RESCHEDULED! NEW DATE COMING SOON!
PFC Meeting of the
Board of Directors
February 26, 5 PM
March 26, 5 PM
April 23, 5 PM
May 28, 5 PM
June 25, 5 PM
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
Board of Directors
Thomas Halada
President
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.
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.
Jim Szymalak
Secretary
Bio coming soon!
Rachel Brown
Driven by a lifelong commitment to sustainability and conservation, I've dedicated my career and personal life to fostering a healthier planet and community. I'm drawn to PFC and its fellow food co-ops because of their genuine focus on local sustainability and the well-being of future generations. I believe, like PFC, in actively contributing to my community and am passionate about making the La Crosse region a better place for everyone. I'm eager to explore how PFC is driving positive change locally.
My advocacy also extends to the nutritional power of whole foods. PFC's emphasis on locally sourced, organic, and sustainable options perfectly aligns with this passion. Growing up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin gave me firsthand experience with the dedication and challenges faced by local farmers. I understand the delicate balance between providing quality products at affordable prices for consumers and ensuring fair compensation for the hard work of our farmers. I'm deeply committed to finding solutions that make nutritionally dense food accessible to our community while supporting the livelihoods of our local agricultural producers.
Liz Gamble
I recently moved back to Rochester after spending several years in Zurich, Switzerland for a culinary arts program where I learned to appreciate quality ingredients and the farmers and producers who help bring them to our table. I’m really excited to be back in my hometown and look forward to contributing to the community. The city has changed so much since I left nearly 15 years ago, and I can see how the location and offerings of PFC have contributed to making the community better. With an MBA specializing in Marketing Strategy and International Business, I am in tune with modern digital marketing strategies and feel comfortable reading and interpreting financial statements. I look forward to being part of a team and working with others towards a common goal. I am a good listener and always strive to include everyone in the conversation to be sure that all voices are heard.
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.
Mia Simone Davis
Bio coming soon!