Wayne Warnken, MD

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Wayne Warnken, MD

1.  Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Onion River Cooperative?

City Market had me at hello.   Moving Burlington from Seattle, I became a member immediately.   Next I wanted to get more involved in our cooperative that contributes so much to my life, my family and community.    I am a huge fan of the trifecta of City Market, the YMCA and the Fletcher Free Library.  I love spending time with my family at these three places as much as possible for optimal nutrition, fitness and education.  This will be my third and last term serving on the board-since my involvement, we have transitioned from one incredibly successful general manager to another.  We have re-written the bylaws.  We monitored policies and financial reports.  We have reached out to members and continue to link with them on ways to make our great coop better.  I have biked or run to every single board member except once when I painfully drove 100 miles from Farm and Wilderness to make a meeting.  I continue to love discussing City Market's successes and strategies.  City Market's cooperative principles and the people who carry out the mission are the main reasons I want to continue.  

2.  The work of the Board is not operational – that is, it does not deal with the daily operations of the store. Instead, the Board deals with the overall policies that identify and guide the mission of the Cooperative. How will you stay focused on the larger vision, without being distracted by the day-to-day operations of the store?

My experience on the board has taught me the value of collaborative work which involves clear communication and contributing to a smooth group dynamic.  I enjoy reviewing the financial statements and the multiple bottom lines that City Market contributes to our community.  I enjoy talking with other members about the Coop and its mission, especially programs like Food for All which increases access to nutrition in our diverse community.   As a local physician, I enjoy counseling about nutrition, exercise and individual lifestyle change.  Through City Market board work, I am part of community change and I value the larger vision that City Market plays addressing relations with the Intervale, local farmers and places in our city where access to healthy food is limited.   I love that members can earn a discount through community service work.   City Market is much more than a grocery store and board member work reflects this.  

3.  What strengths and skills would you bring to the work of the Cooperative’s Board?

During my six years, I have learned how to effectively get board-work done.  I have developed strong relationships with my board colleagues and City Market's management team.  I participated in the by-laws rewriting and I am grateful not to have to do that again.  I have honed my eye on details of financial statements and the big picture of City Market's strength as a primary economic engine for Burlington.  I have fostered many connections with City Market members and am grateful for all the ways City Market enriches our lives.  I am a live-simply cyclist balancing family, work and community service.  I am grateful for the personal details of City Market:  the thrill of finding something healthy that my kids will actually eat and the raw ingredients that power our daily smoothie and for a staff so responsive in finding my youngest son who wandered off during a shopping expedition.  I strive to be as accessible and responsive to you and I am grateful for your vote.