We have six candidates running this year for four open Board of Directors seats. Candidates for the Board are asked a series of questions to help the Owners of Chicago Market make an informed decision. Here are the responses from our candidates this year:

CHRIS BURNS
(current Board member)

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
I am just wrapping up my first term as a member of Chicago Market’s board of directors. Since joining the board, I have served as Secretary, where I implemented several process improvement strategies to ensure that our board meetings run more efficiently, and have also served on the marketing committee.

My initial reasons for joining the board remain unchanged: I was an early owner so I have a vested interest in seeing the project come to fruition, I believe in the mission of Co-Ops, particularly ours, and I have a strong personal belief in the importance of using my professional expertise to benefit the community.

That said, my reasons for wanting to continue on the board boils down to this: Our collective project is at a critical crossroads. We are about to embark on a construction project where we will spend millions of dollars entrusted to us by owners, banks, and government institutions. Now, more than ever, our project needs strong, no-nonsense oversight to meet the fiduciary responsibilities that all of these stakeholders have entrusted to the board so that we can achieve the overarching mission of doing right by by our community and the food producers that we hope to support.

I will be that voice for all owners and can be entrusted with providing oversight and making decisions that accomplish the mission.

Do you have previous Board experience?
Yes. I have served on the board of both Chicago Market and Snow City Arts here in Chicago. In addition, in my professional life, I have significant experience working with corporate boards and investors.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
I come to Chicago Market with more than twenty-five years of experience in marketing and corporate strategy. Earlier this year, after running my own business as a solopreneur where I provided marketing and growth strategy services to startup businesses across the country, I joined the world-famous Second City to lead their business to business division.

Other professional highlights relevant to Chicago Market at this point in time include:

- I served as a member of the leadership team at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas where I was deeply involved with the construction of the resort prior to its opening and then led the development of the on-property guest experience after opening.

- More than 15 years of brand and strategy consulting experience where I have helped transform organizations ranging in size from startups to the Fortune 50 and in industries such as retail, hospitality, financial services, and healthcare.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
I have served on the Chicago Market board since 2021 and, as a long-time resident of the Uptown, Ravenswood, and Lakeview neighborhoods, I have been an owner and supporter of Chicago market since the early days.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
All of the food co-op experience I have has been built through my work with Chicago Market since 2021.

What food issues are you passionate about?
Two food-related issues are front of mind for me...

- Trying to do my part to address the issue of sustainability is a personal priority for me and our failure to address the issues of social, human, economic, and environmental sustainability – either on a macro level (globally/nationally) or a micro level (city/neighborhood) – have been highlighted by a variety of issues ranging from COVID-19 to climate change. As a father, I’m genuinely worried that the world we are leaving behind will not be better than the one we inherited.

- Similarly, because of my work in healthcare, I’ve had experience working on issues related to social determinants of health and the issue of nutrition, specifically as it relates to access to quality nutrition and food deserts, is a big concern for me as I have seen, firsthand, the impact it can have on our neighbors.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
The only thing I would add is that through the combination of my professional experience and my personal convictions, you can rest assured that I will not only work as an advocate of the Market’s mission, but I will also work hard to ensure that it is an economically viable/sustainable endeavor.

Since joining the board, I have been outspoken on the need for us to do “well”, in order to do “good” and, should you choose me to serve on the board, I will continue to push the organization to stay laser-focused on getting the store opened in the most efficient, effective, and timely manner possible. Without an open and functional store, we can’t accomplish any of the mission-driven goals that we share.

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JACK CRUIKSHANK

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
Right off the bat, I want to acknowledge that I am probably a new face to many of you. Hello! I’m Jack. I live in Lakeview, I work at the Illinois EPA, and, while it may seem clichéd, my road to Chicago Market began the past few years through an evaluation of areas of my lifestyle that I once simply accepted as inevitable – things like the food I eat or the shirts I buy have led me to ponder the social, economic, and environmental well-being of producers. One of the areas I’ve recently contemplated is organic food.

