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 HANS

Why did you become a co-op owner?

I feel a personal connection to the Merc’s vision of increasing access to healthy, local, organic food and products, and so in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and affordable. When I shop at the Merc I know that I am not only nourishing my body, but also benefiting my local community.

Why did you choose to join the board?

The same reasons I had for becoming an owner also inspired me to run for the board.

My five siblings and I all grew up in Lawrence and are products of Lawrence Community Nursery School, Lawrence Public Schools, and most of us went to KU. We grew up in a household where, although money was often scarce, our mother always ensured that we had healthy food on the table. She had a background in science and education and understood the critical importance that healthy food has on the long-term health of every member of the family. These life experiences, coupled with the example set by my mother, shaped my life as an adult, both at home and at work. As a result, I dedicated much of my career to ensuring people had access to high-quality food at reasonable prices. After retiring in 2022, I had more time to give back to my community. The Merc board was the perfect fit.

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

I believe strongly in all five of the Merc’s “Ends”, but the two that I feel most connected to, given my personal and professional background are “providing access to healthy, local, organic food and products” and “creating a robust, sustainable local food economy”.

Since joining the board in 2023, I have strived to apply my lifelong values and work experiences in the food business along with a growing understanding of cooperative principles and policy governance to help us achieve our mission and objectives effectively. The Merc’s goals of focusing “on what our neighborhoods want—nourishing everyone according to their budget and cooking style” and helping to ensure a “robust and sustainable food economy” align so strongly with my own core values, that I can’t help but feel connected with and inspired by them.

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

I am starting my third year as a member of the board, and over the course of the coming year I would like to see the Merc return to a position where it can pay out patronage rebates. Patronage rebates are one of the tangible benefits of ownership, but more importantly, patronage rebates serve as a clear indicator of the Merc’s financial health and long-term sustainability. Reaching this milestone positions the Merc to fully advance our Ends and continue to make the meaningful community impact that defines who we and what we stand for.

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

I retired in 2022 and felt strongly that I wanted to stay busy in a way that was personally fulfilling, while also giving back to my community. To that end, I volunteer two days a week with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build affordable housing. In addition, I am also a Precinct Committee Chair for the Douglas County Democrats. And last but certainly not least, I enjoy spending a lot more time with my wife and family!

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

In general, it is the entire produce section, but more specifically, it is the lacinato kale. I can’t get enough of it!

Board Meetings

All co-op owners are invited to attend monthly board meetings, typically held the first Monday each month at 6:30 p.m. Early in the agenda, the board reserves ten minutes of space to hear from owners who wish to address the board.