2026 Board Election

Voting opens Saturday, Aug. 15th at 7:00 AM

Voting closes Tuesday, Sep. 15th at 11:59 PM

Each Active Member receives 3 VOTES in this year’s election.

who’s running:

Kelly Fletcher

Rick Ferguson

Jessica Rencher

Richard Cline

Crystal Giebel

Sam Herrera

Charles Raymond

Tana Ruud

MEET THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS

up for re-election

Charles Raymond

Charles is a long time Boise resident and a Boise High School graduate with deep roots in the community. In 1975, when the Co-op was located in Hyde Park, he volunteered forty hours a week for six months before becoming the Co-op’s second full time employee. As a Co-Manager of the Co-op he championed and developed the innovative and organic product selection that has become the standard today. In the early eighties he served on the Co-op Board, both as Vice-President and then President. This was when the store was located on Hill Road. From 2015 through 2017 he served as the Co-op Board Administrative Assistant. During that time he attended the Consumer Cooperative Management Association’s yearly event and returned with the desire to create better communication between the Board, employees, and the Membership.

As someone who frequents the North End Store, he is recognized by most of the employees. This is because he engages them and recognizes that they are the most important asset of the Co-op.

tana ruud

Boise has been my family’s hometown since I was a child, and I’ve had the great pleasure of serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors these past 8 years. I’ve truly enjoyed making connections with our dedicated employees, with our vital members, and representing our Boise Co-op.

Working in advertising for a large retailer, in marketing for Idaho non-profits, and owning a successful photography business for the last 15 years has helped me feel a sense of closeness with the community. With my small business, I know the importance of local and I’ve learned how to evolve and thrive despite the changes that face me. I enjoy being involved in the community, and being a familiar face at Co-op events and representing the Board

Having been raised by wheat farmers and cattle ranchers, a father who was president of his city’s community garden - the Co-op has a sense of home to me, and I feel most connected to my roots when supporting local agriculture.  I value living in an area that embraces the quality of life offered here in the Treasure Valley, and I believe in the mission of the Co-op, encouraging others to embrace their vision of a local and health-conscious lifestyle.

sam herrerra

My intention is to bring a new and fresh take on nourishing our community while fostering the layers of relationships that exist within the grocery business. With 10 years experience in career grocery and 6 years of experience in owning and operating a consumer-packaged goods company, I have a unique view from both sides. I can help to bridge the gap between producer and retailer while holding the best interest of the community and company at the forefront. I would love to see the board focusing on the relationships with vendors to build stronger ties that are mutually beneficial, as well as continue to increase employee happiness and retention. Our employees are our first line, when they are happy and thriving a company is happy and thriving. It is an honor to sit on this board and help support a foundational part of this community that I care so deeply about.

MEET THE

NEW COMMUNITY applicants

kelly fletcher

The Co-Op is a beloved institution that serves the community by providing great products, partnering with local businesses, and educating consumers. I would like to help the Co-Op grow its impact on the community, especially in the areas of sustainability and partnerships. I’d also like to help the business ensure its employee relations are strong and its culture is supportive.

In my current job, I report directly to our Executive Director and sit on our organization’s executive team. I provide reports to our board of directors and to the board’s Governance committee. I’m responsible for the board’s annual satisfaction survey, and have extensive experience with the workings of our board. I believe in collaboration, open and transparent communication, sustainable practices, and servant leadership. Keeping a focus on internal and external customers leads to success.

rick ferguson

I’ve been a member of the Co-op for over three decades. Shopping at the Co-op has been part of the routine of my life. As the Treasure has grown, and competing providers of organic and local foods have emerged, I’ve admired how the Co-op has continued to evolve and thrive. I would love the opportunity to support and be a part of the Co-op’s continued success.

My good friend Kevin Settles was a founding partner in the Bardenay Restaurant and Distilleries. I supported Kevin in buying the full ownership of the operation in its early days and I’ve been an investor in Bardenay Eagle since its inception. I receive the quarterly financials for the Eagle restaurant and have learned much about high volume, low margin small business success. As a CEO of two public, member owned insurance companies, I’ve guided our teams through significant periods of financial growth. While I don't know much about the grocery business, I do have the ability to learn about new businesses and support their success.

Jessica rencher

I've lived in Boise for over 15 years. This community has given me so much, and serving on the Boise Co-op Board feels like a meaningful way to give back. I've long admired the Boise Co-op because it reflects values that matter deeply to me: supporting local producers and businesses, investing in our community, and making healthy, nutritious food more accessible. I believe strong local organizations help create stronger communities. Professionally, I bring experience in strategic leadership, marketing, and business growth, but what motivates me most is the opportunity to contribute to an organization whose mission I genuinely believe in. I would be honored to help ensure the Boise Co-op continues to thrive for its members and for future generations.

I bring initiative, curiosity, and a collaborative leadership style. I enjoy bringing people together, asking thoughtful questions, and finding practical solutions that move organizations forward. Colleagues often describe me as someone who is dependable, approachable, and willing to step in wherever needed. As both a former marketing executive and now a small business owner, I understand the importance of balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day realities. I've experienced the challenges of managing budgets, making difficult decisions, and adapting to changing circumstances while staying focused on an organization's mission. Perhaps most importantly, I care deeply about this community. I would approach board service with humility, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to helping the Boise Co-op continue serving its members and strengthening our local community.

richard cline

I have lived in the Treasure Valley for almost 15 years, and the Boise Co-op has been a source of tremendous local products, value, and variety for my family. I believe I can serve Co-op members effectively because of my 40+ years of operational experience in the supermarket business, most notably as an executive with Albertsons, Winn-Dixie, and A&P. Most recently, I served the mission of the Idaho Youth Ranch as V.P. of Social Enterprise, leading the operation of their stores, distribution centers, eCommerce, and donated vehicle sales. During my tenure there, we built strong community partnerships throughout the state—not only helping Idaho's kids, but also driving sustainability by giving the community a place to give goods a second chance and recycle items that weren't suitable for stores. Additionally, we gave local non-profits an opportunity to monetize excess donations through a close partnership process. Supporting local businesses and products is an exciting part of the Co-op, and my knowledge of product selection and execution in a supermarket environment can bring a positive impact to the organization. 

Lastly, my business philosophy has always prioritized serving employees first. I believe a valued workforce serves members in a meaningful way, driving success in a competitive landscape. The Co-op works hard to support its employees, and I want to continue to assist with that great culture. Let's grow together!

crystal giebel

Having called Idaho home for over 23 years and graduating from the University of Idaho, my roots here run deep. Throughout my career, especially in my current work at a nonprofit, I have been driven by a desire to create a tangible, positive impact. I deeply admire the Boise Co-op’s commitment to local ownership and the positive ripple effect it has on our local economy and food system. As I raise my family here and look to the future, I want to ensure vital local institutions continue to thrive. I am applying to serve on the Board because merging my professional skills with an organization I love offers a chance to meaningfully contribute to our city, and being part of that sustainable success brings me genuine joy.

Beyond my professional background in business strategy, I bring a deeply rooted, scientific understanding of our food systems. My love for biology led me to study the subject formally and eventually work as a microbiologist in a slaughterhouse. That experience gave me an unvarnished, critical perspective on food safety, agricultural realities, and the true complexities of the food supply chain—knowledge that is directly relevant to governing a grocery cooperative. I carry this same scientific, hands-on approach into my personal life as an avid home gardener dedicated to sustainable practices in our unique climate. From working with soil chemistry to cultivate blueberries to managing a xeric garden and completely replacing a traditional lawn with chamomile, I have a practical appreciation for water conservation and local ecosystems. Additionally, whether I am dedicating myself to training for a powerlifting competition or mapping out a year-long organizational strategy, I bring a high level of discipline to my commitments. I understand that meaningful results—whether in a lab, a garden, or a boardroom—require patience, continuous effort, and a long-term perspective.

 election & voting FAQs

  • Qualifying Members can log in and place their vote using their Username, Elector ID, and Password provided to each Member via email. Please reach out to tschnur@boisecoop.com if you did not receive an email to vote.

  • If your login is invalid, please email tschnur@boisecoop.com and we will assist you in any way we can.

  • This year’s Boise Co-op Board of Directors election has three open seats, and each of the three seats are for three-year terms (2026-2029). The candidates are a mix of familiar leadership and fresh voices from the community:

    • Returning Board Directors: Charles Raymond, Sam Herrera, and Tana Ruud

    • New Nominees: Crystal Geibel, Richard Cline, Rick Ferguson, Jessica Rencher, and Kelly Fletcher

    As a Co-op Member, you may vote for up to three candidates, one for each open seat. Or, if you prefer, you may abstain from voting.

  • Election results will be announced on October 1st, and at the Annual Meeting on Monday, October 26th.