Welcome to the LEAD Program

Thanks for subscribing to the NCGA western corridor’s LEADer — the quarterly publication supporting improved board effectiveness for WC co-ops.

To view & download LEADer issues, click the name of the issue — appearing on the left of this page.

Do you have a question for the Board Effectiveness Support Team? If so, send your question to ask the BEST.

Complete confidentiality will be maintained for those submitting questions. If your question is selected for a response in the LEADer, the name of the co-op, any identifying information, and the names of all individuals will be modified to provide complete anonymity. Also, you’ll receive a complimentary registration to a future Western Corridor Board Workshop.


The following people are currently serving on the western corridor’s Board Effectiveness Support Team (BEST):

Lucinda Berdonterm ending 2012
General Manager
Quincy Natural Foods; Quincy, CA

Philip Buriterm ending 2011
Former Board Chair
Community Food Co-op; Bellingham, WA

Paige Lettingtonterm ending 2011
Former Director
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Sacramento, CA

Cindy Owingsterm ending 2012
Former Director
Community Food Co-op; Bozeman, MT

Martha Whitmanterm ending 2012
Board President
La Monanita Food Co-op; Albuquerque, NM

Marcia Shaw
Program Advisor
Corvallis, OR

Karen Zimbelman
Program Support
NCGA Western Corridor Development Director

In addition, Michele Adams (former General Manager at First Alternative Co-op in Corvallis, OR) served on the BEST since its founding until her resignation in March 2011. Thanks, Michele!