By Ahren Grunow, General Manager
Over the past year, one of the things I’m most proud of is the relationship that has continued to develop between me and our Board of Directors. A strong partnership between the Board and General Manager (GM) is incredibly important to the health of any cooperative, and I have had the privilege of being part of that growth with the current board. I’m incredibly proud of the work we have all accomplished over the past year.
Our directors have invested a significant amount of time and energy into reviewing and updating policies, strengthening our governance practices, and having important conversations about their roles, responsibilities, accountability, and development. Through this work, they have also strengthened their understanding of the fiduciary responsibility that comes with serving as a director and their obligation to act in the best interests of the Co-op as a whole. They have challenged themselves and one another to keep important initiatives moving forward while ensuring their work remains connected to our Co-op’s Ends, mission, and values. Much of this happens quietly behind the scenes, but it is incredibly important work.
One of the things I value most about our Board is its ability to balance its responsibility to govern the organization with being a thoughtful sounding board for me as General Manager.
Our directors ask thoughtful questions, bring different perspectives to the table, consider the long-term health of the Co-op, and support me in leading the day-to-day business. At times, that also means asking difficult questions or challenging one another’s thinking. Being able to do that respectfully and constructively has been an important part of strengthening our relationship.
This is not easy work. It requires good judgment, accountability, empathy, and sometimes a willingness to have difficult conversations. Our directors take on these responsibilities while also balancing careers, families, community commitments, and already busy lives. The amount of time, energy, and care they have given to our Co-op deserves recognition.
As General Manager, I am incredibly grateful for their service and for the relationship we have built together. I have seen firsthand how much thought, time, and care this Board has put into its work over the past year, and I’ve also seen how much they have grown together as a Board. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited to continue building on that work in the year ahead.