Serve Your Co-op and Create Positive Change
Run for the HWFC Board of Directors or the Governance Review Council!
Elections at HWFC
HWFC holds two elections annually:
- Board of Directors (Board) Election at the April Membership Meeting
- Governance Review Council (GRC) Election at the October Membership Meeting
You can find general nomination and voting process information in the Honest Weight Nominating and Voting Guide.
How to Become an Elected Representative of HWFC
Are you interested in becoming an elected representative of the Co-op? These links can help potential candidates decide about running for a Board or GRC seat:
Board of Directors Information
Board elections info website page
Printable Board candidate information and nomination form (Use this form if you prefer to complete your nomination form on paper. Turn the completed form into the HWFC Service Desk.)
Fillable Board candidate information and nomination form (Use this option if you prefer to complete and submit your nomination form online.)
Board Meeting Dates, Board Manual and Other Helpful Information
2026 Board of Director Candidates
Chris Johnson Board Nomination Form PDF
When did you join the Co-op? Spring 2023 (February/March)
Why are you running for the HWFC Board? My reason(s) come down to one thing: To Serve and Solve. There are two types of people in life: helpers and hecklers. People can say they love HWFC, but choose to be hecklers because it is the path of least resistance. Being a helper requires a level of courage and selflessness. That courage and selflessness are critical components in being an effective Board Member.
Describe your time investment activities at the Co-op (current or previous) including attendance at Board and/or Membership meetings, and other governance activities (GRC, Bylaws Panel, Committees)? Serving as Board Member (April 2023 - Present), Serving as Liaison for Elections & Nominations Committee (Spring 2023 - Present) and Strategic & Long Range Planning Committee (October 2025 - Present)
Please describe your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the HWFC's Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Member-Owners and how they all work together. Each component must all be focused on answering one question each and every day: How does HWFC create and keep a customer? The Board and Member-Owners must support Management and Staff in answering that question.
What do you think makes for effective group decision-making processes and what are some of the challenges to group decision-making processes? The democratic process is a double-edged sword. It gives people an opportunity to be heard. Yet, there's a tendency for that process to be abused by those who have personal agendas that supersede the best interests of "the asset" (HWFC).
Please discuss the skills you would bring to the HWFC Board. My skill sets would primarily come from the business world, along with my experience as a Board Member and Liaison.
Conflicts of Interest - Please list below None
Attestation: I understand that checking this box constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and warrant the truthfulness of the information provided in this document. Yes Chris Johnson 03/13/2026
Sandra Goldmeer Board Nomination Form PDF
When did you join the Co-op? 1988
Why are you running for the HWFC Board? I’m drawn to serving on the co-op board because by becoming a working member, I've come to understand even more deeply the role local, community-driven organizations play in building stronger, more connected communities. HWFC is more than a place to shop—it’s a hub for local producers, a space for education, and a reflection of shared values around food, sustainability, and access. I love the connections I make there, and would like to give back.
Describe your time investment activities at the Co-op (current or previous) including attendance at Board and/or Membership meetings, and other governance activities (GRC, Bylaws Panel, Committees)? I just became a working member-owner in October of 2025. I have attended a Membership meeting as well. I have been on other boards (YWCA of Schenectady) and would love to bring my experience to HWFC.
Please describe your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the HWFC's Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Member-Owners and how they all work together. I see the board as responsible for the big-picture direction and oversight, while management and staff are focused on running the co-op day to day. Member-owners play a key role by electing the board and staying engaged, and supporting the Coop through the essential hours worked, and it all works best when there’s clear roles, good communication, and shared goals.
What do you think makes for effective group decision-making processes and what are some of the challenges to group decision-making processes? I think effective group decision-making comes down to clarity and structure—knowing the goal, having the right people involved, and being clear about who ultimately owns the decision. The best teams create space for different perspectives, but still move efficiently toward a conclusion. The greatest challenges are seen sometimes when too many stakeholders are involved or when people are hesitant to challenge ideas. Without structure, discussions can drag or lead to watered-down decisions.
Please discuss the skills you would bring to the HWFC Board. I bring a mix of operational leadership, financial oversight, and community engagement experience from my jobs at a variety of Non-profit organizations. I’ve managed budgets, built partnerships, and developed programs that increase participation and sustainability. I think what’s especially relevant for a food co-op is my ability to balance mission-driven work with practical execution—making sure systems are strong, finances are sound, and the community feels genuinely connected and invested.
Conflicts of Interest - Please list below None
Attestation: I understand that checking this box constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and warrant the truthfulness of the information provided in this document. Yes Sandra Goldmeer 04/16/2026
Governance Review Council (GRC) Information
GRC Elections Info Website Page
GRC Meeting Dates and Other Helpful Information
