Meet Your Food Shed Staff
These people are the backbone of the co-op! Without their dedication and energy things wouldn’t get done!
Here are the Food Shed Co-op staff members.
Nathalie Gamboa • General Manager
With over 15 years of experience in retail management, I bring a strong background in team building, store operations, and customer relations to the Food Shed Co-op. While grocery retail has its unique challenges, I’ve found that the same core principles-supporting a team, serving the community, and creating a welcoming store-are what truly make a business thrive.
My passion for healthy food began after having my daughter, when I became curious about how food impacts a child’s growing body. That curiosity has only grown, shaping the way I view food, wellness, and community. I remember passing the Food Shed during its construction and thought, “I’m going to apply there once it opens.” Now, having been here since opening day, I’m excited to continue growing with our team and serving our community in the years ahead.
Jada Downs, Office Manager
Jada has developed a strong background in payroll administration and account payables in her ten years of living and working in McHenry County, preparing her to manage the day-to-day finances of the co-op. Jada is passionate about gardening and growing native plants for butterflies. She also enjoys setting up donation events for charities around McHenry County. She and her family became a co-op owner in 2022. Joining the Food Shed team has motivated Jada to learn more about the food industry and eating healthier.
Kevin Ortega, Produce Manager
Kevin is a dedicated professional with six years of experience in the produce industry, in merchandising and sales on both the retail and wholesale sides of the business. Fueled by a passion for promoting local produce and a commitment to fostering sustainable practices and supporting community-driven agriculture initiatives are driving motivations for Kevin.
Meet Your Food Shed Board
these individuals make up your democratically elected board of directors
Scott Brix • Board President • Board Director Since 2013
Scott, one of the original co-founders of the Food Shed Co-op, brings decades of experience in food science, engineering, and biotechnology. His years in the corporate food and agriculture sector left him increasingly disillusioned with an industry that often puts profit ahead of people, the planet, and real food. Determined to create an alternative, he helped launch the Food Shed Co-op-rooted in local, sustainable food systems that strengthen small, non-industrial farmers, local producers, and the community. Since the co-op’s founding in 2014, Scott has served as Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer, and remains committed to guiding the co-op toward long-term financial sustainability before embarking on his next great adventure.
Vern Heinen • Board Vice President • Board Director Since 2020
I’ve been a resident of McHenry County for approximately 20 years and been retired for the past year. I’ve been a member of different food coops in the various places I’ve lived over the years and think there would be a great benefit to bringing a food coop to McHenry County. It would give access to healthful affordable food to the county residents and also provide an outlet for products from local farmers. I would like to serve on the coop board and play a more active role in helping to bring the Food Shed Co-op to a successful opening.
Carol Alfus • Board Secretary • Board Director Since 2023
Carol Alfus has been a resident of McHenry County for most of her life. For over 30 years she tutored, taught and substitute taught special needs students. In retirement, Carol has stayed busy volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of McHenry County, Main Stay Therapeutic Farm and the McHenry County Conservation District. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling and writing poetry.
Carol has long believed in the power of community. As Food Shed owner #72, she has spent many hours volunteering at information tables to explain the value of a community-owned grocery store that supports local farmers and producers, offers more healthy, natural food choices, observes environmentally responsible practices, and keeps the profits in our community.
Kim Brix • Board Director • Board Director Since 2013
Clinton E. Gabbard, Ph.D. • Board Director Since 2024
Dr. Clint Gabbard brings a deep belief in the power of community to his role on the Food Shed Co-op Board. As president of McHenry County College since 2016, he has helped build strong local partnerships, expand access to education, and create opportunities that strengthen the region’s economy.
Clint is especially passionate about connecting people with fresh, locally grown food and supporting the farmers who make it possible. He sees the co-op as a natural extension of his philosophy of “valuing community”—ensuring that neighbors work together to build resilient systems that benefit both producers and consumers.
He and his wife, Ronda, make their home in Bull Valley, where they enjoy time with their family, traveling, and caring for their corgi, Molly.
Caron Wenzel • Board Director Since 2013
Caron Wenzel brings 35 years of involvement with food coops and working in and with Nature. She is married to Steve Wenzel. They have two grown adult sons, Greg and Jeff Wenzel and two grandchildren, Rupert and Harrison.
Caron is an environmental educator and consultant who is owner of Blazing Star Inc, a native seed and soil amendment company founded in 1990. She and her husband Steve have worked on conservation and green issues for over 25 years. Caron has also been an enthusiastic supporter of food co-ops since college.