The Merc Co+op’s Board of Directors is made up of seven co-op owners elected by the ownership to serve three-year terms. Any co-op owner is eligible to run for a board position.

The Board acts on behalf of co-op owners, responsible for guiding the overall vision of the co-op and monitoring progress toward that vision. To support this work, the board establishes policies that govern both themselves and the General Manager. The board works closely with the General Manager, who provides regular reports on store operations, including finances, customer satisfaction, and more.

Get to know the owners that represent you!

MEET DEON

Why did you become a co-op owner?

I became a co-op owner when I learned that the Merc was opening a location in Kansas City, Kansas. I live in the immediate area where the store is located, and I wanted to ensure that the interests, needs, and voices of the surrounding community were represented from the very beginning. Becoming a member felt like a tangible way to invest in a community-centered institution that aligned with my values around equity, access, and shared ownership.

Why did you choose to join the board?

Joining the board was a natural extension of why I became a co-op owner in the first place. Becoming a member was a requirement for board service, but more importantly, it reflected my belief that leadership should be rooted in accountability to the people most impacted. I wanted to be at the table to help guide decisions, protect the co-op’s values, and ensure that growth did not come at the expense of community trust or mission alignment.

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

I connect most deeply with the Merc’s commitment to community ownership, inclusion, and values-driven decision-making. As someone who works daily with youth, families, and systems that often overlook marginalized voices, I believe deeply in institutions that are built with the community rather than for it. The co-op model of shared ownership, democratic governance, and ethical service mirrors the kind of sustainable, people-centered systems I try to build in my own work.

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

Sustainability, market trends and the business aspect of running a full-scale store. There is a lot of intricate planning that goes into maintaining the continuity and growth of the current store and the opening of the new. All board time is spent efficiently and everything is extremely well thought out.

What’s one thing you hope the co-op achieves during your term as a director?

My hope is that the Merc continues to grow its ownership while remaining uncompromising in its values. Growth matters but not at the cost of accessibility, equity, or community trust. I want the co-op to continue serving everyone well, expanding its reach while staying grounded in its mission and cooperative principles.

What are you up to when you’re not volunteering on the board?

Outside of the board, I wear several hats. I own and operate Resilient Transitions, a transitional living home for youth aging out of foster care. I also serve as a Dean of Students at the Kauffman Charter School. I sit on the Superintendent’s Community Collaborative Council and the Boundary Committee for KCK Public School, and I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, I serve as President of the F.L. Schlagle High School PTSA. When I’m not working, you can usually find me at Chiefs games or out fishing.

What is your favorite food or product the co-op carries?

My favorite product at the Merc is the curried tofu.