To elaborate, I have to explain a little bit about my rural upbringing south of Springfield, IL. When I say rural, it was not simply a small town; rather, I lived with corn growing on three sides of my house. My grandfather’s income was moving grain bins for farmers. Large-scale, industrial agriculture was something to be praised for its innovation and cost-cutting. All the while, I saw the number of people in my town dwindling as technological advancements decreased the needed labor. A common refrain was that we can’t buy organic because these farmers here aren’t organic and we want to support them! Looking back on those systems, all I feel is dissatisfaction that the best farmland in the world continues to be used in that manner. But I digress; while this could probably be a dissertation, I wanted to include this information as context that my rural-to-urban transition brings with it a unique perspective and a commitment to work to ameliorate the conditions that have led to disappearing jobs in areas intrinsically proud of their agricultural heritage.

This journey has led to my joining and volunteering with Chicago Fair Trade, an organization I have come to respect as one of the best local Fair Trade associations in the country. Through partnerships between organizations like Chicago Market and Chicago Fair Trade, we can bring these principles to the mainstream. Chicago Market is uniquely positioned to reinvent our local food system for the better, prioritizing regenerative agriculture and equitable supply chain relationships that enrich, rather than exploit, the farmers who work so hard to produce our food.

Do you have previous Board experience?
In my professional capacity at the Illinois EPA, I work on transportation electrification policy and currently serve on inter-agency committees related to transportation and climate policies. I believe this experience will be an asset to Chicago Market, as I am well-versed in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and working in group settings.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
My work with IEPA and Chicago Fair Trade melds well with Chicago Market’s goals to center sustainability and equity in all business decisions. In a previous role, I worked as a public transportation planner at the Illinois Department of Transportation, where we deliberated topics such as how to better build transportation networks to support farmers getting products to markets. While such logistics challenges remain common, I’d love to join Chicago Market in tackling these questions in a cooperative fashion.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
I recently became involved in Chicago Market through my experience as a member and volunteer at Chicago Fair Trade. This work has taught me more about our food processes than I ever thought possible. Now that I’ve settled in this area, I anticipate staying here for the long-haul and I’m ready to get involved with this pivotal work.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
I first became aware of food co-ops a few years ago on a visit to Onion River Co-op in Vermont. This was really the first time I had seen a grocery store proudly displaying locally grown produce; it made me question why I'd never seen the same in the Midwest. Since then, I've enjoyed seeking out Chicagoland co-ops and fair trade endeavors wherever possible.

What food issues are you passionate about?
I am passionate about changing pre-conceived notions of what food can be in this region. As I mentioned, my upbringing in the middle of large-scale farming operations has profoundly impacted how I’ve always thought about food. I’m fascinated by the cultural pressures of my youth that led me to shun organic products, both because they were more expensive/less accessible, and also because we viewed it as somehow “against” the farmer parents of the children I played Little League with. Only as I’ve left that culture have I come to appreciate the complexities at play with every decision there. On the one hand, yes, agriculture did sustain my region, but on the other hand, the corporatization of it led to the elimination of jobs that hurt our whole region. I understand we won’t solve these problems overnight, but the solutions begin in actions like those we’re all undertaking through Chicago Market.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
I have a passion for making systems work as best they can. In my career, that has involved improving our transportation systems to improve the quality of life for everyone. Within the food ecosystem, there are many improvements to be made, For example, as someone with a severe peanut allergy, I understand well the need for strong food safety systems. If I can now work to make quality food more accessible to my neighbors while demonstrating the virtues of healthy supply chains, I say bring it on; I’d love to help Chicago Market however I can.

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MARIBELLE GOMEZ

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
I have a deep passion for food—not just eating and cooking it, but understanding where it comes from and how it impacts our environment and the people who grow it. Over time, I’ve become increasingly mindful of the effects our current food systems have on the planet and communities. I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality, nourishing food, not just those who can afford premium options.

I’m drawn to Chicago Market because its mission aligns perfectly with my values. The cooperative's commitment to building a better food community—one that is honest, accessible, and sustainable—resonates deeply with me. I’m hopeful and optimistic about a future where we can all enjoy good, healthy food, and I want to be part of making that a reality for our neighborhood.

