CCMA is a collaborative effort, brought to life by planning committee members, host co-ops, countless volunteers and dedicated staff who help shape the conference each year.
National Planning Committee
The CCMA National Planning Committee is comprised of co-op managers and board members, representatives from cooperative associations, development organizations, financial partners and other various allies. By providing input from the wide food co-op movement, the committees’ goal is to ensure that CCMA is a valuable forum for success, innovation and development of the national food co-op movement. The CCMA Planning Committee is charged with guiding the selection of the conference theme and tracks. Committee members provide feedback on speakers, breakout sessions, program, and awards and special events. We are grateful for their commitment.
CCMA 2027 Planning Committee:
- Brittany Baird, Strategic Development Manager, National Co+op Grocers
- Theron Beaudreau, Operations Manager, Whole Foods Co-op
- Jeff Bessmer, General Manager, Greenstar Co-op
- Kimberly Block Rincan, Vice President, Common Market
- Kristy Bowers, Strategic Development Manager, National Co+op Grocers
- Gabby Davis, Independent Consultant
- Norman Gonsalves, HR & Engagement Manager, Portland Food Co-op
- April Harkness, ESG Manager, Hanover Co-op
- Doug Johnson, General Manager, Belfast Community Co-op
- Heather Lazcikas, Market & Brand Development, seven roots group
- Mike McCary, Store Operations Manager, Grass Valley, BriarPatch Food Co-op
- LeAnna Nieratko, General Manager, Erie Food Co-op
- Melanie Reid, Consultant, Columinate
- LaDonna Sanders-Redmond, Member, Columinate
- Ray Simpkins, CEO, Outpost Co-op
- Alan Singer, Loan Officer, LEAF
- Suzette Snow-Cobb, Associate Director, Neighboring Food Cooperative Association
- Mark Tarasawa, General Manager, First Alternative Co-op
- John Tashiro, General Manager, City Market Onion River Co-op
- Jeanie Wells, Consultant, Mighty Community Markets
