PFC Meeting of the
Board of Directors
July 23, 5 PM
August 27, 5 PM
September 24, 5 PM
October 22, 5 PM
November 19, 5 PM
December 17, 5 PM
For the meeting link and agenda please
email Ann Mull by noon on the day of the meeting
PFC Strategic Planning Materials
Board of Directors
Jim Szymalak
President
As a recently retired public administration & legal studies professor, my teaching focused on personnel, ethics, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to teaching, I served as a senior Pentagon employment & administrative law attorney for almost twenty years. In addition to holding a doctorate in public administration and a law degree, I possess an MBA specializing in management and organizations, which benefitted my seven years on the local Habitat for Humanity board, including three years as president, where we more than tripled assets and revenue while navigating the pandemic. My knowledge and experience should provide the needed competencies to help stabilize PFC and implement a strategic vision for future success.
Jeff Lachman
Vice President
A seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in the food service industry and 12 years in finance, I bring a unique blend of business acumen and community engagement to the People's Food Co-op (PFC) Board. My background includes four years of service on the Congregational Preschool Board and participation on the Downtown Mainstreet Inc. Advisory Committee, demonstrating my commitment to local organizations.
Brett Townsend
Treasurer
In the past, I participated in a local CSA as a worker-share for three summers which gave me a deeper understanding of what life and operations are like for our local growers. I teach the course “Mathematics for Business” at UWL which will help me organize and understand the financial aspects of serving on the board. Additionally, I regularly serve on committees at the university which operate in a similar manner to the Board of Directors.
Thomas Halada
Secretary
I have enjoyed being a part of the PFC community for many years. I am a strong believer that environmental sustainability should be at the forefront in all aspects of our lives. It is important that we realize the connection between good, sustainable food and health while striving to make this resource accessible to all. I have an advanced degree in nursing leadership & management and serve in a nurse leader role at Mayo Clinic.
Katya May
Driven by a passion for inclusive health and wellness, I've returned to my Minnesota roots after 23 years in Australia, eager to contribute my expertise to the Rochester community. My experience in the healthcare field, coupled with fluency in Spanish and Portuguese, allows me to connect authentically with and serve the growing Latino population. I'm particularly excited to integrate my knowledge of supplements, superfoods, and traditional medicine into PFC's offerings, aligning with the increasing demand for holistic health options. I believe in the power of cooperative models and am dedicated to supporting PFC's sustainable and equitable growth, ensuring it continues to thrive as a vital resource for community wellness and shared values.
Michael Sersch
I believe healthy food is essential for a healthy life, and the democratic ownership model of co-ops is truly inspiring. I see the co-op as a potential touchpoint for inspiring positive change within our community. I offer the PFC Board and membership five key skills: board experience, employee experience, union shop steward experience (from the La Crosse PFC), a connection between mental health and healthy food, and expertise in collaborative and consensus-based communication. My relevant experience includes serving on the Board of Directors/President of Independent Living Resources, the La Crosse County Criminal Justice Management Council, the La Crosse School Board SRO Advisory Committee, and the Board of Regents at St. John's University in Minnesota.