Board Election

Hillary Figura

Reasons for Running

My husband and I have been shopping at JFC weekly for over a year now. We truly value and enjoy purchasing more sustainable and local food. I would like to continue to support JFCs efforts and to learn more about how the Coop works. 

Relevant Skills and Experience 

As a General Manager in Hilton Hotels, my job is to balance the big picture with the day-to-day operation of a hotel. I handle everything from budgeting and strategic planning to leading teams and building community partnerships. I focus on balancing the needs of our guests, employees, ownership, and the long-term health of the business. Previously, I spent several years in hotel sales and marketing, which taught me the importance of building relationships. I believe that combination of operational experience, financial accountability, relationship building, and leadership would allow me to bring a practical and thoughtful perspective to the Just Food Coop board. 

Opportunities for Just Food Coop 

I’d love to see Just Food continue to strengthen its community presence by highlighting the farmers, producers, and partners who make us special. I see great opportunities for us to team up for local events, workshops, and celebrations that introduce more people to the Co-op and our values. These connections do more than just market the store—they link shoppers directly to local producers, strengthen our food system, and help members feel personally invested. I believe the Board can support this by prioritizing long-term community engagement and helping identify meaningful partnerships that stay true to our mission.

John Waters

Reasons for Running

I’m John, an Iowa native who has lived in Northfield for 3 years. I work at St. Olaf college and am a strength and conditioning coach by trade. I grew up closely connected to local farmers and food producers, fueling a lifelong passion for supporting local food. By serving on the board, I hope to take my passion for local food to a more meaningful level. I am truly grateful that Northfield has Just Food Co-op, and I feel it has deepened my connection with this community as a whole.

Relevant Skills and Experience

I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and currently serve as an Assistant Athletic Director at St. Olaf College. My role involves managing 4 sport programs, 9 coaches, and helping to forecast spending and travel. I have also built strong partnerships, including one between the Minnesota Beef Council and St. Olaf Athletics. As a coach, I thrive on building relationships to help others achieve their goals and am eager to bring this collaborative, flexible approach to the Board.

Opportunities for Just Food Coop

I want to see us prioritize relationships with local farmers, especially those raising beef and pork. Connecting consumers directly to the people raising animal-based protein is vital to a strong local ecosystem. Also, as a health and fitness professional, I’m passionate about expanding our selection of products that support a healthy lifestyle—I see a lot of growth potential here.

Matt Stiehm

Reasons for Running

I previously worked in co-ops, including Just Food, for over 10 years. I started as a part-time maintenance employee and worked my way up to Assistant Produce Manager. I also managed an independently-owned natural foods store, where I oversaw all fresh and grocery departments. After a career change, I entered the tech field and currently work as a Principal Engineer in robotics. I’m excited to be a part of the board because co-ops (especially Just Food) have significantly shaped my appreciation of local food systems and how communities grow around them. I want to help keep our co-op strong and healthy, and stay involved even though I am no longer an employee.

Relevant Skills and Experience

I joined the Just Food board in May 2026 to complete a departing director’s term, and I am eager to continue this service by serving my own three-year term. Having worked in both Co-ops and tech, I feel that I can help Just Food stay current with the technology that keeps the store running. I can also ensure we minimize technology costs while maximizing the impact of our day-to-day technology use.

Opportunities for Just Food Coop

I would like to see the Co-op continue its strong growth over the next five years and keep providing valuable services to the community. I think the board’s role during this time should be to ensure the co-op stays focused on its core mission: bringing affordable, healthy, and sustainable food to the community.

Brenda Kragseth

Reasons for Running

Our family have been owners/members of Just Food for a long time. When I started on the board it was because I wanted to give back to the Co-op. Now I would like to continue my work as a member of the board. I have been fortunate to serve  with a diverse and engaging group of people. I really enjoy working on a JFC vision along with seeing how the store progresses from season to season.

Relevant Skills and Experience 

I have 3 years of JFC board experience with one full year as Board Treasurer. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and work in IT. I volunteer with The Guild, recently as a stage manager for the production of Little Wars.  I have served on the Northfield Public Schools District Educational Program Advisory Council (DEPAC). I also served on the Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) Leadership Group for Northfield Public School district.

Opportunities for Just Food Coop 

I would like to see us continue our outreach efforts to reach all corners of our community, generating a positive impact throughout Northfield and the surrounding area. I would like to work on sustainability as it relates to JFC and the community. Furthermore, I want to prioritize expanding access to Just Food by identifying and removing barriers for those with limited mobility or financial constraints. Finally, I look forward to continuing our work to enhance the effectiveness of the JFC Board.