Ballots are open to all active co-op members.
Staff Candidate
Peyton Riska
Front End Service Manager at the Co-Op West Main
Biography
Peyton grew up in Missoula and moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. Having lived in Montana his entire life, he values local businesses, community spaces, and the people who support them as the state continues to grow.
He works as the Front End Service Manager at the Co-op on West Main. In this role, he focuses on creating an inclusive, supportive environment for both members and staff while helping uphold the Co-op’s member-owned values. Previously, he spent several years at Target in various leadership roles, where he gained experience in operations, team management, communication, and people-first leadership in a high-volume retail setting.
What he has appreciated most about his time at the Co-op is being involved in putting its values into action through member-owner connection and community support efforts, including giving programs that support local organizations in Bozeman, as well as work connected to continued growth in membership and engagement.
Outside of his job at the Co-Op, Peyton is a freelance photographer. He values creative work as a way to connect people, explore places, and tell stories. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, hiking, skiing, and exploring with his partner, Tanner, and their dog, Clove.
Relevant skills and experience
- Current manager at the Co-op with day-to-day operational experience, including the member/customer experience.
- Knowledge of finances, values, history, and 10-year strategic plan for the Co-Op
- Business education with a focus on marketing: data analytics and values-based messaging
- Financial literacy and comfort working with budgets
- Familiarity with cooperative values and member-owned governance
- Montana native with long-term perspective on regional growth
- Experience working in retail under changing market and cost pressures
- Young, queer perspective on affordability, community, and representation
Issues of particular interest
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Important issues facing the Co-op
One of the biggest challenges facing the Co-Op is staying financially strong without drifting away from what makes the Co-op meaningful to members and staff. As costs and competition increase, those tensions become more real. I think it’s important to be clear and consistent about priorities, so decisions feel aligned rather than reactive, and the Co-op can grow without losing trust from its stakeholders.
Strengths brought to the board
I bring direct operational insight, a strong understanding of the member-owner and customer experience, and a background in marketing that supports clear communication and member engagement. In my role, I regularly problem-solve, work with other teams to plan or resolve issues, and balance efficiency with service. I’m thoughtful, accountable, and focused on helping align board-level strategy with day-to-day realities in an effective and practical way.
Interest in serving on the Board
I’m interested in how the Board shapes direction over time—how each decision builds into something bigger. The Co-op sits in a unique space between business and community, and I’m drawn to the challenge of helping it stay both financially sound and genuinely connected to the people it serves. It’s a primary part of what makes the Co-Op special, and being part of that long-term direction is what I find most meaningful.
