Benjamin Gaddis (Chair)

I was born and raised in SLC and love it here, as I do the rest of my home state. I did however leave UT for about a 12 year period for college, Peace Corps, grad school, to travel, and for grad school for my wife, with whom I now have two kids. Living in other cities in the US I had the opportunity to experience consumer-owned retail food cooperatives. I loved everything about them and what they represent in the community--community togetherness and cooperation, emphasis on things produced locally, democratic control, concern for community. When my wife and I returned to Utah and there wasn't a co-op to come back to we thought it would be a great idea to start one and that other people would think so too. We also thought it would be fun, so here I am. I hold a Master of Environmental Management and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Duke University, Durham, NC and a B.S. in Environmental Science from Willamette University in Salem, OR. I'm currently an environmental planning specialist and project manager with an environmental consulting company. My Peace Corps experience was in Ukraine where I led various community initiatives.

Allen Stutz (Vice-chair)

My familiarity with retail food co-ops began in Seattle in 1995, when I became a member of PCC Natural Markets, the largest in the nation. My experience there changed my perception on food and I learned the value of a community centric market that also thinks globally. I earned a B.S. in Zoology and a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from the University of Washington. After 5 years working for the Forest Service researching California spotted-owls in a small CA mountain town (where I was able to shop at a co-op) I moved to SLC in 2007 to work with an environmental consulting company where I serve as the GIS Coordinator. I'm eager to see that the residents of SLC (and beyond for that matter) have the community enriching experience of owning our own natural food market. I want to buy my food from a market that I trust; one that is run by, and operated for, my community.

Benjamin W. Jordan (Treasurer)

I was born and raised near Salt Lake City and recently completed the Certification in Fund Development for Nonprofits through the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence at the University of Utah. Additionally, I hold an A.S. in Environmental Technology and plan to further my education. My resolve is that Wasatch Cooperative Market will empower the community to be self-sufficient without continued environmental degradation. This will be done by aligning efforts in localizing economies, establishing food security, sharing expertise through volunteerism, and living simply. I'm also a board member of Citizens For Sustainability, Salt Lake City Open Space Lands, and the Bioneers local conference.

Alison Einerson

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, I currently handle Public Relations and Marketing for the Wasatch Cooperative Market. I am the former Executive Director of Local First Utah, and still work vigorously to support the 'buy local' movement wherever possible! I was Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Gibbs Smith, Publisher, and also worked for The King's English Bookshop as Publicity and Events Manager. Prior to that I held positions at various public relations firms in New York City. I hold a B.A. in English and Women's Studies from the University of Utah. I'm passionate about the creation and success of Salt Lake City's first cooperative grocery market, and am committed to making natural and healthy foods available to all in our community. I live in Salt Lake City with my husband, daughters, and dogs.

Ryan Patrick Gray

I hail from Northern California and landed in Utah after getting a BA in English at UC Berkeley, a couple of stints in Spain, New York, and most recently Massachusetts, where I was a member of the Harvest Co-op. While working at MIT, I established a CSA drop-off on campus, started a community garden program and ran numerous recycling and food-related campaigns and events. I was an active member of the Boston Localvores, a food justice and education movement that pursued all things local. I currently work for the Downtown Alliance as the Assistant Downtown Farmers Market Manager and serve on the Board of Directors for the Wasatch Cooperative Market. I busy myself with all things local, with an emphasis on food, from planning canning events to assisting local urban farmers. I strongly believe that sourcing your food locally and being aware of the "true" cost of food are incredibly important to our future.

Elaina Asay (Secretary)

Salt Lake City has been my home since the fall of 2010, and I've discovered that the progressive vibe in the city is missing one important element. Before moving here, I lived in Corvallis, OR, where I was a Member-Owner of the local co-op. I loved everything about shopping there—Member-Owner discount days, fantastic sales, exemplary products, friendly staff, and strong community principles. I grew up in Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University. I enjoy gardening, food preservation, reading and photography. My husband and I are currently raising three children, several chickens, three ducks and a turkey in our Sugar House backyard.