Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance Elects Board

The Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) has elected its first board of directors, marking another milestone for the growing cooperative member association.

“We have an incredibly diverse board, representing the diversity of our local co-op movement,” said Peter Frank, the recently hired executive director of PACA.

PACA was launched by group of local co-op professionals to provide a support network for the sector. Some of its other functions include research, advocacy and assisting start-ups. It has members from all over the Philadelphia region and from different types of co-ops, including grocery stores, energy providers, and credit unions (find full list here).

Since it launched in 2013, PACA has hired its first full-time employee (Frank), picked up its first seven members, received 501(c)3 status, and developed a directory of local co-ops.

The board elections were held earlier this month. Here is the line-up (including Generocity.org’s own Mo Manklang):

• Krystal Eason – The Energy Co-op
• John Wieme – The Energy Co-op
• Chris Hill – Weavers Way Food Co-op
• Margaret Lenzi – Weavers Way Food Co-op
• Susan Kavchok – Childspace Management Group (not pictured above)
• Teresa Mansell – Childspace Management Group
• Esteban Kelly – Life Center Association
• Mo Manklang – Kensington Community Food Co-op
• Jamila Medley – Mariposa Food Co-op

The board will meet twice before the end of the year. Frank explained that much of the initial meetings will be devoted to helping the board meet one another and learn the basis of serving on a board.

“I will also be working with them to establish an ambitious agenda for 2015,” he added.

For more information visit the PACA website. Board bios here.

Photo via PACA