With two vacancies and three qualified candidates interested in acting on North Central Co-op's Board of Directors, we are hosting an online Director's Election from May 15 — 29, 2024. Election results will be shared at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 11, 2024.

At Co-op, we believe in empowering our member-owners to shape our future. We strive to ensure that our Board of Directors is composed of individuals who possess a diverse range of skills, experience, and attributes. This is achieved through a rigorous nomination and election process, where all members are given the opportunity to have their voices heard. Help us elect our Co-op’s future leaders by casting your vote. Voting closes May 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm.

Vote Here.

Eligibility & Passcode

In order to be eligible to vote, you must have joined our co-operative on or before February 3rd, 2024. Each member is entitled to one vote. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to vote, or have issues logging in or casting your vote, please e-mail voting@nccoop.ca for support.

When you are ready to vote, be sure to have:

• Member ID — North Central Co-op Member #

• Election Passcode — Postal code followed by the first 3 digits of your last name, including a dash in postal code. Ex. T5L-1B5ABC

Meet the Candidates

Below, you'll find a concise biography for each candidate, along with their introduction videos. We believe that an informed decision is crucial to ensure that our Board truly reflects the values and aspirations of our membership, allowing our Co-op to flourish and expand. Your voice matters, and together we can build a stronger future for our Co-op.

If you have any additional inquiries or feedback concerning the online election, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at voting@nccoop.ca.

John Gilchrist is a certified financial planner and business owner dedicated to empowering individuals in achieving financial security and independence. With over thirty years of financial planning experience, John is dedicated to helping his clients secure their financial futures through strategic advice and planning. He has helped countless clients navigate complex financial landscapes and plan for their futures with confidence and clarity.

After earning his Business Management Diploma from the Northen Alberta Institute of Technology, John embarked on his career in the financial services industry. Known for his creative thinking, collaborative approach, and exceptional planning skills, John is highly regarded for his ability to work effectively with others and achieve results.

Driven by his desire to give back to his community, John is actively involved and passionate about strengthening the future using respect, leadership, and collaboration. He has a proven track record of leadership and service, serving as Chair of the Parkland County Economic Advisory Committee, President of the Spruce Grove Saints Junior A Hockey Club, and President and Board Member of the Stony Plain and District Chamber of Commerce. Through his volunteer work, John has made a tangible difference in the lives of those facing financial challenges, helping them to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.

In addition to his professional and volunteer work, John is deeply passionate about cooperative principles and believes in the power of collective action to create positive change. He sees cooperatives as a vehicle for empowering individuals and communities, promoting economic democracy, and fostering sustainable development.

John’s commitment to cooperative values and his extensive experience in finance make him a strong candidate for the Board of Directors of North Central Co-op. He believes that his unique perspective and skill set would allow him to contribute meaningfully to North Central’s mission and vision.

Outside his professional and volunteer commitments, John enjoys the outdoors and travel with his wife, Lisa, and his two grown sons. He is excited about the opportunity to serve on the North Central Co-op Board of Directors and looks forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members to advance the cooperative’s goals and serve the best interest of its members. With his passion for financial empowerment and his dedication to cooperative principles, John is committed to making a positive impact on North Central Co-op and the communities it serves.

Thiago Braga is a skilled professional with extensive experience in the supply chain industry and a deep commitment to cooperative principles. With over two decades of leadership in logistics, procurement, and operations management, Thiago has a proven track record of driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in complex supply chain networks.

Thiago’s brings over twenty years of experience in the supply chain industry which began after graduating from the University of Alberta. He also has an MBA, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and two professional designations. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various executive positions in multi-national corporations, where he oversaw supply chain operations spanning multiple continents.

Throughout his career, Thiago has been a staunch advocate for collaboration and partnership within the supply chain ecosystem. He believes that cooperative approaches are essential for addressing common challenges, driving innovation, and creating value for all stakeholders. His leadership style is characterized by transparency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

In addition to his professional achievements, Thiago is deeply passionate about cooperative principles and their potential to transform industries and communities. He has been actively involved in cooperative organizations and initiatives, where he has championed efforts to promote fairness, equity, and sustainability in supply chain practices.

Thiago’s expertise in the supply chain industry and his commitment to cooperative values make him an ideal candidate for the Board of Directors of North Central Co-op. He believes that his experience and insights can help the cooperative navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain landscape while staying true to the cooperative values of Integrity, Excellence, Community and Responsibility.

Outside his professional endeavors, Thiago enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and children, which he has four (one in heaven). He is a proud Canadian-Brazilian dual citizen.

Thiago is excited about the opportunity to serve on the North Central Co-op board of directors and looks forward to leveraging his experience and expertise to contribute to the cooperative’s success. With his passion for collaboration and his dedication to cooperative principles, Thiago is committed to making a positive impact on North Central Co-op and the surrounding area.

Stephen Mandel is a seasoned public servant and community leader with a passion for fostering cooperative environments and empowering individuals. A long-time resident of Edmonton, Stephen’s commitment to service began at a young age and has been the guiding force throughout his life.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University, and a Masters degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor, Stephen has been dedicated to public service. His journey led him to serve as the Mayor of the City of Edmonton between 2004 and 2013, after being elected to Council in 2001. In this role, he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting sustainable development. Following his tenure as Mayor, Stephen was elected as an MLA in 2015 and appointed Health Minister, where during this time he championed policies and prioritized economic prosperity. He worked tirelessly to bridge divides within both his community and the province, fostering dialogue and collaboration between diverse stakeholders. Under his leadership, the city and the province saw significant advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, working to ensure that essential services were available to all.

Stephen’s commitment to cooperative values is deeply rooted in his belief that collective action is the key to achieving meaningful progress. He has a proven track record of working collaboratively with key stakeholders to address complex challenges and deliver tangible results. Through his self-employment as a residential property manager, land developer, and commercial property construction manager, Stephen has worked to revitalize neighbourhoods, attract investment, and promote civic engagement. Stephen consistently demonstrates his ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.

Stephen has also actively been involved in various community organizations and non-profit initiatives. He has served as a board member, including President and/or Chair in several local and national organizations including the board of Alberta Health Services, Chancellor of Concordia University of Edmonton, and sat on the University of Alberta Land Trust (to March 2024). He is also a current board member of the Royal Glenora. Stephen has also coached community league sports including the Jasper Place and Victoria High School basketball teams.

Stephen is now excited to bring his wealth of experience and dedication to the cooperative movement as he seeks election to the North Central Co-op Board of Directors. He believes that cooperatives play a crucial role in building resilient communities and empowering individuals to shape their own futures. With his proven leadership, vision and commitment to collaborative governance, Stephen is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the continued success of North Central Co-op and the well-being of its members.

Vote Here

Voting closes May 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm. Results will be shared at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on June 11, 2024. 

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In an effort to improve communication with our members, we want to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information on file. Using the link provided below, complete our membership contact form.

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