Amy Cao

As a member-owner of Durham Co-op Market since 2024, I value it not just as a grocery store but as a community institution built on shared ownership and democratic participation. My previous experience at the Park Slope Food Coop, the largest member-owned food cooperative in the country, showed me how strong governance and active membership sustain a thriving co-op.

I’m interested in representing owners because the Board plays a vital stewardship role; safeguarding financial health, upholding cooperative principles, and ensuring management decisions reflect the long-term interests of the owners and staff.

I care deeply about food access, financial sustainability, and the role local institutions play in strengthening community resilience. I would approach board service as a listener and liaison, bringing owner concerns into strategic discussions while supporting thoughtful, forward-looking governance.

Cynthia “Cindy” Scarborough

As a French-trained chef and former nurse practitioner, I’m dedicated to promoting high-quality, healthy food for everyone and believe the Durham Co-op plays an essential role in bringing it to the Durham community.

As a board member, I would contribute my expertise to expand education on food and health for Co-op members and the Durham community. By offering programs such as budget-friendly grocery shopping and healthy cooking classes, we can help families prepare nutritious meals while strengthening the Co-op’s commitment to Concern for Community.

My experience in both culinary arts and healthcare has shown me that access to high-quality food promotes health and reduces stress. I believe the Durham Co-op plays an essential role in supporting the well-being of our community, and I am excited to help expand educational and community-building opportunities. As a lifelong supporter of food cooperatives, I look forward to becoming more involved in the Durham Co-op.

Nicholas Visconti

Serving on the board would allow me to listen to owners, support thoughtful decision-making, and help ensure the Co-op remains strong and true to its values for the long term.

I’m interested in representing owners because Durham Co-op Market is deeply rooted in its community, and I care about protecting and strengthening institutions that belong to the people they serve. As an owner, I see the Co-op as more than a grocery store—it’s a shared commitment to access, fairness, and local connection.

I believe the Board can foster owner participation as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time transaction. Promoting transparency, education, and clear communication about the Co-op’s finances, and connecting daily engagement to its operations, will help strengthen the Co-op’s long-term health.

Donna Frederick

As a longtime Durham resident, I care deeply about the strength and wellbeing of our community. My professional work at the Durham Center for Senior Life has allowed me to support and advocate for older adults.

My broader community involvement has focused on civic engagement, affordable housing, and creating opportunities for people to stay connected and thrive.

As the former owner of the historic Playhouse Toy Store, I understand the vital role local businesses play in creating vibrant neighborhoods. That experience, along with my service on local arts and cultural boards and support for community gardens and local farms, has strengthened my commitment to Durham’s local economy and food systems.

Serving on the Durham Co-op board would allow me to bring together many of the things I care about most: community connection, access to healthy food, and support for local farmers. I’m excited to contribute my experience in community engagement and advocacy to help the Co-op continue to grow as a welcoming and accessible space.

Kishan Patel

As a new Durham resident & Co-op neighbor, I’m eager to apply my leadership and financial expertise to support this important community institution.

I see this Board role as an opportunity for mutual growth—contributing my skills in governance and process improvement while gaining insight into retail. I am committed to helping ensure the Co-op remains a sustainable and vibrant resource for our community.

With an MBA and PMP certification, I bring over a decade of leadership experience in strategic oversight and fiduciary accountability. As a Director in healthcare technology, I manage global teams, complex budgets, and vendor partnerships in highly regulated environments.

My background in risk management and process improvement allows me to connect operational insight with board-level governance, bringing a disciplined, analytical approach to financial stewardship and accountable leadership for the Durham Co-op’s owners.

Diane Standaert

I love the Durham Co-op and want to see it thrive for many years to come. I’m especially interested in helping steward the hard but important work of a member-owned, community-rooted institution.

Places like the Co-op – especially for something as essential as food – are vital to the vibrancy and resilience of our local economy.

In the early days of the Co-op’s development, I volunteered on the site selection committee to help assess potential store locations. I’ve also served on several all-volunteer governing boards, including during law school, for the City of Durham, and for a local civil rights organization.

I have served one-year on the Co-op Board for the past year. I was very glad to be part of the transition to hiring the current General Manager and have learned tons from more experienced board members on policy governance. I look forward to continue serving on the Board and building on all that I have learned over the last year.I am very excited about contributing to the future of such a critical locally-owned institution, food source, and gathering space for our community.