Christian Wood - Nominated by the Board of Directors

Senior IT Manager

Why do you want to be on the Outpost Co-op Board of Directors?

As an owner and long-time shopper of Outpost, I am excited for the opportunity to participate in guiding Outpost into the future. The value of a local community-owned grocery store in the time of increased consolidation in the grocery industry cannot be understated. It is important to keep grocery dollars in the local community through supporting local vendors and investing in local jobs. The environmental impact of organic and local products and mindful packaging and transport makes a difference in the quality of life in our community.

I believe that I have skills and experiences that bring a unique perspective to the board. I have years of experience in the restaurant and retail industry, a degree in Education, and excellent problem-solving and management skills. This experience allows me to find common ground while working with a broad range of colleagues and customers to find the best path forward.

What professional skills do you bring to a Board position of a $50 million business?

One of my greatest strengths is the ability to get things done. For most of my work life I have been focused on managing people and projects from a "How can I help?" position. I pride myself in building high-functioning teams with diverse perspectives to achieve difficult tasks.

Technical skills that I bring to being on the Board: I have been Serve-Safe certified in the past and recognize the importance of food safety in this business; I have earned a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma processes to help eliminate waste and variance; I am currently working on my CISSP certificate to have the best understanding of cybersecurity and the impact an event can have on an organization and its members. These skills provide me with a framework of non-negotiables for making decisions.

I also have a degree in Elementary Education and worked briefly as a teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools. Here I saw the direct impact of food deserts, education surrounding food and health, and the value of engaging with a community to provide education opportunities. I am a lifelong learner and will be able to quickly assimilate to being on the Outpost Board.

I believe my experiences align well with many of the Cooperative Principles. I will be a conscientious representative for all Outpost owners to help maintain and grow our cooperative.

Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board.

Through experience, I have learned to listen with empathy, clarify for understanding, and act with integrity in all of my interactions. I have the humility to know that there is a great deal for me to learn as I continue to engage with others and through this broad engagement we build a stronger cooperative.

As a father of young adults exploring themselves and the world, my children are loved and supported for who they are as individuals, which is an attitude that I bring to all of my interactions. It is my responsibility to create and defend inclusion, encourage diversity, and foster equity.

Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives.

I have limited experience with community organizations, however I have been involved in helping out at Outpost. My wife and my son are both Outpost employees and for the last 12 years I have been a willing assistant in engaging with Outpost owners and staff as a supportive spouse. I have attended a number of annual meetings and community events and look forward to increasing that involvement.