Board of Directors

About the Board 


Jodie Huegerich

President

Cedar Falls, IA
Local Food Program Manager, University of Northern Iowa
Email Jodie 
TERM ENDS: 2025

As a Registered Dietitian and the regional Local Food Coordinator working at UNI, Jodie is passionate about healthy, local food and a sustainable local food system. She has been a member since 2015 and volunteers for the Co-op because of the exciting benefits it will bring to the community. She is a mother of three boys and enjoys reading, walking her dog, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. 


Christine Sexton

Vice President; Co-Chair of Site Committee

Cedar Falls, IA
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Self-Employed
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TERM ENDS: 2023

As a public health nutritionist and Registered Dietitian, Christine is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. She volunteers for the co-op because she understands the importance of creating a sustainable local food system that will benefit eaters, producers, and our local economy. When she’s not working with clients or cooking with her family, Christine enjoys trail running, yoga, exploring new places, and getting outdoors.


Gina Brown

Treasurer; Chair of Finance Committee

Cedar Falls, IA
Email Gina
TERM ENDS 2023

Gina grew up on a small dairy farm in NE Iowa, before moving to Cedar Falls to receive her bachelor’s degree in accounting.  After graduation, she worked as an auditor and controller in property management in the Twin Cities.  Having a local food co-op is important to Gina because she is passionate about supporting local farmers.  Gina loves to attend musical theatre, container gardening, and taking care of her family and pets.  

 


Kate Gallagher Dunning

Co-Chair of Site Committee

Waterloo, IA
Co-owner, Talk To Me Technologies
Email Kate

TERM ENDS: 2024

Kate is a business owner and mother of four teenagers.  She makes room for poetry, any kind of house concert, cooking, designing, writing, meditation, and yoga. Kate’s focus on the community is a priority in that the more we attract and retain those interested in locally sourced goods and businesses, the more thriving the community is. One of her favorite quotes about business is from Steve Jobs: “You need to know what you don’t want as much as you need to know what you do.”


Thomas M Blanford

Co-Chair Capital Campaign

Cedar Falls, IA
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TERM ENDS: 2025

In addition to serving on the Co-op’s board of directors, Tom is also the co-chair of the capital campaign committee. He is a lifelong resident of the Cedar Valley and a graduate of UNI. Working as the Director of Finance for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Tom works to help ensure access to nutrition for everyone in our community. After spending fifteen years in the credit union industry, Tom believes in the values of cooperatively owned businesses and is looking forward to adding the Rooted Carrot to the list of things that make the Cedar Valley a great place to call home! 


Open Seat

TERM ENDS: 2024

 


Lisa Nelson

Chair Communications/Membership Committee

Cedar Falls, IA
Fiber Artist
Email Lisa
TERM ENDS: 2024
Lisa has been an Iowan her whole life, moving to Cedar Falls to attend college and choosing to stay in the Cedar Valley. A trained educator, her experience working with families and students from all walks of life heightened her awareness of the value of strong community connections, and she sees the co-op as one important piece in that. She works as a fiber artist and enjoys spending time with family, horseback riding, and being a life-long learner. 
 

David Schachterle

Site Announcement Committee

Cedar Falls, IA
Retired
TERM ENDS: 2025

Dave and his wife Linda started their own business, Signsn& Designs, in Iowa Falls and later moved the business to Cedar Falls. They sold and retired in 2022. We are active in the arts and theater and Main Street projects in the community. Linda and I have two daughters who live in St Paul, MN, and Portland, OR.

 


Theresa Westbrock

Operations Committee

Waverly,  IA
Market Farm
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TERM ENDS: 2023,  Appointed

Theresa and her family have a small market farm outside of Waverly. Before moving to the Cedar Valley, Theresa was president of the board of directors of her food co-op in New Mexico. She sees food co-ops as an integral part of a robust local food network and looks forward to bringing her co-op experiences and her passion for local diversified food systems to the Rooted Carrot board.