Richard is a retired geneticist and has been involved with co-ops since the early 1970s, except for a couple of decades living overseas. Much has changed in that time, but the mission remains. He is excited to see how the cooperative movement adapts to the challenges ahead and attracts the young people we need to perpetuate the movement.  

Lauren has been a long-time supporter of the Neighborhood Co-op, initially drawn to its local focus and strong sense of community. Over the years, her passion for the cooperative model and its values has deepened, leading to the role on the Board of Directors. She loves to serve both owners and the broader community. 

Quianya L. Enge is a community developer, restorative justice practitioner, and social entrepreneur dedicated to creating healthier, stronger communities throughout Southern Illinois. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Walls The Movement, NFP, and the CEO of HEALing SoIL Farm, where she combines housing, food justice, and community wellness to create opportunities for lasting change.

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As a Neighborhood Co-op Board member, Quianya is committed to expanding access to healthy food, supporting local growers, and strengthening cooperative, community-led solutions. She believes thriving neighborhoods are built when people invest in one another.

Amy Etcheson has been a Carbondale resident and Co-op member for nearly 20 years. As director of Southern Illinois University Press, Amy is proud to help develop books that promote the history and culture of our beautiful region. A bibliophile, foodie, and health enthusiast, Amy enjoys many outdoor activities, reading, and cooking nutritious meals for her family.

Since moving to Carbondale, Zach has been impressed with the Neighborhood Co-op and the community that surrounds it. As a natural resource conservation scientist and practitioner, he has seen that efforts to connect people, places, and their food can help create a sense of community that makes these systems more resilient. He is excited to contribute to the Co-ops mission and helping to ensure that it continues to be a positive force in Southern Illinois.

A proud member of the Carbondale community, Teneiko values the city's welcoming spirit, diversity, and strong culture of neighbors supporting neighbors. With a background in holistic health, small business development, trauma-informed leadership, and community outreach, she is passionate about helping create spaces where people feel seen, supported and empowered. 

Erika has enjoyed shopping at the Co-op for twenty years, and works in administration at Shawnee Health Service. Her college housemates nicknamed her "Miss Produce" and let her do all the fruit and vegetable shopping for them.

This is my third term on the Board, including one term in which I served as Treasurer. The various upheavals of the last six years have made it more clear than ever how vital it is to have a robust local food system, and I am passionate about supporting the co-op’s relationships with local producers. 

The annual total value of our local purchases continues to increase each year. The co-op is a hub for our community in other ways, too, from our welcoming community room to our support for local nonprofits, and I hope we can continue to deepen those community connections.

Lisa had the privilege of working with Neighborhood Co-op Grocery for 14 years, starting as Event Coordinator, where she organized community events like the Organic Harvest Picnic and the Nutrition 5K. Over time, she became Marketing Manager as the store transitioned to its current location and quadrupled in size. Later as Brand Development Manager, she led a small team responsible for outreach, advertising, events, store signage and design. Lisa has a deep love for the Co-op and the community it serves. Having stepped away from her position 8 years ago, she now brings a unique perspectve as both a longtime shopper and former employee. 

Susan has more than 40 years of banking experience and boards experience including with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, YMCA and Concord Bank, which gives her a strong background in governance and community leadership. A longtime advocate for healthy living and local food systems, she’s a dedicated supporter of the co-op’s mission and excited to help guide its continued growth.