The Wheatsfield Board approved a slate of 3 candidates for the Annual Board Election at their August 27th meeting. Because there were 3 candidates for the 3 open board seats, there will be no contested election this year. The members attending the Annual Meeting of the Members on Tuesday, October 14th will be asked to approve this slate of candidates. The 3 candidates, Alexandria Atal, Christina Campbell, and Duane Pitcher will each have an opportunity to speak to members about their vision for Wheatsfield at the meeting.

View each candidate’s statement below to learn more about why they are running for the Wheatsfield board!

Alexandria Atal

Statement of Candidacy

Why do you want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors?

I have been looking for an organization that I feel passionate about for a few years now to serve
on their board but had not found one that seemed like a good fit until I came across Wheatsfield.
I became aware of Wheatsfield’s existence in the past couple of months, but since discovering
it, I have visited several times and have recently become a member! I love the welcoming
nature of the co-op, the variety of products and services it offers, and the natural community hub
that it offers. I would like to offer my time, skills, and commitments to help Wheatsfield continue
to grow and thrive over the next several years.

Please describe any skills or experience (such as financial literacy, legal, strategic planning, communications, etc.) that you would bring to the Wheatsfield Board of Directors.

I have an extensive background in social work where I have been able to develop expertise in adaptability, organization, program development, and applying effective communication skills to a diverse population of people. In my current role, I routinely utilize skills that include finance management, implementing effective procedures to keep the organization running smoothly, and ensuring finance reports are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

What are your hopes for the future of Wheatsfield and its role in the community?

I envision a future where Wheatsfield continues to thrive as a hub for the community to come together to learn, expand their knowledge of where the products we use come from, and have a place that will welcome them no matter who they are, where they come from, or what their needs may be. Every community needs a space where its members can come to connect with each other, discuss their community and what they want to see out of it, and have a space where that vision can play out. I would love to see Wheatsfield answer that call.

Please share anything about yourself including hobbies, passions, family members, etc.

I enjoy reading, going on walks with my family at our local park, camping, building Legos, and adopting as many craft hobbies as I can (right now I am trying to teach myself to crochet). My family consists of my fiancée, William, who writes for the Des Moines Register as their courts reporter, and our two pets, Annie (dog) and Shuri (cat). We are currently planning a wedding to take place next May, so that is taking up a good chunk of our time as well! I am passionate about learning, providing a safe space to those around me, and doing the next right thing.

Christina Campbell

Statement of Candidacy

Why do you want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors?

I want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors to support its mission of promoting health and community well-being. As a professor, I’ve spent my career teaching and researching the science of nutrition, with the goal of inspiring others to make informed choices that strengthen both personal and planetary health. I’m eager to bring this knowledge beyond the classroom contributing creative ideas and collaborative energy to help Wheatsfield thrive as a place of nourishment, sustainability, and connection.

Please describe any skills or experience (such as financial literacy, legal, strategic planning, communications, etc.) that you would bring to the Wheatsfield Board of Directors.

I bring expertise in nutrition, food systems, and systems thinking that can support Wheatsfield’s mission and long-term vision. As a faculty member at Iowa State University, I teach The U.S. Food System, a course that highlights how food choices impact personal health, the community, and the planet, with a strong emphasis on the value of local foods. As a credentialed facilitator in systems thinking, I can also contribute to effective strategic planning and collaborative problem-solving.

What are your hopes for the future of Wheatsfield and its role in the community?

My hope for Wheatsfield is that it continues to thrive as a hub for local, healthy food and as a welcoming place of connection and belonging in Ames. For me, Wheatsfield has been more than a grocery store—it has been a place to share meals, meet with friends and colleagues, or simply enjoy fair-trade coffee and a breakfast burrito while working. I want to help others discover this unique community resource, fostering health, sustainability, and meaningful connections for all.

Please share anything about yourself including hobbies, passions, family members, etc.

I love to knit, often telling stories through the hats and sweaters I create, inspired by both local landscapes and faraway places. A wanderer at heart, I find peace in the woods near my home in Ames as well as in the islands of Scotland. My husband and I have three adult children who live in Ames, Iowa City, and Montana, and we look forward each year to our family traditions of hiking, playing games, and sharing cookies together.

Duane Pitcher

Statement of Candidacy

Why do you want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors?

Serving a term as a member of the Board of Directors has strengthened my commitment to help fulfill the Wheatsfield mission and I hope that I can continue to contribute to the success of the cooperative. Effective boards require members with a variety of skills and I bring a strong background in financial management and working in the Ames Community.

Please describe any skills or experience (such as financial literacy, legal, strategic planning, communications, etc.) that you would bring to the Wheatsfield Board of Directors.

Over 30 years’ experience in finance, investment, and benefit management. Board experience includes over 20 years as a trustee for the statewide police officer and firefighter pension system where I participated in the strategic planning process for the system. Managed the economic development assistance program at the City of Ames for around 20 years helping large and small businesses grow locally. Served for 30 years as a Supply Corps Officer in the US Navy leading Naval logistics and financial management, retiring as a Captain in 2013.

What are your hopes for the future of Wheatsfield and its role in the community?

I hope that Wheatsfield continues to provide a grocery alternative for the Ames area with a focus on local food, community service, and friendly customer service. We have a growing number of small local food providers in Iowa and the success of Wheatsfield is not only good for Ames but can also help smaller towns across Iowa. I also hope that Wheatsfield continues to expand the important role it plays in Ames and the surrounding area.

Please share anything about yourself including hobbies, passions, family members, etc.

My spouse Raveevun (Oye) and I have lived in Ames for over 25 years. Our children Adriana and Thomas attended Ames public schools and have since completed advanced degrees and now live in Des Moines and Minneapolis. Hobbies include cycling, photography, home improvement, and travel. We all like to cook and I think Oye makes the best Thai food in Ames.

Alex Ludolph

Statement of Candidacy

Why do you want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board of Directors?

I want to serve on the Wheatsfield Board because I want to strengthen local food systems and support farmers. My experience working on a CSA-based urban farm in Indianapolis showed me the importance of connecting growers directly with the community. Now, as a graduate student in sustainable agriculture, I am eager to learn more about co-ops and the business side of agriculture.

Please describe any skills or experience (such as financial literacy, legal, strategic planning, communications, etc.) that you would bring to the Wheatsfield Board of Directors.

I interned on a CSA-based urban farm in Indy, where I learned the day-to-day of seasonal food and building relationships with members. At Iowa State, I am pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture and agronomy. After completing my undergrad in environmental science, I also completed a science and sustainability communication minor. I can also speak Spanish.

What are your hopes for the future of Wheatsfield and its role in the community?

I hope Wheatsfield continues to be a link to local farmers and the Ames community. I hope that in this role I could help strengthen the partnerships with the university and student population. I would also like to see if the Sustainable Ag Program or the Student Association could build a relationship with Wheatsfield.

Please share anything about yourself including hobbies, passions, family members, etc.

I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago and have played soccer my whole life including in undergrad. I have 2 brothers, and my youngest brother is at Iowa State studying architecture. I grew up road-tripping with my family, visiting and camping at national parks all over the country, which has deepened my passion for the environment, sustainability, and the natural world. Outside of school I enjoy cooking/baking, reading, thinking, and spending time outdoors.