MMFC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board
- Treasurer
Astrid's experience with co-ops came during college while living in a large housing cooperative near the university she attended. Not only did she learn new skills there, but she made many lifelong connections and friendships - including her spouse! She's since lived in two more housing co-ops, served on two co-op boards, and worked for two cooperative organizations.
Barb is a Wisconsin native who grew up in the country eating mostly wild game and garden produce. She is retired from UW-Stout where she managed the public website, conducted training, and participated in strategic planning and marketing. She has also worked in development and strategic planning for MMFC and other organizations.
Joseph's background as a chef as well as his desire to set a positive example for his daughters and show them what it means to be involved in the community are what fueled his passion for furthering local food systems. He currently works as a Consumer Loan Underwriter at Royal Credit Union and has served as a co-op board member for several years.
Karlee's love for co-ops stems from being raised in a small community where local suppliers thrived because of their support, and from being mentored by her dad, who dedicated nearly 50 years to working at co-ops. She and her husband planted their roots in the Chippewa Valley twelve years ago, and she now works as the Vice President of Small Business Lending at Royal Credit Union.
After receiving her PhD in anthropology from UW-Milwaukee and teaching in the area for several years, Kathy moved to the Chippewa Valley and held several positions at UWEC, including representation of students with disabilities, affirmative action officer, and assistant to the chancellor. During that time, she also served as chair of the city plan commission and president of the police and fire commission before retiring. She has since served as an Eau Claire City Council member.
Mariann, an organic crop and livestock inspector, has a passion for organic farming and cooperatives. She, her husband, and two sons live on a farm in Elk Mound where they custom raise organic dairy heifers, and she was previously a Farmer Ambassador Program Leader within the Organic Valley cooperative for several years.
After growing up in small town Wisconsin, Rick studied Forestry & Environmental Communication at UW-Stevens Point and Conservation Biology at Western Kentucky University. Over 20 years later, he has worked in land conservation throughout the Midwest, Maine, and Kentucky, moved back to Downsville, and now works for a non-profit conservation organization.