The Co-op Board of Directors serves a critical role in overseeing and guiding our Co-op. Directors attend monthly board meetings and serve on committees. Three seats on the board, each for a three-year term, become available at every annual election.
Our board of directors uses a system called Policy Governance to guide the Co-op. This approach clearly defines the roles of the board and management and sets out the long-term outcomes—called “Ends”—that our Co-op exists to achieve. Ends are statements that describe the purpose of our organization and why we exist. Ends define the results of our work, who benefits from it, and what value we create for the community.
Astoria Co-op Global Ends Policies
The Astoria Co-op empowers members and potential members to enhance their health and the health of the community.
The Astoria Co-op will:
- Create a thriving and cooperative local economy
- Be a local leader in environmental sustainability
- Provide a fun, inclusive, and authentic community experience
To contact the board please email [email protected]. Interested in joining the board? Click here to find out how.
Meet our current directors below:
Norma Hernandez
I was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and prior to moving to Astoria in 2003, I lived in the northeast for 20 years, both in New York and Boston. I moved to Astoria to work at an oyster company in Bay Center, WA. where I became aware of the needs and challenges of the Latino community in the region. My passion for social justice kept increasing after working as executive director of Lower Columbia Hispanic Council and then working for the Clatsop County Public Health, currently as a WIC coordinator. I also serve on the board of North Coast Food Web, and Astoria Parks. You can listen to me on Sonidos Latinos on KMUN 91.9 FM, monthly.
Jennifer Teeter
The Astoria Co-op embodies what it means to be local. It’s a community owned grocery store supporting local farmers and businesses while paying living wages to employees. Astoria wouldn’t be the same without the Co-op and that’s why I want to serve on the board. To make sure that our Co-op continues to connect the community through local, high quality, and healthy food.
I have been shopping at the Co-op since I moved to the area in 2013 and knew immediately how special it is to have the Co-Op in the community. After 20 years in the public accounting industry auditing governmental entities and non-profit organizations I entered the private sector, where I continue to work in the accounting field. If I’m not working or volunteering with the Co-op you can find me out on the soccer fields, either coaching in the LCYSA Classics program or playing in the adult leagues.
Mark Porter
I spent 24 years working in natural foods for Natures and New Seasons Market. Most of that time in upper management. I was integral in the growth of New Seasons Market from one store to twenty stores in 20 years. I feel right at home shopping in the co-op and I am excited to share my knowledge of the natural foods business. My work at New Seasons gave me hands-on oversight of store financial performance. I am passionate about great customer service and triple bottom line businesses.
Sarah Nebeker
I moved to the North Coast in 1972, and joined the food co-op on Marine Drive in the 1970s. I was grateful the co-op existed here and I enjoyed doing much of my food shopping there. I have been a member continuously since that time.
I served on the Gearhart Planning Commission for 25 years both as a commissioner and chairwoman. I served on the Gearhart Homeowners Association for 4 years as a board member, vice president and president. In addition, I served as an elected Clatsop County Commissioner for eight years, where I served as Chair for one year, and Vice Chair for four years.
Having served in various capacities on boards, and volunteering in diverse ways, I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie with those of like mind, who desire to work toward worthy goals. I look forward to working with the board to support the co-op’s important role in the community.
Sarah Manor
As a returning local, I am excited to be back in Astoria. I graduated from the University of Washington with my degree in Art History, and have found my way back to this town I love so much. I have been volunteering at the Maritime Museum in Collections and working as the Customer Experience Manager at the Co-op. I am honored to have been elected to serve as the Staff Director on the board and look forward to all I will learn in this role. The Co-op’s mission is one I am excited about and I am eager to see how it will continue to serve the community in the future!
Kelly Huckestein
Kelly Huckestein has been part of the Astoria community since 2011, working across many levels of the local food system—including production, retail, and nonprofit advocacy. She is the owner and operator of a small organic vegetable farm, managing everything from growing and harvesting to sales and bookkeeping. Kelly is a past Co-op employee, and served as the staff director on the Co-op board. She is also a former board member of the North Coast Food Web, a local food system non-profit. She values thoughtful, cooperative approaches and is passionate about strengthening equity and access within our community food system.
Spence Barker
I consider myself to be a team player and a community minded kind of guy, at heart. I appreciate the mission of the Co-op; I enjoy shopping at the Co-op; and I like the staff at the Co-op. So, now that I am retired and have time to be involved with something I enjoy, the Co-op seems to be a perfect fit. I have a degree in business accounting and have experience serving boards, both in my role as Area Director for the Special Olympics and as a board member for The Great Columbia Crossing. I look forward to building on this experience with the Co-op Board.