Meet the Abundance Board of Directors

The Abundance Board of Directors is what makes Abundance Food Co-op a democratic form of business.

The Board is made up of nine shareholders who are elected by fellow shareholders to represent their interests.
Learn more about how the Board work and how shareholders can get involved with the co-op >

Chris Whitebell

Max Gianniny, Treasurer

Max is a Rochester native currently working in property management. He became interested in Abundance because of an interest in both healthy food and cooperative ownership. A new location would allow much greater access to the store and help Abundance stay ahead in a fast changing industry.

Peter House

Paula Hansen, Board President

Originally from Long Island, Paula has lived in Rochester since 1976. She shopped a the Genesee Foood Store on Monroe Ave and, with her spouse Susan, became a shareholder at Abundance soon after the move to Marshall Street. A retired Rochester City School District teacher, she continues to volunteer in an elementary school and loves working with students who are just learning to read. She has also been active with the Master Gardeners of Cooperative Extension, enjoys camping and kayaking around our area. Just recently, she’s joined New Horizons Band and is learning to play the alto saxophone. She is looking forward to working on the Board and helping with the challenge of the upcoming move. She believes that being part of a shareholder-owned co-op is an important part of supporting our community and democracy.

Karl Abbott

I have been a shareholder for 4 years, and am a firm believer in the cooperative model of owning our store, and keeping the money local I also like that we support local food producers. Currently I am semi-retired, but work several hours at a town library, and volunteer a few hours helping stock the shelves in Abundance. Before semi-retirement I have been a senior project manager, assistant in a homeless men’s shelter, political campaign coordinator, and as a manager in a natural foods store. My wife Nancy and I live in an 1890’s house in the city. We have three very active grandsons that we don’t get to see as much as we would like. I like to travel (Switzerland train trip up next), read, kayak, and work on (play with) my model trains.

Beth Garver

Beth has served on the Abundance Board of Directors for more than 7 years. She has served as Treasurer and is currently Secretary. Beth has been an Abundance supporter since its inception. Beth currently works for BOCES and has a background in marketing and education. Beth has attended co-operative movement events regionally and nationally, and is a strong advocate for strengthening and growing member owned local initiatives. Beth is very excited about Abundance’s recent expansion because it offers a larger venue and opportunities for further community engagement and partner initiatives.

Monique Marollo

How the Board of Directors works

Term limits, regular meetings, and other conditions outlining how the Board works can be found in the By-laws of Abundance Food Co-op. The vision for the co-op outlining it’s purpose is contained in the Global Ends Policy of Abundance Food Co-op.

Annual meetings

Every year, shareholders come together to discuss the current state of the co-op and to share ideas and feedback about its future. Meetings usually begin with a potluck meal and a little fun before updates are given to the general ownership from the Board and the General Manager, who is tasked with the business operation of the store by the Board.

Committee meetings

The Board organizes a series of committees that support different, vital activities of the co-op, such as community outreach, legislative and legal documentation, and much more. Each committee may be made up by Board members, volunteer shareholders, and staff members.

Interested in learning more about joining a committee? Get in touch!

Regular Board of Directors meetings

The Board of Directors meets every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm. These regular meetings are open to any shareholder to attend.

Other shareholder meetings

Beyond the regular schedule of meetings, shareholders may meet around a specific issue or initiative concerning the co-op. Like all participation in the co-op, it is entirely voluntary and never a mandatory part of being a shareholder.