Official Notice - Call for Nominations to Board of Directors

This is call for nominations for election to the Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors!

• 5 seats up for election 
• New board members announced at the Co-op's 2026 Annual Meeting on Tues., April 28, 2026.
• Submit your 2026 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Form now! (All self-nominations must be submitted by Sun., March 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT.)

As the Co-op approaches its fifth anniversary, you have a key opportunity to help the Co-op continue its growth. 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 five seats: three three-year terms and two two-year terms. The three candidates receiving the most votes will each serve a three-year term. The fourth and fifth ranked candidate will each serve a two-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 2026 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Form before midnight on Sun., March 22, 2026.
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 Tues., April 28, 2026.
6. New board members are seated on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Board meeting, 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 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board? 

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

• Sat., March 7 at 10 a.m. | Register 
• Thurs., March 12 at 7 p.m. | Register 
• 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. 

Questions?

Email Board/Governance Committee Member Brenda Haines 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 2026 Oshkosh Food Co-op Board of Directors Self-Nomination and Eligibility Form. 
• Submit it by Sun., March 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT. 
• If you prefer to fill out a Word version of this Self Nomination and Verification Form, please email Board/Governance Committee Member Brenda Haines. 

Important Dates and Deadlines to Remember

• Tues., March 3, 2026: 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!)
• Sat., March 7, 2026 at 10 a.m.: Candidate Information Session at Oshkosh Food Co-op Community Room (Virtual option also available upon request.)
• Thurs., March 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.: Candidate Information Session at Oshkosh Food Co-op Community Room (Virtual option also available upon request.) 
• Sun., March 22, 2026: Deadline to submit self-nominations (by 11:59 pm)
• Fri., March 26, 2026: Slate of candidates announced and online election begins
• Sat., April 25, 2026: Online election closes
• Tues., April 28, 2026: Annual Membership Meeting and announcement of member-owners elected to serve on the Board of Directors
• Mon., June 1, 2026: New board members are seated.

Still not sure?

Email Board/Governance Committee Member Brenda Haines if you have any questions or would like to learn more about running for or serving on the board.