On Sunday May 3 2015, all current owners of Astoria Co-op Grocery are invited to our Annual Meeting where there will be a vote for the following people who serve on our Board of Directors:
Andrea Larson Perez
Current Board Member Running for Re-election
Q: Where are you from and how did you find yourself on the North Oregon coast?
A: I am a native Floridian. I moved to Sacramento, California after high school and made my forever move to the Lower Columbia in 1994. First residing in Ilwaco, WA and then in Astoria beginning 1998.
Q: How do you spend your days, including career and/or family, plus hobbies/recreation?
A: My career was spent in public relations, marketing and sales primarily in the publishing industry, but also included healthcare and some local business representation. After writing for others for years, I decided to move into that arena for myself. I have one book published and am beginning work on a second. Other than the long list of writing projects I will be working on over the next twenty years, I devote my time to my family, travel and other artistic endeavors.
Q: Why do you want to be on the board?
A: I have worked part-time at the Co-op for nearly 3 years. I have enjoyed every single minute of that experience, but other demands on my time have led me to seek a transition in my role at the Co-op. I want to maintain my involvement in this wonderful organization that I believe in so deeply!
Q: What aspects of the Co-op do you think are going well currently?
A: Due to my up close and personal experience being a staff member at the Co-op, I would say that this place ROCKS! It’s an exciting time to be a contributing member of the team.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term, if elected?
A: If elected, I hope to continue to be a positive and supportive voice in the future of the
Co-op. We have exciting growth plans and I believe my experience and skill set have much to offer in helping the organization reach it’s goals.
Norma Hernandez
Current Board Member Running for Re-election
Q: Where are you from and how did you find yourself on the North Oregon coast?
A: I was born in Puerto Rico and spent 20 years in the northeast before coming to the Oregon coast. I vacationed here and fell in love with community and the beauty.
Q: How do you spend your days, including career and/or family, plus hobbies/recreation?
A: I work for Clatsop County Public Health and the Healthy Families and WIC programs. I am President of the Astoria Parks and Recreation Board of Directors and on the Board of North Coast Food Web. I host a monthly Latin music program on KMUN and volunteer for other organizations including the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association.
Q: What has your experience on the Astoria Co-op Board of Directors been like and why have you decided to run for re-election?
A: I have learned so much by being part of this group. I believe in the work we do and its importance to the health and quality of life in our community.
Q: What aspects of the Co-op do you think are going well currently?
A: I am proud of the work we’ve done on a strategic plan, the ongoing improvements to the store and the resulting shopping experience.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term, if re-elected?
A: I will continue to be a contributing part of this wonderful team as we work with member/owners to shepherd the Co-op safely and appropriately into the future. The Co-op will continue to be a work in progress as all good things are. That process requires attention to detail, dedication and a passion for the work.
Libby Lawrence
Current Board Member Running for Re-election
Q: Where are you from and how did you find yourself on the North Oregon coast?
A: I have lived in Astoria for 6 years. I did not move here on purpose, but have grown to love this place deeply.
Q: How do you spend your days, including career and/or family, plus hobbies/recreation?
A: I spend most of my time raising two young boys, and I also work for Astoria Parks and Rec., leading fitness classes. Free time finds me hiking, surfing or reading.
Q: What has your experience on the Astoria Co-op Board of Directors been like and why have you decided to run for re-election?
A: I have learned so much in two years on the Co-op Board. We have big goals for the next several years, and it is exciting to be a part of the process.
Q: What aspects of the Co-op do you think are going well currently?
A: The board and staff leadership have been incredibly thoughtful about our vision for the future. The Co-op has so many smart people who care and are invested in the future of our store. It is a calm, clean and joyful place to shop and run into friends.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term, if re-elected?
A: I hope to be a rational, positive and thoughtful voice on the board for another term.