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
Liz Kolbe
Board Vice President
Occupation: Farm Related Education Director, Practical Farmers of Iowa
Board Member Since: 2014
Why I Serve: I believe cooperatives like Wheatsfield are vital to economical and community development around local food and agricultural systems. We are lucky to have such a great resource (for food and information!) in Ames.
Favorite Products: Rosmann Family Farms popcorn, Lee’s Greens greens, Kalona SuperNatural sour cream, Jeni’s Ice Cream
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: …
Jeff Kushkowski
Occupation: Professor, University Library, Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2019
Why I Serve: Wheatsfield’s success is due to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and members who support the store. I want to be a part of that continued success by serving as a Board Member to support Wheatsfield’s mission to provide local and sustainable food to the community.
Favorite Products: House-Made Blueberry & Maple Bratwurst, Kalona Sour Cream, Prairie Breeze Cheese, and more!
Maral Erol
Occupation: Professor, Interdisciplinary Social Scientist
Board Member Since: 2023
Why I Serve: I see Wheatsfield, and co-ops in general as a good model for community-based response to making healthy, sustainable, local food accessible for everybody. Serving on the co-op board is a good opportunity for being a part of this model, and giving back to community.
Favorite Products: Fresh bread, local salad greens, bulk aisle (especially the almond butter), goat cheese, pumpkin muffins.
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.
Sarah Huffman
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
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.
Anne Poincon
Student Board Member
Occupation: PhD Student in Forestry, Iowa State University
Board Member Since: 2025
Why I Serve: I want to serve on the Board of Directors to bring the unique perspective of a student member to the co-op’s governance. As an active learner, I understand the priorities of student members and can help the co-op better connect with diverse demographics. I am passionate about cooperative principles: democracy, equity, and sustainability, and bring analytical and problem-solving skills from my academic and leadership experiences. I aim to explore innovative ways to enhance member engagement and inclusivity while addressing the needs of 7,400+ members. Serving on the board allows me to contribute meaningfully and learn from experienced leaders.