Board of Directors

Cooperative Principle #2 — Democratic Member Control

North Coast Co-op is a wholly member-owned organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by our membership. Elections occur annually in the fall. Two of the seven seats on the board are dedicated to employee members of North Coast Co-op. Board members serve a three-year term, unless they were appointed to fill a vacancy.

Our current board members and their terms are:

Elizabeth Gahm
Employee Director - Vice President
Term: 11/2025 - 11/2028

I grew up in a small town just west of London, England, where the Co-op was at the heart of our community. My family did all their grocery shopping at the local Co-op, and my grandparents even sang in the cooperative choir. Later in life, I found my way to the United States through Volunteers for Peace, eventually settling in Humboldt County to raise my family. I raised my children on organic foods from the North Coast Co-op and the Arcata Farmers Market, and I became a proud Co-op member in 1990. Since joining the North Coast Co-op team in 1997, I’ve had the privilege of working across nearly every department and currently serve as Head of the Arcata Wellness Department. With decades of retail experience, I’m committed to supporting our Co-op’s future, fostering the availability of organic foods, and strengthening local business connections. I invite Co-op members to share their thoughts, ideas, or concerns with me at elizabethgahm.board@northcoast.coop. Together, we can continue building a strong and sustainable future for our Co-op community.

Michael Connors
Treasurer
Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

I am passionate about great food and drink. There's little I enjoy more than a great meal with great people. My partner and I love exploring the world’s culinary diversity, discovering new and ancient ingredients and techniques, attending cooking classes, and connecting with farmers. One of the most impactful experiences in my life was managing Toyon, one of the Stanford Eating Clubs, providing meals and celebrations for my peers. I am very fortunate to have been exposed to and learned from an incredible diversity of individuals and organizations in my career, ranging from start-ups to the Fortune Global 500. After university, I worked for a handful of businesses and eventually founded my own consulting practice. I work with a family winery, volunteer for a local bakery, and am a Director of our Co-op. I love engaging with people and thrive in collaborative settings. I'm passionate about creating, improving, and refining systems and products that solve problems, deliver value, and put smiles on faces. We thrive in community - I'd love to hear from you!  michaelconnors.board@northcoast.coop

George WinterSun
Term: 11/2023 - 11/2026

I am a now-retired computer scientist who moved from Redwood City to Eureka in 2004 with my wife Patricia-Anne.  She had been a member/employee of the Briarpatch Co-op in Palo Alto until it closed, and we were specifically looking for a place with a food co-op.  We were happy to find the Northcoast Co-op, and we've been members ever since. I was raised in rural Pennsylvania, and I remember helping with dinner as a child and watching my older siblings' culinary forays. My experience with organic foods, farmers' markets, and co-ops didn't start until I moved to Santa Cruz for graduate school in the 1980s. It was a revelation, and the Northcoast Co-op (along with our awesome local farmers) continues to advance values consistent with that revelation.  Values that boil down to "good food and good community." I'm delighted to join the board of the Co-op and look forward to learning and helping to further its mission.  I encourage members to reach out to me with any ideas/interests/concerns by emailing  GeorgeWintersun.board@northcoast.coop.

Layla Richardson
Secretary                                                Term: 11/2024 - 11/2027

I’ve had the privilege of living in Humboldt for over 15 years, and during that time, I’ve grown deeply connected to our community, the outdoors, and the constant opportunity to learn and challenge myself. Supporting local businesses and initiatives is a true passion of mine. In my role with the Gene Lucas Community Center, I am dedicated to building and strengthening community connections. I’m fortunate to collaborate regularly with nonprofits, businesses, community members, and local organizations. In addition, as the former Executive Director of Zero Waste Humboldt, I led efforts to promote sustainable practices and advance Zero Waste principles in our community. These efforts are fueled by my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of working together for a better future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to a place that means so much to me and to so many others. I welcome you to reach out to the board. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

The board can be contacted via email at board@northcoast.coop. More about communicating with the board can be found on our Contact the Board page.