Board of Directors

Our Board gives you a voice

The Wedge Community Co-ops Board of Directors is elected by owners. They set long- and short-term goals, plan for our future, help manage co-op resources and act as trustees on behalf of you—our owners.

  • Sarita Parikh President

    Sarita Parikh
    President

    As a young adult, Sarita discovered the joys of eating healthy foods and the quest to support sustainable food systems. She finds co-ops a flourishing example of businesses that do well and do good.
  • Lisa Fittipaldi Vice President

    Lisa Fittipaldi
    Vice President

    Lisa is passionate about the co-op, believing that we raise the bar for all Minnesota grocers by supporting local farmers and businesses that use sustainable practices. She has been a member of Wedge Community Co-ops for more than 25 years.
  • Yoshi Suzuki-Lambrecht Treasurer

    Yoshi Suzuki-Lambrecht
    Treasurer

    Yoshi’s motto in life is to “make more and to give more.” He has always been driven to gain the knowledge, skills and resources to make a greater impact on his community.
  • Mark Greene Secretary

    Mark Greene
    Secretary

    Mark is recently retired from a distinguished financial services career, including CEO roles. He is eager to work together to strengthen the co-op, enrich its close-knit community and make it a truly special place for everyone.
  • Christine Page Director

    Christine Page
    Director

    Christine has a heart for working with people, encouraging inclusivity and inspiring action to strengthen our community. Through her past experiences, she is aware of the role food security and nutrition has in creating a strong, vibrant and equitable community.
  • Emily Anderson Director

    Emily Anderson
    Director

    Emily joined the Wedge Co-op board in 2013, and now continues to serve on the Wedge Community Co-ops board. Her introduction to co-ops began in 1974 as a volunteer at Seward Community Co-op, and co-ops have been a personal and professional passion since.
  • Bao Vang Director

    Bao Vang
    Director

    The co-op business model is a foundational part of Bao’s DNA. Her parents and their Hmong relatives created and operated a co-op in the 1980s. She currently serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota–a non-profit that helps businesses enhance their customer experience.
  • Steve Share Director

    Steve Share
    Director

    Steve and his family are deeply invested in and committed to the co-op ideal. With more choices in the natural foods marketplace, Steve believes it is important to use his food dollars to support local, member-owned businesses. He has been a member of the co-op board since 2019.
  • Jobin Kadapurath Director

    Jobin Kadapurath
    Director

    Jobin grew up in a family with deep agricultural roots. His grandparents grew crops, raised animals and sold their produce locally, and his father worked to combat malnutrition through crop cultivation in semi-arid regions of the world. Food continues to be of great importance to his family.

The Board’s role and responsibilities

The Wedge Community Co-ops Board focuses on four key areas while upholding the code of ethics and conduct. The Board also oversees elections and recommends updates to the Articles and Bylaws, the legal documents that define and guide the co-op.

  • Hiring and evaluating the CEO
  • Financial oversight
  • Long-range strategic planning
  • Recruitment of board directors

Board Meetings

Owners are welcome and encouraged to attend regularly scheduled board meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month via Zoom. Please email board@wedge.coop to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance of a meeting.

Becoming a candidate

Co-op owners with a passion for the co-op and its mission, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, are encouraged to apply for board positions.