Dear Oshkosh Food Co-op Members,

Official Notice

This is the official notice of openings for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors!

• 4 seats up for election 
• New board members announced at our April 9, 2025 Annual Meeting
• Submit your 2025 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form now! (All self-nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. February 28, 2025.)

As the Co-op approaches its fourth anniversary and newly elected board of directors takes office, you have a key opportunity to help the Co-op grow. You can play a vital role in realizing our vision of a stronger local economy, healthier community, and closer connections among member-owners, shoppers, vendors, and local community members.

All member-owners are welcome to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Those with skills in finance, governance, retail operations, human resources and cultural inclusion are especially encouraged to throw their hats in the ring.

This year's election will fill four seats; three full terms and a one-year term. The three candidates receiving the most votes will each serve a three-year term. The fourth ranking candidate will serve the remaining one-year term.

Here's how it works:

1. Candidates for the Board of Directors election are self-nominated. Check out the Candidate Information Packet for details about the process of running for the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board, including the timeline for the election and general expectations of board members.
2. Interested candidates submit the 2025 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form before midnight on February 28, 2025.
3. The Board of Directors Governance Committee shares the statements of all candidates with our member-owners.
4. Member-owners receive an online ballot.
5. The outcome of the election is announced at your Co-op's Annual Meeting on April 9, 2025.
6. New board members are seated about six weeks later, following new board member orientation.

Candidate Information Sessions

Want to get a better understanding of the process and what it's like to serve on the OFC Board? 

Interested candidates are welcome to attend a one-hour in person or virtual info session scheduled for :

• February 10, 2025 6 p.m. | Register here
• February 15, 2025 12:15 p.m. | Registration here
• One-On-One Meetings: Prospective candidates may request an individual meeting to speak with a board member or members about Board eligibility and expectations by contacting us at [email protected].

Potential candidates are also encouraged to attend a board meeting as a member-owner guest to observe what the meetings are typically like and what issues the Board discusses. Check out the upcoming meeting times on the events page here.

Questions?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you're interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting to get your questions answered. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in running for the board, please:

• Review the Candidate Information Packet.
• Complete the 2025 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Verification Form. 
• Submit it by 11:59 pm on February 28, 2025. 
• If you prefer to fill out a Word version of this Self Nomination and Verification Form, please email the Board of Directors. 

Email the Board of Directors with any questions!

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

• January 20: Self-nomination and candidate packet materials posted to the Oshkosh Food Co-op website (Don't worry, we'll also send the info out in future member-owner emails!)
• February 10: Candidacy Information Virtual Session
• February 15: Candidacy Information In-person Session
• February 28: Deadline to submit self-nominations (by 11:59 pm)
• March 10: Slate of candidates announced and online election begins
• April 6: Online election closes
• April 9: Annual Membership Meeting and announcement of member-owners elected to serve on the Board of Directors
• First board meeting in June: New board members are seated.

Still not sure?

Email Governance Chair Tracy Luchetta if you have any questions or would like to learn more about running for or serving on the board.