Nina Houts
Why do you want to serve on the Eastside Food Co-op Board of Directors?
It has been my pleasure to serve on the EFC Board of Directors for the past 2 years, and my passion for Eastside’s success is what drives me to seek re-election. This work has deepened my understanding of the importance of cooperatives and strengthened my connection to the Northeast community through listening to and learning from fellow owners, directors, shoppers, and the incredible EFC staff. As the co-op enters a phase of growth, I’m eager to continue this exciting work!
Share any skills, interests, and experience you would bring to the board. Examples may be drawn from any personal, educational, professional, or volunteer experiences.
As the current chair of EFC’s Board Development Committee, I’ve spent the past few years refining and formalizing our director recruitment and professional development framework. I bring experience in designing and implementing new systems of work, leading change management efforts, and ensuring that all voices in the room are heard and valued.
Eastside is founded on the 7 Cooperative Principles. Choose one of the principles and describe how you think the board can encourage and foster this in our cooperative.
Currently, my top cooperative pillar focus is on Democratic Member Control. It’s more important than ever to be an active participant in our local community, and it is essential to the Board’s work to provide opportunities for our ownership base to understand their role in the co-op’s long-term success. (As a call to action for fellow owners: use your voice, share your feedback and vision for the co-op with the Board, and VOTE!)
One of the board’s main responsibilities is to plan for the cooperative’s future. Please describe any experience with long-term strategic planning and/or collaborative decision making.
During my tenure on the Board, I’ve dedicated significant effort to learning how to better incorporate diverse perspectives into our work and to build consensus in an equitable way—in Board meetings and beyond. I also serve on the EFC Ends Committee, where we’re focused on refining the strategic vision for Eastside’s future.
Eastside Food Co-op is “Here for Good.” What does that mean to you?
Eastside is absolutely “Here for Good!” The co-op has been a fixture in Northeast for over 21 years, and with the continued support of our ownership and shoppers it will be here to serve us for decades to come. Eastside exists with a mission to be more than a grocery store. It’s a reflection of our community’s commitment to prioritizing healthy and equitable food systems, providing resources and programs for our neighbors, and supporting local business.