Board of Trustees
Unify Cooperative Board of Trustees
At Unify Cooperative, our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in guiding the organization and ensuring that we remain true to our mission of sustainability, community engagement, and cooperative governance. Comprised of experienced and dedicated individuals, the Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of Unify Co-Op, upholding our values, and providing leadership as we continue to grow and evolve.
Purpose of the Board
The primary purpose of our Board of Trustees is to provide leadership and oversight to the cooperative, ensuring that Unify Co-Op operates in accordance with our core values and mission. As a member-driven organization, the Board acts as the governing body that represents the interests of our members and ensures the cooperative’s success and sustainability.
The Board serves to:
Uphold Unify Co-Op’s mission and values
Provide strategic guidance and oversight
Ensure the cooperative’s financial health and sustainability
Represent the interests of our members
Oversee the cooperative’s operations and programs
Through their collective leadership, the Trustees ensure that Unify Co-Op continues to thrive and serve as a valuable resource for the community.
Responsibilities of the Board
The Board of Trustees has a range of responsibilities that include both governance and fiduciary duties. Trustees are entrusted with guiding the overall direction of Unify Co-Op and making decisions that protect and promote the interests of the cooperative and its members. Their primary responsibilities include:
Strategic Planning - The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Unify Co-Op, developing long-term goals, and ensuring the cooperative’s vision is being implemented effectively. Trustees work closely with leadership to establish priorities and set policies that will guide the cooperative’s growth and development.
Financial Oversight - The Board ensures that Unify Co-Op maintains financial stability and adheres to sound fiscal practices. This includes approving budgets, monitoring financial reports, and ensuring that the cooperative uses its resources effectively and responsibly.
Governance and Compliance - As the governing body of the cooperative, the Trustees are responsible for upholding the bylaws, regulations, and legal requirements that govern Unify Co-Op. They ensure that the cooperative complies with all applicable laws and operates in accordance with cooperative principles.
Member Representation - Trustees act as representatives of the membership, ensuring that members’ voices are heard in the decision-making process. They facilitate communication between the cooperative’s leadership and its members, ensuring that member concerns and ideas are addressed.
Oversight of Programs and Initiatives - The Board oversees the development and execution of Unify Co-Op’s programs, events, and initiatives. They ensure that these programs align with the cooperative’s mission and are delivered in a way that maximizes benefits to the community.
Risk Management Trustees are responsible for identifying and managing potential risks to the cooperative, including legal, financial, and operational risks. They work to ensure that Unify Co-Op operates in a way that minimizes these risks while staying true to its mission.
Functions of the Board
The Board of Trustees functions as the leadership backbone of Unify Co-Op, bringing together expertise, insight, and a shared passion for our mission. Their functions include:
Decision-Making Authority: The Board has the final authority on all major decisions affecting the cooperative, including strategic initiatives, financial approvals, and policy changes.
Advisory Role: The Trustees serve as advisors to the cooperative’s leadership team, providing expertise and guidance on key issues related to finance, governance, and operations.
Fiduciary Duty: Each Trustee is bound by fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of Unify Co-Op and its members. This means ensuring the cooperative’s assets are used responsibly and decisions are made in the cooperative’s best interest.
Meeting Structure: The Board holds regular meetings to discuss strategic initiatives, review performance, and approve major decisions. These meetings are an essential part of maintaining transparency and effective communication within the cooperative.
Committees: The Board may form committees to address specific aspects of the cooperative’s operations, such as finance, events, or membership. These committees report back to the Board and help streamline the decision-making process.
Becoming a Trustee
At Unify Co-Op, we believe in the importance of diverse leadership that reflects the values and needs of our community. Becoming a Trustee is a unique opportunity to take an active role in shaping the future of the cooperative. Trustees are typically elected by the membership and are expected to bring a commitment to our mission and a willingness to serve in the best interest of Unify Co-Op and its members.
If you’re interested in learning more about serving on the Board of Trustees, or if you’d like to nominate a candidate, please reach out to us at [contact@unifycoop.org] or [859-379-8277].
Our Board of Trustees is dedicated to ensuring the success and sustainability of Unify Co-Op, while also safeguarding the interests of our members. Through their leadership, guidance, and oversight, Unify Co-Op continues to thrive as a cooperative committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement.