As an owner-owned cooperative, our elected representation is our Board of Directors. Our Board acts on behalf of our owners to ensure the co-op produces benefit and value.
This year we have three (3) candidates running for three (3) open Director positions. Three Directors will be elected for a full, three-year term ending in 2027. The candidates with the three highest vote totals will be seated for the full terms ending in 2027.
You may select up to 3 of the following candidates:
Karin Cooper
Co-op owner since 2010
Explain why you would like to serve as a member of Keweenaw Co+op’s Board of Directors
Board membership is a way to be an active contributor to the governance and success of the organization. I appreciate the fellowship and process that comes with board service. I seek meaningful ways to engage in leadership and discussion to ensure the preservation of the vision and mission of Keweenaw Co+op.
Do you have any particular skills you would like to explore and share in your service on the Board of Directors?
As a resident and professional in the Keweenaw for over 30 years, I have enjoyed strong business relationships with many sectors of the community. In my professional role as project manager, I work on solutions to clients' needs. My work includes leading the project team as well as following the leads of others. This balanced approach to project development will translate into a cooperative and contributing role on the Keweenaw Co+op Board of Directors.
John K. Kurkowski
Co-op owner since 2024
Explain why you would like to serve as a member of Keweenaw Co+op’s Board of Directors
I would like to serve on the co-op board because I am a supporter of locally sourced and organic foods. Grocery shopping is my FAVORITE form of shopping, and it always has been.
I consider myself a bit of a "foodie" and I enjoy cooking with quality ingredients. Serving on the co-op board gives me the opportunity to give back to my community.
Do you have any particular skills you would like to explore and share in your service on the Board of Directors?
I am currently the Business Manager within the Facilities Management Department at MTU. My prior and current experiences have included budget development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. As a co-op board member, I believe it's important to bring these skills to the table in order to understand the entire financial process of the co-op. Also, throughout my career, I have both served on and worked with various boards. The goals were similar - working toward achieving a common goal.
Rebecca Matuszak
Co-op owner since 2010
Explain why you would like to serve as a member of Keweenaw Co+op’s Board of Directors
I joined the co-op board 2 years ago because I wanted to be a part of our relocation process. Over the course of my term, I've learned a lot about how our board operates and how things are structured. I've been able to have a hand in reworking policies and our Ends and I feel like that work was the groundwork for everything we have up ahead for our co-op. I feel like the board and the owners have invested their time in me so that I can work effectively with them as we move into our next era.
Do you have any particular skills you would like to explore and share in your service on the Board of Directors?
In my current role as a sales director, my day is spent helping people navigate their business goals and changes. I have developed leadership skills through my 10 years of training and experience in this role. Since joining the co-op board, I have helped overhaul our entire policy structure that we use as a board so I now have that skill that I wasn't expecting! As a former employee in the produce department, it's been neat to see the co-op from all sides - owner, employee, and board member. I think that lens is more of what we need in our co-op to truly be the voice for all facets of our co-op community.
