Moses Viveros

Candidate Statement:

Some may see Central Co-op as just “another grocery store.” However, I recognize that it’s more than that. Central Co-op is a community space, it supports and empowers local farmers and small businesses, and it’s proof of a community-focused food system in action. I’m running for the Board and Nominating Committee because I believe in the power of our co-op and that I can contribute to our continued progress and long-term sustainability. 

Seattle has been my home for over a year now and I’ve been an owner since my first weekend here. I am originally from Chicago and most recently moved from Minneapolis where I served on the board of Seward Community Co-op for 3 years. During my board tenure I supported the Co-op through numerous events like the hiring of a new GM/CEO, completing the sale of an admin building, successfully negotiating a union contract renewal, a store remodel, and increasing sales & improving our financial position. In my day job, I work with the YMCA of Greater Seattle; overseeing a suite of food access programs across King County.  

I’ve called many places home. But despite all my moving around, I’ve always been committed to supporting movements and spaces that center community and put the power back into the hands of the people. I believe that Central Co-op is one of those spaces. It would be an honor to serve on your board so that we can build a stronger, community food system here in the Puget Sound, together. 

Zac Zahara

Candidate Statement:

My name is Zac Zahara, I am excited to be running for the open position on the Central Co-Op Board. I have lived in Seattle since 2005 and in Tacoma since 2020. My husband and I ultimately decided on purchasing our home in Tacoma because it is situated directly across the street from the Central Co-Op! I have been an active member ever since. My passion for small businesses and locally grown food and the power of community-driven initiatives to foster economic growth and sustainability are the key driving forces behind my interest in serving on the board.

I have over 25 years of experience working in the hospital industry and am currently the Chief Operations Officer for Lab Services at MultiCare Health System. I have in depth experience in corporate finance/budgeting, community outreach, capital projects, strategic planning, and executive search/team building. I have had the opportunity to work with both community and corporate-based Board of Directors. Being in the medical field I have seen first-hand the medical benefits access to healthy food has on our communities and I would be beyond honored to help support the Co-Op in continuing its mission of accessible/high-quality nutrition to EVERYONE in the communities they serve.

The Central Co-Op means many things to me. The largest being safe community space and local high-quality food. In our current world we need to be more conscious of voting with our time and dollars. The Co-Op provides an inclusive safe space for the community, respectful people-centric employment, and quality well-researched food options. I honestly can’t think of a better organization to offer my time and money!!

Thank you for your attention and support. I look forward to the opportunity to serve!

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Ezra Thomas

Candidate Statement:

My name is Ezra, and I have been a worker for Central Co-op for just over a year.  I am a Store Support Coordinator in Tacoma, and I also handle buying for Beer, Wine, and Spirits.

To put it simply - I love food. I’ve worked my entire career towards understanding what makes food good and sustaining for people and their communities. The co-op’s mission statement reflects a democratic and holistic mission to educate and sustain our community with what I love.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, I want to do my best to maintain that mission and continue to help the Co-op serve our community.  While my time at Central Co-op has not been very long, I am committed to the values here and wish to work to make sure the Co-op will be here for years to come.

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Tim Callahan

Candidate Statement:

I am excited about the possibility of serving on the Nominating Committee of the Central Co-op Board of Trustees, as I believe strongly in the Solidarity Co-op model and have been an active member of Central Co-op for over 25 years. In addition, as a former worker-owner at Central Co-op from 2019-22, I know from experience how important the co-op is to our members. I am thoroughly committed to supporting the availability of healthy food in our community and I am so pleased to see that the co-op is recovering from the difficult challenges of the past few years. I believe that my experience working at Central Co-op, as well as working at and managing other natural food stores, will help me to contribute to the functioning of the Board of Trustees. I welcome the opportunity to be considered as a consumer-owner member on the Nominating Committee.

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Sam Mandry

Candidate Statement:

I came to the Co-op in 2022 after 7 years of grocery experience at multiple stores.  When I joined as an SSC, the Co-op was in a state of transition.  At the time, the Co-op was unable to help serve our customers and community to its full potential.  In 2023, we not only saw a leadership change, but a complete culture shift at Central Coop.  I saw firsthand how the store was able to improve sales and grow by putting the needs of workers first, and listening to the concerns of customers and members.

During my time at the Co-op, I have helped improve our store’s Front End Experience both for customers, members, and workers.  I worked with several community organizations to overhaul our food donation program.  I have worked with the front end team to increase membership engagement.  And, I continue to support the front end team in growing their product knowledge, and fine tune our procedures.

I would like to continue to support the Co-op by joining the Nominating Committee with the Board of Trustees.  I want to do my part in helping make sure the Co-op continues to put the best folks forward to ensure it continues for our members and our workers.  As someone who is on the salesfloor and at the register – I understand both what members and customers are looking for, as well as what workers need to have a safe and supportive work environment.  I hope you are willing to vote for me to join the Nominating Committee.

Vote for Your Worker Nom-Com Member