Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
Benjamin Falloon
Legal, governance, and risk management leader
Biography
Ben Falloon lives just down the street from the Co-op with his partner and their dogs, and he is one of those happy customers you are likely to see in the store several times a week. He values the Co-op for the quality of its products, the relationships it builds with local and regional producers, and the welcoming staff who make it feel like more than a place to shop. To Ben, the Co-op reflects how a member-owned business can strengthen a community by expanding access to healthy food, supporting local producers, fostering inclusion, and reinvesting in the local economy.
Professionally, Ben helps organizations navigate complex issues, strengthen governance, and make thoughtful decisions that remain grounded in their mission and values. His background in law, business, and risk management has shaped a practical, long-term approach to stewardship, and he has been actively involved in employee engagement and inclusion initiatives throughout his career. He believes strong organizations are built by supporting the people who power them.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys hiking, snowboarding, exploring southwest Montana with his partner and their dogs, and supporting local businesses. He would be honored to serve on the Board and help steward the Co-op’s mission, financial strength, and long-term future for members, staff, producers, and the broader Bozeman community.
Relevant skills and experience
I would bring experience at the intersection of governance, law, business, and risk management, along with a thoughtful, steady approach to decision making. In my professional work, I help organizations navigate complex issues, weigh long-term consequences, and align actions with organizational values and long-term objectives. I also have experience with strategy, employee engagement, inclusion initiatives, and fostering healthy workplace culture. Those perspectives would help me contribute thoughtful oversight while supporting the Co-op’s mission as a strong, community-owned business.
Issues of particular interest
I am especially interested in how the Co-op continues balancing affordability, product quality, and strong support for local producers while remaining financially healthy. I also care deeply about employee experience, because welcoming, supported staff are central to what members value in the store. More broadly, I am interested in how the Co-op can grow and adapt while preserving its mission and values, member trust, and connection to the Bozeman community.
Important issues facing the Co-op
From a Board perspective, important issues include maintaining long-term financial strength while staying true to the Co-op’s mission; balancing affordability with quality and support for local producers; investing in employees and workplace culture; and adapting thoughtfully to growth, competition, and changing member needs. I think an important part of the Board’s role is to help ensure the Co-op remains financially resilient, welcoming, and community-owned while continuing to strengthen Bozeman through food access, community, and the local economy.
Strengths brought to the board
I would bring strategic judgment and experience in governance, law, business, and risk management, together with a thoughtful, respectful approach to working with others. My career has centered on helping organizations navigate complex issues, ask the right questions, weigh long-term consequences, and make sound decisions that align with their mission and values. I also care deeply about employee engagement and healthy organizational culture, which I believe are essential to a strong member experience and the Co-op’s long-term success.
Interest in serving on the Board
I am drawn to the Board’s stewardship role: helping protect the Co-op’s mission, support long-term strategy, and ensure sound governance without losing sight of values and community. I am especially interested in how a member-owned organization can make strong business decisions while also supporting local producers, employees, and an inclusive, welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.
