Board of Directors

Twin Cities Co-op Partners Board of Directors:

Back row, left to right: Yoshi Suzuki-Lambrecht, Jobin Kadapurath, Anthonette Sims, Steve Share

Front row, left to right: Joan Stockinger, Eduardo Barrera, Bao Vang, Lisa Fittipaldi, Ismael Popoca Aguilar

Our Board gives you a voice

The Twin Cities Co-op Partners Board of Directors is elected by owners. They set long- and short-term goals, plan for our future, help manage co-op resources, and act as trustees on behalf of you—our owners.

Becoming a candidate

Board applications for 2026-2027 will open June 1, 2026. Review the timeline below.

Our Board of Directors is seeking candidates to help shape the future of Twin Cities Co-op Partners. Co-op owners with a passion for the co-op and its mission and who have a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion are encouraged to apply. The board strives to support TCCP’s pursuits of delivering profitability and re-investment in the business, planning strategically for the future, and creating a positive experience for everyone we serve: owners, employees, farmers, food makers, and the community.  We need YOUR skills and experience in strategic thinking, managing business growth, and community engagement as we continue developing a strong, local food system.  

Term

Three years, beginning with the first board meeting following the October 2026 Annual Meeting. The position requires an average commitment of 10–20 hours per month and offers an annual stipend of  $7,790.  

Open Seats

Three open seats, for 3-year terms.

Candidate Selection Criteria

Applicants must be owners in good standing at the Wedge Community Co-ops as of the day of application. Current TCCP staff, and board members or employees of another Minnesota grocery co-op will not be considered. Twin Cities Co-op Partners has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness. People from all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other status category by applicable law.   

Timeline

June: Applications Open

July: Candidate Interviews   

August: Candidate Slate Announced  

September: Voting Opens  

October: Annual Meeting & Election Results Announced  

  • Lisa Fittipaldi President

    Lisa Fittipaldi
    President

    Lisa is passionate about the co-op, believing that we raise the bar for all Minnesota grocers by supporting local farmers and businesses that use sustainable practices. She has been a member of Wedge Community Co-ops for more than 25 years.
  • Bao Vang Vice President

    Bao Vang
    Vice President

    The co-op business model is a foundational part of Bao’s DNA. Her parents and their Hmong relatives created and operated a co-op in the 1980s. She currently serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota–a non-profit that helps businesses enhance their customer experience.
  • Yoshi Suzuki-Lambrecht Treasurer

    Yoshi Suzuki-Lambrecht
    Treasurer

    Yoshi’s motto in life is to “make more and to give more.” He has always been driven to gain the knowledge, skills and resources to make a greater impact on his community.
  • Joan Stockinger Secretary

    Joan Stockinger
    Secretary

    Joan has been a member of TCCP for 37 years. Her last job before retirement was with Co-op Development Services, where she provided start-up advice for all kinds of co-ops, especially food co-ops. Her co-op career started at Freewheel Bike Co-op in 1976. Joan loves co-ops and what they do: community, cooperation, healthy food, good jobs, and local farmer opportunities.
  • Steve Share Director

    Steve Share
    Director

    Steve and his family are deeply invested in and committed to the co-op ideal. With more choices in the natural foods marketplace, Steve believes it is important to use his food dollars to support local, member-owned businesses. He has been a member of the co-op board since 2019.
  • Jobin Kadapurath Director

    Jobin Kadapurath
    Director

    Jobin grew up in a family with deep agricultural roots. His grandparents grew crops, raised animals and sold their produce locally, and his father worked to combat malnutrition through crop cultivation in semi-arid regions of the world. Food continues to be of great importance to his family.
  • Ismael Popoca Aguilar Director

    Ismael Popoca Aguilar
    Director

    Ismael was born and raised in Mexico, where the economic landscape was characterized by small businesses and local food systems. He has 24 years of food industry experience, most recently with the largest consumer-owned food cooperative in the country, PCC Community Markets in Seattle. He is now the Culinary Lead at the Indigenous Food Lab, a part of the non-profit NATIFS. Ismael believes co-ops can be both sustainable and successful as they serve as a link between farms, producers, and customers.
  • Anthonette Sims Director

    Anthonette Sims
    Director

    Anthonette has 12+ years in Human Resources and operations leadership—and a lifelong passion for wellness and food justice. She brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to ensuring the co-op grows with integrity. Having seen the impact of limited access to healthy food in marginalized communities, she knows how vital it is to break down those barriers so every family can thrive.
  • Eduardo Barrera Director

    Eduardo Barrera
    Director

    As a community-oriented individual, Eduardo truly believes in the philosophy of cooperatives—that we are stronger together. He is a thirty-year member of food co-ops and credit unions, and believes that cooperatives have the power to create change in our lives through members having economic power, and shaping the choices of organizations.

The Board’s role and responsibilities

The Twin Cities Co-op Partners Board focuses on four key areas while upholding the code of ethics and conduct. The Board also oversees elections and recommends updates to the Articles and Bylaws, the legal documents that define and guide the co-op.

  • Hiring and evaluating the CEO
  • Financial oversight
  • Long-range strategic planning
  • Recruitment of board directors

Board committees

Our Board of Directors is made up of multiple committees, including the Finance Committee, Ownership Committee, Board Development Committee, and Nominations Committee. Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one committee.

finance committee

  • Assist and advise the Board in monitoring the financial condition of the organization.

ownership committee

  • Build and sustain engagement and co-op value to owners and the wider community.

governance & board development committee

  • Strengthen the Board’s effectiveness through monitoring governance practices, suggest improvements to bylaws and policies, and to support board development consistent with TCCP’s mission and values.

nominations committee

  • Manage and implement the recruitment, interview process, and selection of a highly qualified board candidate slate.

Board Meetings

Owners are welcome and encouraged to attend regularly scheduled board meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month via Zoom. Please click the link below to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance of a meeting. More information, including a Zoom link, will be sent to you in advance of the meeting. If you have any questions in the meantime, email board@tccp.coop. 

REGISTER HERE