191.
Contact phone numbers or emails for individual directors may be found in the Co-Options newsletter masthead in hard copy form in the Sevananda lobby or by visiting us online at sevananda.coop and clicking on red Co-Options icon.
Board Governing Documents (Document updates in process)
Bylaws Brochure – Revised May 2012
Governance Process (former Policies I and II)
Board Meetings HERE
Board Meeting Minutes HERE
Also Provided upon request: Send requests to board2@sevananda.coop
Board Linkage & Connectivity
Board Meeting Agenda Requests process-
If a member/owner is interested in getting on the Board’s meeting agenda, the process is for them to simply complete the Board Agenda Request Form and return it to Customer Service Desk, in a sealed envelope Attention: Board Secretary.
BOARD AGENDA REQUEST FORM HERE
Board Committee Application process-
Complete Board Committee Application form and forward to Customer Service Desk at Sevananda Natural Foods Market, and address to the attention to Carolyn Renee, Board Administrator. Also include a copy of your current resume or biography. The committee chair for the committee(s) you have selected will phone you for an interview, and provide you an overview of the work of the committee of interest and dates for upcoming committee activities.
Board Articles – Co-Options
Board Articles – 2011 Patronage Letter to all Member
Board Online Forum – Link