One of my personal dreams is to grow my own food and live more closely with nature. I’m fascinated by the ingenuity involved in agriculture and the science behind how plants grow. I keep several plants at home, they bring me a sense of peace and connection to nature. I love sharing good food with others, especially when it’s fresh and flavorful, as it reminds me of how powerful food can be in bringing people together and enhancing our lives.

Growing up with parents who love food but weren’t necessarily informed about food practices, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of educating others about where our food comes from and how it affects our health. Food is fuel for our bodies, and the quality of that fuel directly impacts our quality of life. I believe that by joining the Chicago Market board, I can help promote these values and contribute to a community where everyone is empowered to make healthy, informed choices.

Do you have previous Board experience?
While I don’t have direct board experience, my role as Vice President of my high school student council provided me with valuable early leadership experience. Throughout my life, I’ve continued to hone the skills that are essential for effective board service, including how to collaborate, communicate, and listen effectively.

I’ve consistently worked to be someone who can hear and integrate different perspectives, and I’m confident that this ability, combined with my passion for Chicago Market’s mission, will allow me to contribute positively to the board. I’m dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the board and look forward to channeling my energy and ideas into supporting the cooperative’s goals.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
Having grown up in a food desert, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of accessing good-quality food. Food was always a big part of our family gatherings, highlighting its importance, but it wasn’t until I left home and discovered new perspectives that I realized how much more there was to learn about food practices and their impact on our health and environment. This journey has ignited my passion for improving food access and sharing knowledge about healthier choices.

I’m also deeply committed to environmental stewardship and community building. I’ve enjoyed planting native gardens and creating green spaces around my neighborhood, and I also volunteer at the Montrose Bird Sanctuary.

While I have a background in computer science and technology, my real joy comes from being out in nature and connecting with people. I’m excited about the chance to contribute to the cooperative’s mission of building a better food community and supporting sustainable practices. Bringing my love for the environment and my hands-on experience to the board would be a great opportunity for me.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
While I haven’t yet had extensive involvement with Chicago Market, I have attended a few events and appreciated the chance to learn more about the cooperative and its community. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for our shared mission and goals. I look forward to the opportunity to engage more deeply and support our initiatives in a meaningful way.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
I haven’t had direct experience with food co-ops before. I initially thought they were just places you had to pay or work at to be part of, but I’ve learned that they’re much more about connecting with local food and supporting sustainable practices.

What food issues are you passionate about?
I’ve always had a love for food and cooking. In college, I wasn’t thrilled with the food available to me, but I was lucky to be surrounded by friends from different cultures who loved sharing their meals. Cooking with them and learning about their dishes really inspired me and opened my eyes to the joys of exploring different cuisines.

There was a winter when I wasn’t feeling great and ended up eating a lot of convenience foods and meat. I quickly realized how much this was affecting both my mood and my body. It made me see how important it is to have good, nutritious food—not just for physical health but for mental well-being too. I started looking into how different foods can help with things like sleep and energy, and I learned a lot about how what we eat really impacts how we feel.

Through these experiences I have developed a passion for making sure everyone has access to quality, diverse food. I’m excited about the idea of helping others understand how important good food is for their health and happiness.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
I think I covered most of it already!

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GRANT KESSLER
(current Board member)

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
I am currently a Board member. I've been passionate about working to serve the Chicago Market community and get us to an open store for a long time and truly enjoy the work. I am happy to bring deep historical knowledge to the table while empowering new people and new ideas.

Do you have previous Board experience?
Prior to my involvement with Chicago Market, I did not have. I have now served on our Steering Committee (which was an ad hoc board) for over a year and on our Board for over nine years.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
I am a commercial photographer and marketing consultant, so I bring those skill sets to our team. I am also a detail-oriented project manager who is capable of monitoring a lot of moving parts and keeping projects on task.

