CENTRAL CITY CO-OP'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the folks who make it all happen

We originated over veggies but have become way more than that we truly are a community of caring, loving friends. So we want you to know us as we know each other and hope to grow to know you. Here are our co-op start stories:

Sara Eakens:
I moved to Houston from Tucson, Arizona this past August. One of the first things I did was search out local farmers markets and local food Co-ops. I found Central City and went in one Wednesday morning to fill out a volunteer application. As it turns out, Co-op was in need of a new market manager for the Green Market. Feeling like I had stumbled upon my dream job, I jumped at the opportunity. I've been managing the Green Market for almost 6 months now and couldn't be happier in my job and my new Houston community!

Carolyn Lambeth:
In 2004 I was at jujitsu class with my son discussing the horrors of the school lunches and how they are "teaching"our kids to eat. I wanted to create a health fair that showed kids what healthy eating was all about...eating fruits and veggies. At the end of the classes a beautiful woman with long silver hair walked up to me and said "I want to work with you; let's make it happen." Welcome into life Ms Pat Greer "Yaya" and her community Central City Co-op; my life has had a drastic change for the better ever since. We put on Healthy (Harvard) Happenin' for 3 years and then I became director of operations. I am thankful for Miles, Ponos and Jujitsu and the gift they have given me.

Christy Lewis:
My life in CCC in 5 lines, oh dear! Sustainability Fair 2001, community, porchfront, Jennifer, delicious carrots, garage, Rowan, hot summer, confounded neighbors, Pat, volunteer, red chair, Sonja, juice, close? open! move! porch (2 weeks), Grace Lutheran, excel & Karma. . . that brings us to about 2004. This community has seen me through large transitions in life, in death. My titles have been Partner Co-op Liason, Operations Director, Smile Dispenser, Board Chair, and now Membership Committee chair.

Kate Moore:
I started shopping regularly at Central City Co-op over three years ago. Shortly thereafter, I began volunteering with the closing crew and have done so ever since. I also have the privilege of chatting with all our lovely members whilst cashiering on Wednesday afternoons. I've been a member of the board of directors for just over a year and currently serve as its secretary. In short, I came in search of good organic produce but got good friends, great community and the best organic produce in Houston!

Kelly Opot:
Kelly is a native Texan but recent transplant to Houston. After living in Minneapolis for three years, where she fell in love with her local co-op, The Wedge, she knew she wanted to find something similar in Houston, which lead her to Central City after visiting Discovery Green one Thursday.

Stacey Roussel:
I met Central City over 6 years ago; I was looking for a constant supply of organic veggies for my family. I ran a small partner co-op in my north loop neighborhood; and two years ago, my family started an organic farm in Needville. Central City has allowed me to grow immensely, so I am happy to serve on the board, and look forward to watching the co-op grow and evolve.

Scott Singleton:
Our family was introduced to Central City Coop about seven years ago when we were meeting in a garage on Hazard Street. My children have grown up in the Coop community ever since. As a former food industry executive, I'm very excited about Coop and how our organization is at the forefront of transforming food marketing. The Coop community is committed to that transformation and it has been my honor to contribute by serving on the board. We're building the foundation to continue our sustainable but impressive growth.

Suzanne Perry Slavens:
When my husband decided to go back to school to get a PhD at Rice, I thought "So we're moving Houston, huh?" In effort to find out what kind of good progressive things were tucked in the corners of the city, I googled "Houston food co-op" and pulled up the web page for Central City Food Co-op. I thought to myself, Houston must be a pretty good city if it has a food co-op. So upon arriving in Houston, I biked over to Taft on a Wednesday afternoon and was hooked. I offered to help, and joined to board in the November 2008.

Jennifer Stelly:
I found Central City Co-op about 5 years ago when it was announced in my neighborhood newsletter. I just decided to show up one morning to see if they needed any volunteer help, and I've been there ever since! I was encouraged to run for the board last fall and thought that was another good way for me to help the Co-op grow into a fully sustainable community organization. I'm glad I'm here!

Jonathan Swiler:
I found Central City Co-op six years ago and have been volunteering with the night crew ever since, enjoying it as a source of organics and community as well. I'm glad to have been on the board over the last year plus, to see the growth and potential around our efforts!

Rowan Twosisters:
I came to co-op as member #34 in 2001 (I think) when I hopped onto Jennifer's porch and said I could volunteer. I ran the show for awhile when Pat was called to other adventures, and passed the torch to Christy after a few years. I am on the board as a historian and as partner co-op development, and I don't think I decided, I think someone told me I was on the board.

Tiffany Tyler:
I first came to Co-op in 2003, led by a friend who knew I was interested in learning more about organics. Both of my children have spent their infancy and toddlerhood in Co-op, and in 2007 I got the opportunity to join the Board and work on growth projects like our market at Discovery Green. I am honored to have been elected Chairman of our Board of Directors in January of 2009.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Become a Partner Click here
to learn more about our Partnership program

CCC Outreach. Whether it's hosting a table at your annual fundraiser or giving a presentation to your child's class, we love sharing our message with the community.

Want to Volunteer? We'd love to have your help! There are many opportunities available.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Just ask!

If you'd like more information about the CCC Board, or are interested in learning more about the board selection process, drop us a line at: board@centralcityco-op.com