Co-op Board

Board members

Bio and Statements

Jamie Barker

Bio

I grew up on a farm, where I developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and local food production. My experience includes growing and selling produce, as well as serving as an agronomist, where I sourced fresh and frozen produce worldwide for a processing company. Additionally, I have raised beef cattle and sheep, further reinforcing my commitment to sustainable and ethical food production.

Beyond my agricultural background, I served as a Major in the Army Reserve, where I gained leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills. Now, my passion lies in ensuring that healthy, high-quality food is accessible to our local community.

Statement of Interest

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors to help guide the growth and success of our food co-op. With my experience in growing, selling, and sourcing produce on both a local and global scale, I want to contribute to building a sustainable, community-driven store that prioritizes fresh, healthy, and locally sourced products. I believe my background in farming, food procurement, and leadership positions me well to support the mission of the co-op and help shape its future.

I look forward to the possibility of working alongside other board members and co-op members to ensure that our store thrives and continues to serve the community’s needs.

Eva Baroni

I have lived in the Tri-Cities for the last 42 years. I recently retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory after 36 years where I provided project management and budget management within a research division. I specialized in the management of large programs.  I provided cost estimation and compliance management to hundreds of research grant proposals and supported large procurement efforts for instrumentation and technical services.

I currently serve on the board for two, local nonprofit organizations: the Mid-Columbia Science and Engineering Fair (MCSF) and the Arts Center Task Force (ACTF. I have served on MCSF’s board for the last 39 years, serving as its treasure for my entire tenure. I have been a trustee for ACTF for 12 years, serving as treasurer for seven of those years.

Statement of Interest

In addition to my professional and volunteer work, I am an avid foodie, enjoying the fresh, local produce in the Northwest, especially the fruits, vegetables, and meat raised within the Tri-Cities area. I shop at the farmers’ markets every week during the season and have long wanted a grocery store that offered local products all year. I started working with an interested group of individuals a few years ago to plan for the Tri-Cities Co-op and been a member of the interim board since its inception. I hope to continue serving on the board to provide continuity during this vital period of development.

Roberta (Bert) Day

Our community needs a Co-Op. I have a vision for our community to live a balanced and nourished life which in turn increases our overall health and well-being. Our Tri-Cities Food Co-Op is an element that supports this vision – fresh local healthy foods that nourish us and supports our local farms’ growth. Perfect unity! I am a Founding member and have been supporting the Co-Op as a director on the Interim Board since November 2024; it has been hard work but so very rewarding. My goal is to use my knowledge and skills in the best way possible to support the Co-Op’s continued growth and success. I am a ‘retired’ Professional Engineer and Project Manager with over 30 years of experience implementing complex environmental restoration projects that leverage streamlined approaches to project risk and uncertainty management, early regulatory involvement, and decision-based planning satisfying accelerated schedules and budget constraints while exceeding client expectations. My skills also include knowledge and education in aromatherapy (Bastyr University certification) and wholistic nutrition with a foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2 year certification from The Wellspring School for Healing Arts). I would enjoy a continued role on the Board and ask for your vote. 

Mary Fortier

Real food, local food! has always been a passion of mine. I was a volunteer and board member at the Food Hub here in the Tri-Cities, before it shut down. I drag my family to food co-ops in every city we visit! 

I currently work as the assistant Controller for a local construction company. I have an MBA and a degree in accounting and I’d love to be able to put my skills and education to work for my community!  

Thank you for your consideration.

Sabrina Jaynes

I’ve work in the wine industry since 2004 and previous experience as an interior design. Managed a successful catering company focusing on local and seasonal dishes. Bachelor degree in Interior Design & Architecture. Moved to the Tri-cities in 2008.

I’m a firm believer in supporting local and local communities. As an organic home gardener, I believe in the smallest of footsteps when it comes to what you put in your body. I view food as medicine and it is the answer to most health issues. It’s been almost 5 years since I gave up UPS and happily, I have never looked back.

Thank you for your consideration

Kara Moder

I have 13+ years in the hospitality industry in the Tri-Cities (& surrounding area), with experience in retail, distribution, service, grocery and small business management. My specialty is in the alcohol industry, mainly in Columbia Valley beer and wine. My passion is in our agricultural community. I would love to be a bigger contributing part of the co-op and to help it and our community grow together.

Alan Schreiber

I am a fifth-generation farmer that raises the widest array of organic produce in the Pacific Northwest (400 different items of produce) and I consider myself a local/organic agricultural activist. I also am the Executive Director of the boards for the Washington Asparagus Commission, Washington Blueberry Commission and Washington Commission on Integrated Pest Management and am on the board of the Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association.  In addition to managing boards, I manage and administer their funds.  My partner, Liesl Zappler, and I were so incensed at the lack of access to local and organic produce and food items in the Tri-Cities, we formed the Interim Board and launched the Tri-Cities Food Co-op.  When the Co-op could not find financing, we put our money up to launch the store.  With no one to operate the store, we decided to lend (at cost with no profit coming back to us) our employees, farm support, equipment, bookkeeper and experience and are operating the co-op until it can stand on its own and operate independently—which we hope is in 2025.  I want to be on the board to make sure the Tri-Cities Food Co-op is as successful as all of us know it can be.

Joe Sperry

I am excited to share my interest with you regarding a position on the board for the Tri-Cities Food Co-Op. My name is Joseph – Joe – Sperry and I am extremely passionate about this organization and its success in our community. Growing up on a dairy farm and being actively involved in FFA and 4-H from a young age, I have a deep-rooted passion for working with local and community farmers. I carried that passion into college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Plant Science with emphasis in Horticulture and Viticulture & Enology from Washington State University. With experience as a winemaker in both the Washington and Oregon wine industries, I bring a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture and the importance of local food systems. I am dedicated to promoting organic practices, supporting local farmers, and enhancing the Co-op’s role in our community. Together, we can foster a vibrant and sustainable food environment that benefits everyone.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and contribute to our Co-op’s mission.

Gabriela Suave

As a dedicated advocate for community-driven food systems, I am excited to run for a position on the Board of Directors at the Tri-Cities Food Co-Op. With a deep commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, and cooperative values, I aim to contribute my skills and experience to help guide our co-op toward a thriving and inclusive future.

Growing up on a third-generation family farm in Washington instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, sustainability, and community—values that strongly align with the co-op’s principles. My background in managing local and family-operated wineries, restaurants, & coffee shops, as well as event planning has given me the tools to support the co-op’s mission. I have experience in financial management, marketing, policy development, and leadership, which I believe will be valuable in shaping the strategic direction of our cooperative.

As a supporter of the Tri-Cities Food Co-Op, I understand the importance of keeping our store financially strong, ethically responsible, and deeply connected to the needs of our members and local producers. If elected, I will prioritize:

• Strengthening partnerships with local farmers and food producers

• Enhancing member engagement and transparency in decision-making

• Supporting sustainability initiatives and ethical sourcing

• Ensuring financial stability while keeping food accessible and affordable

I would be honored to serve on the board and work alongside fellow members to ensure the Tri Cities Food Co-Op continues to thrive as a pillar of our community. I appreciate your support and welcome any questions about my vision for the co-op.