I have extensive connections also to the local food producer network in our area and I’ve been helpful briefing and introducing our general manager to the farmers and producers in our foodshed.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
I have been involved since the beginning in our Co-op. I led the Steering Committee, then the Board as President for over 6 years. I currently lead our marketing and communications efforts and serve on the Organizational Development team, the Owner Growth team, and the IT & Data Management team.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
Other than shopping in them, I had no previous experience prior to becoming involved with Chicago Market. Of course now I have extensive experience in a startup (ours) and also am connected to a lot of other co-ops for support. Any time I'm traveling around the country now I make it a point to visit and shop the local co-op, eager to bring back ideas for us to incorporate or learn from. My wife and I are proud to be owners/members at two other food co-ops in the area as well as at FarmFED Co-op downstate, which is not a grocery store but an effort to build infrastructure and capacity for farmers.

What food issues are you passionate about?
I care very much about expanding the local food economy — there is distribution work to do to make what's being grown in our area more readily available to us all. And at the same time, I care that the farmers are a part of the solutions and that the solutions work for them as well as for the consumer. I'm glad to say that Chicago Market has the same goals, as well as the goal of making local, sustainable, healthy food more accessible and affordable for all. Chicago Market is poised to make change in this area and Owners should be very proud and excited about that.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
I am very determined to accomplish our goals and am able to dedicate a lot of time to this project.

I also very much enjoy the community networking required of Board members. In order to be a positive force in our community, we need to be connected, respected, and at the table with all the other amazing businesses and service organizations in our area. I've done a lot of these kinds of meetings to date and welcome the continued opportunity to build these relationships.

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JOHN LAW
(current Board member)

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
I love food! Not just eating great, fresh meals (although that’s certainly part of it!), but understanding the impact of food production on our natural ecosystem and the role food plays in our communities.

I believe in the mission of Chicago Market and the positive impact it is having on the Uptown community. As a self-proclaimed urbanist who has spent his life and career working toward improving how cities and communities function (and thrive), I believe I can help expand that impact, both now and in years to come as the Market enters a permanent home.

Do you have previous Board experience?
In addition to my current Chicago Market Board responsibilities, I have served on several committees for various non-profit and professional organizations, including chairing the Site Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity Chicago and initiating a Sustainability Committee at my previous workplace.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
As a city planner and urban designer working for the City of Chicago and a large architectural firm, I have led diverse teams and helped create active, sustainable places in neighborhoods locally and globally. I have many years of experience in Chicago working with various City agencies on zoning approvals, public realm design, and community engagement projects.

My experience working in the design and construction industry makes me well-positioned to support Chicago Market as we build our permanent home in the Gerber Building next year.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
I became a cultivating owner in 2018 and participated in the first owner loan campaign. I have served on the Chicago Market Board since 2021 and am seeking reelection.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
My time supporting Chicago Market has been my crash course into the world of food cooperatives. However, I am a long-time supporter of local CSA and farm-share programs and have attended several conference sessions focused on food cooperative governance.

What food issues are you passionate about?
My primary interest in our current food systems is reducing waste at all stages – from limiting resources used in production to minimizing packaging and logistics impacts and avoiding food spoilage.

Additionally, I am passionate about our collective challenge of climate change, which is profoundly influenced by (and, in turn, has an impact on) food systems. Chicago Market can set an example for improving health on a planetary and personal scale by shortening transport distances from farm to store, reducing packaging, encouraging regenerative farming practices, and offering alternatives to high-GHG foods like beef and dairy.

Food access and availability are other areas of interest. As a student and professional, I have examined the impact of food options and grocery deserts on low-income communities in Detroit and other cities.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
I recently completed a master’s degree in Sustainability, where I developed a capstone consulting project that provided a series of recommendations to support Chicago Market’s ambition to be a leader in regenerative agriculture and sustainable retail. I look forward to helping implement some of those recommendations once our doors are open!

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CLAYTON LYONS

Why would you like to join the Chicago Market Board of Directors?
After recently learning about Chicago Market, I knew I was hooked. The market’s vision for becoming a community staple is something I not only want to be involved in but help reach its full potential. Joining the board gives me the opportunity to do just that. Just the other day, I was walking outside of Wrigley Field prior to a game and saw a gentleman playing catch with what looked to be his grandchild. Right beside him was a Chicago Market tote bag which made me smile as I told him I liked the bag. It is a small example but shows that the Market’s presence is growing and becoming a true connector in the community.

