The Merc Co+op's Board of Directors is comprised of nine co-op owners who are elected by the general ownership and serve a three-year term. Any co-op owner can run for a board position. Participating in co-op elections is your ownership in action – get to know the owners who represent you!

MEET RACHEL

Rachel Jefferson is a Wyandotte County resident and Executive Director of Groundwork Northeast Revitalization Group (formerly the Historic Northeast-Midtown Association). In her free time, Rachel enjoys cooking, gardening, and puzzling.

What part of the co-op's mission do you connect with the most, and why?

Rachel appreciates The Merc’s commitment to providing sustainable foods to their community through the cooperative ownership model. Rachel also supports the co-op’s various “giving” initiatives that provide financial and material supports to organizations serving the community. .

What's something you've gained from participating on this board?

A deeper understanding of cooperative economics and their impact on communities.

What's one thing you hope the co-op achieves/works towards during your term as a director?

Equity and inclusion are top priorities for me as a board member as we open the Kansas City location.

Why should owners consider becoming a director?

Being a director provides a deeper knowledge of how The Merc Co+op is meeting its mission and goals. As owners we all have a responsibility to stay engaged in the well being of the cooperative and there is no better way to do that than running for a seat on the board of directors.