Rick Banks: Incumbent - Nominated by the Board of Directors

Senior Program Manager of African-American Affairs

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

I ran for the Board of Directors six years ago to ensure that workers and community have a voice on the Board. During my time I've advocated for causes and values that these communities care about while continuing to ensure that Outpost remains financially sound. I've been privileged to serve on the Outpost Board of Directors during some turbulent times and some exceptional times and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and administration to push Outpost into a bright future.

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

I have a strong background in community organizing, policy development and board level non-profit management of organizations as large as $50 million (Outpost) and $22 million (UW-Milwaukee Student Government). I am a 2017 graduate of the Associates in Commercial Real Estate Program and have a minor in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I've also been through, and facilitated, several different trainings on diversity, inclusion and equity building.

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

I identify as Black and LGBT+. Being from these backgrounds gives me a unique perspective to bring to the Board in terms of representing the views and challenges of marginalized communities. I also have an extensive background in DEI work, stemming from my work in college as an Inclusive Excellence Ambassador and as a community organizer serving diverse neighborhoods. My work keeps me in the know on the latest happenings and best practices around diversity, equity and inclusion.

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

My work centers around working with community organizations. I am also a member of the Riverwest Co-op and Cafe and I was the chair of the New Economy (previously Riverwest and Harambee) Credit Union Organizing Committee. I've served on several boards in my time including the Milwaukee Community Land Trust, Milwaukee Water Commons and Northcott Neighborhood House. I'm also an organizer in the Harambee neighborhood and co-founder of MKE Black Inc., a non-profit dedicated to advancing black community wealth by promoting and supporting Black Owned Businesses.