Co-op Students!
Community-Owned Since 1974
FRESH • LOCAL • ORGANIC
Produce, Groceries, Bulk & Deli
575 E. 8TH Ave
Durango, CO 81301
HOURS: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 9:00pm
DELI: Mon-Sun 8:00am - 3:00pm
DNF CO-OP Board of Directors
The Durango Natural Foods Board of Directors is elected by the owners from amongst themselves. Each board member brings a variety of professional and personal interests and experiences to the group, forging a Board of Directors committed to fulfilling DNF’s mission, maintaining its quality and financial stability, and providing strategic planning for its future.
Your Board of Directors
Sheryl McGourty| President| Term Ends 2024
Having owned a small business in Durango for the past 15 years, I have learned how important and fulfilling it is to maintain relationships. When we know one another, we are more inclined to be of service and to offer empathy. I intend to be of service to DNF members, staff, and my fellow colleagues on the board.
My vocations have centered around pushing my edges and deepening connections as an outdoor guide and educator for teens, licensed teacher in the state of Colorado, and working for decades in a variety of settings and states with people of all ages, needs, and abilities. These diverse experiences have allowed me to interface with a myriad of people while developing greater interpersonal skills. I intend to utilize these skills to make meaningful contributions towards optimal board cohesion and effectiveness.
My favorite place to be is in wild places, feeling free, alive, and healthy. I have always been interested in health and wellness through foods, herbs, movement practices, alternative healing, and maintaining a rich spiritual life. I am proud to be a part of Durango’s very own touchstone of health, Durango Natural Foods.
Outside of running a yoga studio (Yogadurango) and maintaining a private Ayurveda practice, I presently enjoy trying to get my teenage son to hang out with me, playing music around town in an acoustic duo, being home with my dogs, plants, and trees and on adventures both solo and with beloveds.
Weston Medlock | Vice President| Term Ends 2023
My degree in Sustainable Development has allowed me to dissect the many theories of sustainability and develop a multifaceted approach to social equity, environmental conservation, and localized economics. I recognize the urgency to restore local agriculture and promote democratic food systems that will foster a healthy community. With my experience in community organizing and former president of a nonprofit, I hope to empower the local food community of Durango, seek strategic partnerships, and loyally serve the members of the DNF cooperative.
Elise Boulanger| Secretary | Term Ends 2025
I bring my interpersonal skills of empathy, motivation, and gratitude; and professional abilities of organization, creativity, and adaptability to the Board. I am a passionate advocate of equitable public systems, and so I would first and foremost provide my expertise in collaboration for fair decision-making. As a former employee of DNF, I am knowledgeable of its inner workings and have deep care for the team. I strive to maintain relationships with employees and come to DNF with enthusiasm for positive growth and change. Since I first moved to Durango in 2017, I have been fierce about being involved in many parts of the community so that I can understand the people, lifestyles, and landscape that make up this community – my home. Since I left DNF, I have served on two Boards: the Animas City Night Bazaar, where I became Market Manager for the 2021 season, and the Collections Ambassador on the Leadership Team for Sustainability at the Center of Southwest Studies Museum. I also have volunteered for the Durango Arts Center and The Hive. I believe my community connections could be of benefit for the Board and I could help strengthen neighborhood bonds.
DNF is bursting out of its tiny building. I think over the next 3 to 5 years, the Board should focus on a few things: creating innovative solutions for new locations or community partnership for satellite locations, initiate more consistent staff- appreciation programs, and dedicate more funds / resources to bear greater incentives to the community such as returning and promoting a student discount.
Cody Reinheimer | Board Member | Terms Ends 2024
Cody Reinheimer has been eating organic his entire life and is a long time supporter of co-ops. He knows that eating great helps us feel great! He is passionate about protecting and enjoying our environment, locally and globally. He has lived in Durango since 2008, arriving as a student of diversified farming and permaculture. He has been part of several farms, has been an educator in various forms, managed the Durango Farmers Market for 4 years, and now makes his living as a DJ. He thrives on building community and having fun with his daughter, friends and family. He is honored to serve the community by being a motivated board member working towards a bright future for our co-op through creativity, cooperation and positive communication.
Hadley Bevil| Board Member | Term Ends 2025
The Co-op is a place that I will always hold close. When I first moved to Durango about three years ago, I was curious about what the (then red) metal building on the corner down from my current home was. I didn't have a job, didn't know more than a handful of people in town, and definitely didn't know I would be walking into what my life would consist of for the next two and a half years. After having many chats and coffees with the, then new, GM, Joe, I started working as the Marketing Manager for DNF. This began my understanding of the world of Co-ops and my love for what they stand for, not to mention the amazing people I was introduced to through working/living there.
No longer as a DNF employee, I want to continue to aid in the Co-op’s success and have many skills I believe would assist me in doing so. I have extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the Co-op from having previously worked there. I am a great team player, communicator, and have a love and background for sustainable and organic foods (Previously to the Co-op, I produced all of the public relations work for the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens - events, education, community outreach, etc.)
A few areas I think the board should be focusing on over the next 3-5 years include growth/expansion, fundraising, community outreach, education, and more customer/Co-op interaction. I think these some of the core values of a Co-op and only lead to continued success. I would love to be a part of the planning and implementation of these focuses.
I want to help Durango Natural Foods Co-op thrive, gain more success, and grow its community for many more years to come!
Kate Randall| Board Member | Term Ends 2024
I ran for the board because I am a huge fan of Co-ops in general and DNF Co-op in particular, and because now that I'm semi-retired, I have time and energy to dedicate to something I care about. I was a business owner for 28 years, running a bookstore in Tucson, AZ. In terms of Food Co-ops, I've been involved in them since my early 20's, when I co-managed a tiny one in the basement of a house in Washington D.C. Since that time, I have been a Co-op member (and sometimes volunteer) wherever I've lived. I joined DNF when I moved here to Durango three years ago.
My career at the bookstore gave me experience in a variety of areas including managing staff and money flow, handling and working towards long term goals. As the business grew, we moved and expanded it three-fold and eventually paying off a building. Hopefully my experience at the bookstore will be helpful when
considering the various issues that DNF might encounter.
Chrissy Mossier| Board Member | Term Ends 2023
My first Co-op experience was in college in Athens, Georgia. Buying a variety of dried fruit from bulk bins in a paper bag revolutionized my understanding of food choices. Since arriving in Durango on the National Student Exchange in 1999, I have trusted DNF as the best shopping experience around. When conversations come up about grocery stores, I can’t help but advocate for DNF. “It’s the best.” Even better is that I used to split my shopping among 3 stores, but after the changes DNF has made over the last few years, I can safely do big shops at the Co-op.
I have collected an array of professional experiences that I hope will make me an asset to the Board. Working at Banga’s Farm and the Farmer’s Market allowed me to see all that is required for farmers to take produce from seed to sale, and how the food is distributed to the Farmer’s Market, restaurants, the Co-op, and Manna Soup Kitchen. The 3 years I spent as a Residential Advocate at the Durango Community Shelter provided a download of the human condition, listening skills, and an ability to relate with anyone. Youth mentoring has connected me with a diverse range of community members and ignited a passion for equitable access to good clean food. I am a lifelong student of Spanish and I dig Mathematics.
After witnessing the recovery DNF has made, I am committed to aiding in the sustainability of that shift, and the expansion necessary to accommodate our growing community. I hold DNF close to my heart and would be honored to represent your voices with honesty and integrity. Cheers to our Co-op!