Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
John Michael (Mike) Long
Retired (former Bozeman Health Clinical Laboratory Manager)
Biography
I am retired (formerly the clinical laboratory manager of Bozeman Health). I’ve lived in Montana all of my life, growing up on a ranch near Big Timber. Although currently comfortable, I knew the nightmare of food insecurity as a child.
I graduated from Montana State University wit a B.S. in Microbiology and hold the equivalent of a Master’s degree in clinical laboratory management.
I live with my husband; together we raised our son, currently a Physical Therapist in Bozeman. We have the obligatory Bozeman Labrador Retriever Gus, whom you’ve met if you frequent Peet’s Hill.
I have been a Sheriff’s Deputy, a county coroner, an EMT and a volunteer fireman.
I am well-read, politically astute and have a background in civil rights litigation as a plaintiff.
Relevant skills and experience
1. I am currently serve on the Bozeman Library Board.
2. I can read a budget, a budgetary financial report, and a profit and loss statement and understand them.
3. As a retiree, I have the time required.
4. I communicate well, both verbally and in writing and - most importantly - by listening.
5. I have 42 years of experience managing clinical laboratories - the people, the doctors, administrators - all while providing quality results.
Issues of particular interest
I am very happy with what I, as a customer, see as the current state of affairs at the Co-op. I love the atmosphere, the attitudes of the employees and the selection. I wouldn’t seek to change a thing.
With that said, inflation, the potential of stagflation, and a K-shaped economy wherein those with means seem to be doing well while those with limited means are struggling, all may require creative management in the future. To provide employees with a living wage and decent benefits while selling high-quality, mostly locally sourced food as we compete with other grocery outlets that don’t do those two things, will, I imagine, continue to be a challenge.
Important issues facing the Co-op
Maintaining our current excellence, while navigating both current and potential future financial dynamics. Both with an eye to providing members with affordable, good food and employees with a living wage and proper benefits.
Strengths brought to the board
The ability to listen, a desire to maintain current excellence, other board experience in the community, a personality of optimism and positivity. And, frankly, the lack of any axe to grind.
Interest in serving on the Board
The challenge of running and, more importantly, maintaining what appears to the customer as a flourishing business