I believe that food brings people together in a way that is unique to itself. The Market takes that a step further by bringing an entire community and local food system to one place, Chicago Market. By joining the board, I’ll learn so much from the other board members / Owners and will seek out countless connections within the already budding community. Further, the Market’s unique challenges will give me a chance to offer my own insights and a hardworking attitude to solve those obstacles. When beginning something new, I often look to take a deep dive right away. Joining the Chicago Market board of directors will be my deep dive into this great community.

Do you have previous Board experience?
I currently sit on the associate board for the JPA Chicago, whose mission is to help Chicago’s youth overcome trauma faced early in their lives. The goal is to improve the social and emotional well-being of the youth along with their families, teachers and communities. Founded by Jane Addams in 1901, JPA has been active in the Chicago community for some time. JPA engages kids through school-based therapy along with other programs outside of the classroom. My role as the Casino Night Chair is to oversee all aspects of the associate board’s annual fundraising event as well as assist in normal recruitment and team building activities for the associate board. I work with JPA staff members, other associate board members and local community organizations / businesses to ensure the Casino Night event raises money and is an engaging event for the attendees.

What expertise (through your profession, education, volunteer experience, life experience, etc.) would you bring to the table to make you a good fit for this Board?
My professional experience to date has been centered around the investment and finance industries. In those roles, I’ve gained an understanding of financial statements, effective operations and how to work within a team. Bringing that expertise to the Chicago Market board will be valuable when analyzing the Market’s financial outlook and future opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to work efficiently and diligently while managing multiple initiatives and investment opportunities. I know that I’ll need to rely on other board members for support and it is something that I’ll be comfortable with. I am confident I can find a role within the board where I can utilize my experience and support those around me.

In my previous roles I’ve also gained some indirect board experience. When investments were made into private companies, often a senior member of my team took a board seat within the company. I then had the opportunity to virtually attend board meetings, where I saw how a board functioned and what it meant to be a value-add board member. Listening to others was a big piece of that. A board member needs to understand what areas they can provide value in and how best to implement solutions. This exposure will be something I can rely on as a member of the Chicago Market board of directors.

Please describe any of your previous involvement with Chicago Market.
While my previous involvement with Chicago Market is limited, I am ramping up quickly. I’ve read through the Series A Memorandum, Governing By-Laws, the FAQs and other tidbits on the website. I’ve also had the chance to speak with Grant Kessler and Dana McKinney prior to running for the board. I’ve attended the Uptown Farmers Market and talked with some volunteers there, just picking their brain on a variety of topics. I plan for my involvement to only grow from here.

What experience have you had with food co-ops in the past?
I do not have any previous experience with food co-ops.

What food issues are you passionate about?
I am passionate about bringing healthy and sustainable food to my community in an affordable manner. As a community that lives in a dense urban center, we are surrounded by a countless number of food options, but those options rarely fit what is truly healthy for us, and our wallets. It always baffles me that so many young people lack basic cooking skills, but that shouldn’t be surprising with the option to buy take out / delivery from your fingertips instead of taking the time to prepare a meal. As a society we continually trade time & convenience for low quality food. I want Chicago Market to help bridge that gap through offering high quality produce at affordable prices.

What else should we know about you that would make you a good candidate for this Board?
While Chicago Market is relatively new to me, food and community are not. On top of working my regular day job, I’ve started the Soup & Ladle Supper Club here in Chicago. We’ve hosted events at See You Soon (located in the Kimball Arts Center) that feature a menu that I create and cook, with help from my girlfriend and friends to serve and attend to our guests. This has been a great way for me to bring my own small community together through food. I hope that the supper club will continue to grow, and Chicago Market is a great way to learn how to better support it.

Further, I want the Owners to know that I am a hard-working individual who is a self-starter and not afraid to ask for help when needed. The Market hasn’t gotten to the place it is today from one single individual. It has been a collective effort, and I want to help push the sled. If you have any questions, I’m happy to talk with you so you can get to know me better.

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Voting is conducted online and begins on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 4:00pm CT and will be open until Sunday, Sept. 29 at 11:59pm CT. Owners will receive an email from Chicago Market explaining the voting process.