Katera F Hopkins
Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board Member?
I am an enthusiastic supporter of our local community and I appreciate the commitment City Market has to the same. I'm eager to be on the board to more deeply and meaningfully support our local economy, agriculture, environment and community.
Please describe any professional skills you have that will help you to be an effective Board Member. How would you help the Board to balance the business needs of a $50 million business with the need to meet our Global Ends as a community-owned cooperative?
I come from the healthcare realm: I'm a dentist and also have a background as a registered nurse. The heart of my care/er has focused on prevention and wellness. Moderation, stress management, activity, fresh air, sleep, nutrition, a strong and engaged community, and support for vulnerable populations are all fundamental to wellness promotion and illness prevention. I bring this broad perspective, a knowledge of committee work, along with more practical skills around budget analysis and financial responsibility and accountability.
Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?
I have limited experience in these particular areas, but have served on committees in academic and professional settings. I have served in numerous leadership roles, and am a listener and processor, raising questions and requesting clarification when needed, and practicing patience while still proceeding toward our goals. I have fostered skills in networking, resource identification, asking for help, identifying strengths and skills in others, and leading by example.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?
-Continuing in the pursuit of environmental sustainability is an ongoing opportunity and challenge.
-Transportation & Congestion at our stores
-Tariffs and more broadly, unknown and volatile political and economic conditions locally and globally
-Declining membership numbers
-Local, regional, and large scale competition
-Outreach, education, support for vulnerable populations and future generations within our community
-Evolving peacefully, productively, positively