Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
Incumbent
Deb Davidson
Chief Strategy Officer, Center for Large Landscape Conservation
Biography
I have worked in conservation philanthropy and habitat protection programs for over 25 years. My work has largely focused on the protection of wildlife corridors and large landscape conservation, with a specific focus on network development, connectivity policy and science in North America. I have worked in the conservation non-profit field for my whole career. I’ve served in numerous program and leadership roles. I have worked as a foundation officer, a program manger focused on state and federal policy, led communications and fundraising teams, played a critical leadership role in growing an organization from 6 to 30 employees. I have ensured the quality and impact of conservation programs, raised millions of dollars annually, and led multi-year strategic planning efforts. I currently serve as the Chief Strategy Officer at the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, where I have worked for the last 10 years.
I have been a dedicated and regular shopper of the Co-op since my husband and I moved to Bozeman in 2000. I served on the Co-op Board from 2010 to 2017, including serving as Board President. I deeply love the Co-op, it’s commitment to community, it’s support of local producers, and the important role it plays in making Bozeman special and a great place to live. I have served on a number of non-profit boards including the Berkshire Waldorf School and I currently serve on the board of American Friends for Canadian Nature.
Relevant skills and experience
Having worked in non-profit organizations for the past 30 years I have gained a wide-range of experience and served in many roles. From fundraising, to program management, to conservation advocacy, to building program and organizational budgets (and manaing those), to serving on an executive team for a 30 person organization, I have a firm understanding of how an organization operates, thrives and moves through growth stages (and associated hurdles). I can apply this wide-range of skills to the Co-op’s board of directors. I have also served on a number of boards and advisory committees, which have given me a good sense of governance, clarity on board role (and what is not the board role) and the managing of an executive team.
Issues of particular interest
Ensuring the affordability of high-quality foods at the Co-op (combatting increasing food and transport costs while keeping foods affordable for shoppers). Working with local producers so they can stay on the land and that the Co-op continues to be a place for them to sell produce and meats. Continuing to distinguish the Co-op from other stores like Whole Foods and Town & Country who also provide good products, but do not have the same values and community goals as the Co-op does. Providing a competitive wage to employees that reflects the cost of living in Bozeman.
Important issues facing the Co-op
Ensuring affordability of Co-op food and products. Making members and the public feel welcome at the Co-op. Continuing to make the hot bar and salad bar appealing, affordable, and delicious. Competing with other stores for sales and customers. Fostering a strong membership base and working to make them feel part of something unique by being a member. Retaining good and talented staff (and paying them a living wage).
Strengths brought to the board
Governance, human resources and operations expertise.
Strategic planning and annual planning experience, including defining metrics and evaluation approaches.
Extensive financial and budget management.
Strong connections to the Bozeman and surrounding community.
Deep commitment to local economy, especially building a local food economy.
Interest in serving on the Board
I have served on numerous boards over the past two decades, and I think my favorite board service continues to be my time on the Co-op board. The quality of the work, the commitment to community and the Co-op staff and membership, and being part of a successful and thriving business was rewarding and also a great learning experience. I would love to be part of that effort again- making the Co-op a critical and key part of the Bozeman community.
