Jane Dixon

I am interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about fostering community through engagement, promoting sustainable practices within the local food system, and supporting a democratized business. As a member of the co-op, I believe in its values and want to contribute my time and expertise to help steer its direction towards continued growth and success.

I would bring a diverse set of knowledge, skills, and experience to the Board. With a background in community engagement and urban planning, I have the analytical abilities to assess financial reports, the strategic mindset to plan for long-term growth, and the understanding of urban dynamics to navigate complex community relationships and development considerations. My experience in urban planning allows me to envision the co-op’s role within the broader urban context, ensuring that our initiatives align with sustainable development goals and contribute positively to the larger community’s socio-economic fabric. By actively engaging with community partners, I hope to help PFC further strategically position itself to address some of Ann Arbor’s urban challenges such as access to fresh produce, and equitable economic development. I already envision many opportunities to tap into populations that may be underrepresented at PFC, such as students. Furthermore, I believe I can leverage my understanding of local government to strengthen the PFC’s partnership with the City and the Downtown Development Authority. My professional experience also affords me a deep understanding for the role of Director on the Board within the Policy Governance Model through my work with many advisory commissions. I will bring a holistic approach that will help create the foundation for the General Manager to implement business decisions successfully.

Living in Kerrytown, I have come to love the community PFC helps create, from Wednesday night Community Dinners to Saturday Coffee Chats. I have seen how quickly and organically a community can blossom when given the right grounds. I hope to foster the crucial role PFC plays in the broader community as a hub for promoting healthy living, supporting local farmers and producers, and creating a sense of place. I believe my holistic approach to sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship aligns with PFC’s mission, and I am eager to contribute innovative ideas to enhance the co-op’s role in Ann Arbor.

To ensure a strong, sustainable future for our co-op, I would prioritize several key areas. First and foremost, the maintenance of financial stability and investigation of strategic growth opportunities. Additionally, I would further support the focus on enhancing member engagement and participation through educational programs, community events, and inclusive decision-making processes. Lastly, I would continue to foster strong partnerships with local farmers, producers, and businesses, we can support the local economy. By addressing these priorities, I hope to help ensure the long-term success and vitality of our co-op for generations to come. Serving as a Director on the PFC Board is at the perfect intersection of my passion for local food systems, strengthening community, and championing environmental and economic justice.

Kate Krauss

As a proud Co-op member and devoted local economy enthusiast, I’m excited about the prospect of joining the PFC board and serving our food community. I’ve spent much of the last few decades working and volunteering for organizations that are devoted to strengthening the local economy, from farming to distribution to retail. Currently, I serve as CEO of Fair Food Network, a Michigan-based non-profit which seeks to grow the vitality of communities across Michigan (and beyond!) through investments in the food economy. One of our primary strategies is supporting the growth and sustainability of small, independent grocery stores – and their connection to supporting healthy people, community wealth, and resilient food systems.

Previously, I’ve served in executive management and fundraising roles for several other non-profit organizations, as well as on other boards and as the (volunteer) Director of Finance for the Green Hill Food Co-op in my previous hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Combined with my current role, these experiences have both helped me understand how a board can be most effective and made me familiar with the opportunities and challenges faced by retail grocery across the sector.

I am seeking to serve on the PFC Board because I love the idea of community-owned resources, especially when it comes to food. And because I believe I can make a difference; I think the skills I have developed through my past experiences can be an asset to our Co-op and can help it evolve with the changing landscape of our city and overall food/farming economy. I also know I have a lot to learn, and I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from my fellow board members, PFC staff, and the Co-op community more broadly. My long-term priorities would include maximizing the Co-op’s contribution to a local, just food economy; supporting affordable healthy food access for folks with limited income; and ensuring long-term stability so that these benefits can accrue to the community for generations to come..