Philip DiNuovo

We probably shop at the Co-op three to four times a week, about the number of times we get into downtown PT (we do not live within the city limits). We tend to buy food and vegetables often in order to experience food at its freshest. We seem to have shifted most of our grocery shopping to the Co-op and away from large, corporate supermarkets.

We can't remember when exactly we joined the Co-op as we only moved to PT (from Kingston) about 5 years ago and weren't shopping in PT that often. Even so, we did join long before we moved to PT as we always believed in the cooperative model.

I would like to see a greater emphasis on bulk foods and less plastic packaging. I would like to see if it's possible to allow members to bring their own containers for use at the hot food bar. I generally believe it's important to consume organic food but wonder if it's absolutely necessary for ALL types of food. For example, since a banana is covered with an impervious skin, are (presumably less expensive) non organic bananas just as safe to eat?

As far as personal skills I might bring to the board, my background has been in banking, finance and accounting; I think these skills are transferable to many organizations and I think would be helpful to the board.

I believe that having a Co-op that support local businesses and economic development is very important to our community and I want to be a part in shaping the future of what makes that a success. As we navigate through a sea of uncertainty, it is always a good idea to shore up your community and make positive influence where you can at a local level. I am thrilled at the idea to serve on the board of directors in hopes that our board reflects member owner's values and diverse needs.

I think we can use our current general manager, Kenna, her skills and expertise, as a model of what we need to look for in a new general manager. I view the GM position as one that requires a comprehensive and complex set of skills in areas of finance, people management, empathy, negotiation, etc.

I would think the GM's most important job is people management.

Carefully choose the appropriate candidate, support him or her with the right tools to do the job and evaluate job performance.

Broad oversight, evaluate and avoid trying to micro manage the GM.

While not on a board of directors per se, I was part of a group of people who helped shape the structure and goals of the PT Tool Library. I also helped to start a new community bank (Mariner Bank) in Port Townsend in 2002, basically setting up the bank's operations and accounting structure, hiring personnel and dealing with the Washington State Banking Commission. I then was named the bank's Chief Financial Officer.

I consider myself to be open to other people's viewpoints and treat all people with dignity and respect. An example of a challenge I might have is frustration while attending a meeting that lacks focus, wastes time or degrades because of meaningless conversation. That being said, I feel I can deal with a situation like that.