The Board of Directors ensures the needs of Member-Owners are being met. The directors work as a team to set policy, hire and evaluate the General Manager, maintain the fiduciary responsibility of the Co-op and represent the membership as it creates the vision that guides the Co-op into the future. Each director serves a three year term, with three seats up for election every fall.
Ron Eichmeier
Board President
Occupation: Regional Vice President – Farm Credit Services of America, Retired
Board Member Since: 2017
Why I Serve: I grew up on a farm and have worked in the ag sector all my life. My passion is agriculture, and strengthening the connection between those that produce the product and those that consume it.
Favorite Products: Brown Cow Yogurt, freshly ground pork sausage, and summer fruit selections
Sarah Huffman
Board Vice President
Occupation: Assistant Director, Center for Communication Excellence, Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2024
Why I Serve: I see Wheatsfield as a valuable community resource, a grocery store, a friendly gathering space, and all-around welcoming environment for everyone in Ames. I have long had an interest in and passion for locally grown, sustainably sourced food, have spent years volunteering at and supporting local farms and environmental organizations, and even served as a volunteer on Wheatsfield’s Education and Outreach Committee. Wheatsfield is a place to be celebrated, and I am proud to be a member. I frequent Wheatsfield with friends and family so much that I want to give back in a meaningful and dedicated way.
Favorite Products: Primal Strips Vegan Jerky, Smoked Tempeh Rueben Sandwich, Pecan Crackers, Tony’s Chocolonley Chocolate
Sarah S. Davis
Board Secretary
Occupation: Associate Teaching Professor, Dept. of English, Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2020
Why I Serve: The Co-op is a hub of our community. Being an active member-owner and board member is a great way to invest in strengthening our community bonds and building a future guided by cooperative principles.
Favorite Products: Co-op Made Italian sausage, Grace’s Sunflower Cookies, and Co-op Bakery Ciabatta buns.
Duane Pitcher
Board Treasurer
Occupation: Finance Director, City of Ames, Retired
Board Member Since: 2023
Why I Serve: Wheatsfield Co-op provides an important prepared food, grocery, and community service option not offered elsewhere in Ames. I hope to contribute to helping Wheatsfield continue to achieve its mission of providing a local community-based food option.
Favorite Products: Co-op made soups and baked goods.
Deb Russell
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant, Financial Executive, Retired
Board Member Since: 2023
Why I Serve: Wheatsfield is a cooperative that provides quality food and wellness products sourced responsibly from local producers whenever possible. It is an important and trusted resource for the community of Ames and surrounding area. As a board member I want to support this organization and see it continue for years to come.
Favorite Products: Fage yogurt, organic eggs, the whole produce section, bulk nuts, spices and peanut butter, Picket Fence milk, fresh salmon.
Lindsay Simpson
Occupation: Pathway Academic Chair, Literature, Humanities, Languages, and Religion, Des Moines Area Community College
Board Member Since: 2025
Why I Serve: There are many places to buy food, but Wheatsfield is special because it’s a place where we all can gather, learn, and make informed decisions about our food culture. There is something for everyone at the Co-op: every kind of eater and person is welcome. I hope to serve as a board member by organizing more community events. Sharing colorful food, offering free or low-cost collaborative educational opportunities, meeting and deepening relationships with neighbors, and expanding partnerships with local producers who work hard to feed us is some of what Wheatsfield does best.
Favorite Products: Painterland Sisters yogurt, Co-op Bakery focaccia, local apples, Jeni’s ice cream, and Curry Mango Tofu from the Co-op Deli.
Chris Colvin
Occupation: IT Infrastructure and Security
Board Member Since: 2026
Why I Serve: Our Co-op is one of the places that makes Ames a special place to live and grow. Every organization needs a board of directors with a variety of experiences and backgrounds to ensure it stays on track with our core ideals, embraces new ideas, then to provide guidance as situations change. I am honored to serve on the board and give my time and skills back to our members.
Favorite Products: MAFA Balls and the ENTIRE Cheese Case.
Christina Campbell
Occupation: Associate Professor, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2026
Why I Serve: 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.
Favorite Products: Equal Exchange French Roast coffee, Mi-Del Ginger Snaps, Love the HOT BAR – especially when it’s meatloaf, Deli-Made Tuscan Tuna along with Nut Thins crackers.
Alexandria Atal
Occupation: Grants Finance Manager, Practical Farmers of Iowa
Board Member Since: 2026
Why I Serve: I’m grateful to serve on the Wheatsfield Board after spending several years searching for an organization whose mission and values truly resonated with me. When I discovered Wheatsfield, I immediately felt a sense of connection and belonging. I’ve grown to appreciate the welcoming spirit of the co-op, the incredible variety of products and services offered, and the way Wheatsfield naturally serves as a community hub. I’m honored to offer my time, skills, and energy to support Wheatsfield’s continued growth and success in the years ahead. I’m excited to help nurture the strength of our cooperative community and ensure we keep thriving together.
Favorite Products: Vital Farms Eggs (they offer a little monthly newspaper inside called Vital Times that gives updates on all their chickens), Uncle Matt’s organic lemonade, Bakery’s Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce, Romaine Lettuce, and Craize Toasted Sweet Corn Chips!
Alex Ludolph
Student Board Member
Occupation: Masters Student in Sustainable Agriculture and Agronomy at Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2026
Why I Serve: 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.
Favorite Products: Siggies Skyr (Peach), Simple Mills Chocolate Brownie Seed & Nut Flour Sweet Thins, Late July Organic Sea Salt & Lime Tortilla Chips