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What is the Board of Directors and what does it do?

The Board of Directors is the governing body for the owners of Tidal Creek Co-op. It is composed of nine people, all Owners of Tidal Creek, elected by Owners. A maximum of two directors may also be employed by the cooperative, although all directors represent the ownership at large rather than any special subgroup. Terms for Directors may range from one to three years as needed to ensure no more than three terms are scheduled to expire every year. The board is responsible for ensuring organizational performance on behalf of all of Tidal Creek Co-op Owners.

This work includes developing clearly stated expectations through written policies; delegating responsibility for, and authority over, the achievement of stated objectives; and monitoring compliance with written policies. The Board of Tidal Creek Co-op should be strategic and visionary with its view toward the future of our Cooperative, and how we can make a difference in our community, rather than focusing solely on the short-term. By devoting time to focus on the big-picture vision of Tidal Creek, the board will ensure that we adequately position our organization for the maximum benefit of our Owners.

The Board governs the organization and delegates all operational duties to one employee, the General Manager. They are involved in strategic planning, financial oversight, ownership linkage and community outreach.

What does the Board of Directors NOT do?

The Board of Directors does not make decisions about, become involved with, or take part in any of the day-to-day activities or decisions regarding the operation of Tidal Creek Co-op. The Board’s sole official connection to the operations of the cooperative is through the General Manager.

Board of Directors documentation

TIDAL CREEK COOPERATIVE BYLAWS

BOARD POLICY REGISTER

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Meet Our 2023 Board of Directors

Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market has been community owned since 1982.

Karly Lohan (President)

Email: karly@tidalcreek.coop

Karly is originally from the Philadelphia area and moved to Wilmington in 2019 to complete her Master’s degree in Coastal and Ocean Policy at UNCW. She joined Tidal Creek Co-Op as a staff member while in graduate school and helped plan sustainability focused events in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. Karly joined the Board of Directors as an employee in 2021, and has remained an active board member since graduating from UNCW. Now based in Jacksonville, NC, Karly works for a small non-profit, using her community organizing skills and marketing expertise to advocate for renewable energy development in North Carolina. Karly expresses her passion for sustainability, locally grown food, and community organizing through her role on the Tidal Creek Board of Directors and looks forward to helping the Co-Op community grow!

Melody Diaz Williams (Vice President)

Email: melody@tidalcreek.coop

Melody has served on the Tidal Creek Board of Directors since 2018. With family roots in Wilmington, Melody returned to the area in 2012 after living in Portland, Oregon and in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she was an owner at local co-ops in both states. A career in the natural products industry has allowed Melody the opportunity to work with cooperative and independent grocery stores around the country. She has worked as a marketing director for a natural foods store, and as an education and sales specialist for a national women’s health brand. Currently, Melody works in sales in marketing for several natural CPG industry brands. With this experience, Melody brings industry insight and knowledge to the board and supports cooperative principles. She enjoys continuing studies in herbalism and Ayurvedic Medicine.

Joe Kertesz (Treasurer)

Email: joe@tidalcreek.coop

Joe is a native of Michigan but has been in North Carolina most of his life. He moved to Wilmington in 1996 with his wife and one of his sons. He  has been an owner of the Co-op since that time. He’s a long-time member of the Board of Directors. He’s a mental health therapist and educator. His passions include his family, his work, Tidal Creek, photography, racquetball and activities near/in the water.

Allie Reimold (Secretary)

Email: allie@tidalcreek.coop

Allie moved to Wilmington in 2016 for her Master’s degree at UNCW and has shopped at Tidal Creek ever since. She is now a PhD candidate at UNC-Chapel Hill studying the commercial determinants of health, retail environments, and equitable food systems and is completing her dissertation in Wilmington. After shopping at the co-op for years, she and her partner became owners in 2020 and, with the hopes of becoming more involved in the local food system, Allie joined the board in 2021. In addition to her dissertation and work on the board, Allie is also a Research and Development Consultant for Feast Down East and serves on her Doctoral Student Advisory Committee. Supporting local food systems along with food and environmental justice have always led Allie through her professional and personal life. Allie and her partner are both vegan and avid home gardeners. They recently opened a sandwich shop, The Half, featuring local and seasonal foods with close friends in the downtown Brooklyn Arts District. When she’s not working, Allie enjoys spending time with her partner, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Charlotte Mundy

Email: charlotte@tidalcreek.coop

Charlotte settled in Wilmington in 2021 after retiring from 22 years of active duty in the US Coast Guard. She built her forever home and is honored to care-take over an acre of land in Myrtle Grove she calls Pond Place. After living on both coasts, in Hawaii, overseas, in big cities, and on country roads, she delights in coastal North Carolina’s natural beauty, Wilmington’s unique energy, and the Tidal Creek Food Co-op community.

Karissa Laprade

Email: Karissa@tidalcreek.coop

Originally from the northeast, Karissa and her family moved from Florida to the Wilmington area in 2017. They built their forever home here, but still enjoy spending time working on small improvements and home projects. Karissa worked in the restaurant service industry for many years while pursuing her degree in Psychology, and began her career as a Child Welfare professional before having children. She is currently enjoying the role of full time unschooling parent. Holistic and regenerative living has long been a passion, and led to many lifestyle changes. A lover of all things local, the Tidal Creek community immediately felt like home. Karissa is excited to be a part of serving the local community on the board and continuing to grow roots in Wilmington.

Nikki Spears

Email: sushibynikki@yahoo.com

Born in High Point, I (Nikki Spears) have lived as an adult in the Hudson Valley of NY, NYC; LA, CA; High Point, Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hatteras, Boone, Morehead City, and Wilmington twice; started 3 restaurants as chef/owner (2 are still open in ILM) and am a devoted fan of “health food” stores and bulk shopping. I always wanted to work at the Tidal Creek co-op when they moved from Wrightsville Ave and opened a kitchen. It’s the best job and most fun to work here. I love it and all the people who work and shop here, the produce and farmers are amazing!

Board of Directors Monthly Meeting Notes

2023 BOD Meeting Notes

2022 BOD Meeting Notes

2021 BOD Meeting Notes

2020 BOD Meeting Notes

2019 BOD Meeting Notes

2018 BOD Meeting Notes

2017 BOD Meeting Notes