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.
Suzie Q. Grumko — Acting General Manager
Suzie Q. brings extensive grocery co-op leadership experience and a hands-on, practical approach to her role as Acting General Manager. Before joining the Food Shed, Suzie served as General Manager of Fredericksburg Food Co-op in Virginia. She recently launched Natural Born Retailer LLC, a consulting business focused on helping food co-ops strengthen their operations, develop their people and thrive.
Suzie initially joined the Food Shed as an advisor and mentor, working alongside our team to strengthen day-to-day operations, develop staff and leadership skills, and implement proven retail practices. Her work includes merchandising, inventory management, labor practices, customer experience, staff training and operational systems.
As Acting GM, Suzie is providing experienced leadership while helping the Food Shed build a stronger, more sustainable operation. She will also work with the Board to identify and ultimately hire our next permanent General Manager, helping ensure a smooth transition to our next generation of store leadership.
Nathalie Gamboa • Administrative Manager
With over 15 years of experience in retail management, Nathalie brings a strong background in team building, store operations, and customer relations to Food Shed Co-op. While grocery retail has its unique challenges, she believes the same core principles—supporting a team, serving the community, and creating a welcoming store—are what truly make a business thrive.
Nathalie’s passion for healthy food began after having her daughter, when she became curious about how food impacts a child’s growing body. That curiosity has only grown, shaping the way she views food, wellness, and community.
She remembers passing the Food Shed during its construction and thinking, “I’m going to apply there once it opens.” Having been part of the co-op since opening day, Nathalie is excited to continue growing with the team and serving the community for years to come.
Connor Hill, Center Store Supervisor
Connor brings more than six years of grocery retail management experience, with a strong background in customer service, team leadership, and the daily operations of a fast-paced retail environment. His attention to detail and commitment to service help ensure a positive experience for customers and owners alike.
Prior to his retail career, Connor served in the military, where he developed the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that continue to shape his work ethic. He is known for staying focused under pressure and working collaboratively to support his team.
Connor is a strong believer in supporting local businesses and producers. He values the role they play in creating jobs, strengthening community connections, and building a vibrant local economy. At the Food Shed, he is proud to combine his professional experience with his passion for local food and community impact.
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, their health and the planet. 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.
Kim Brix • Board Director • Board Director Since 2013
As someone living with multiple food allergies, Kim was motivated to help create a grocery store close to home—one offering a wide selection of healthy, organic, and locally grown foods, free of pesticides, all under one roof. She became Owner #2 at the Food Shed Co-op and served as chairperson of both the Store Operations and GM Search Committees before the store’s opening in May 2024. Kim is a retired nurse with 34 years of service, a proud mother of two, and grandmother of two. She owns Glassworks by Kim, a fused glass art business and studio in Marengo, Illinois, and co-founded The Children’s Center for Autism in Cary. Passionate about healthy living, Kim believes in the power of good food to support a long, vibrant life.
Elizabeth Bure • Board Director • Board Director Since 2026
Liz Bure is an art and literacy educator who thinks about the future every day in the company of her brilliant bilingual students.
She is passionate about the Food Shed’s core values and vision for a sustainable future because we owe it to the kids! She believes supporting local producers will lead to a resilient, healthy, thriving local food economy. Liz loves creating spaces ripe with opportunity for much needed human connection through creative exploration and collaboration.
Marlene Frisbie • Board Director • Board Director Since 2026
Marlene and her husband Hugh have lived in Woodstock for over 30 years. Marlene’s background is in accounting, and she also has been involved in environmental concerns in the county, having served on the boards of The Environmental Defenders, The Land Conservancy, and the City of Woodstock Environmental Commission.
Marlene’s concern with local foods really began after reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma many years ago. She appreciates the Food Shed as a source of local and organic foods, and a way of supporting local farmers.
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.
Jordan Johnson • Board Director Since 2026
Jordan lives in Huntley with his wife, Nicole, their one-year-old son, Otto, and their dog, Kira. For more than 10 years, he has built websites and software for small and growing businesses. He co-founded RipplePop, a web shop that helps agencies and local companies keep their websites running smoothly, and runs Ten18 Tech, where he turns complicated processes into practical tools and systems. He also co-founded TripCarver, a tourism booking platform serving countries in the South Pacific.
Jordan became involved with the Food Shed because he believes a community-owned grocery only works when neighbors are willing to show up and contribute. As a volunteer, he has already been doing just that. As a Board member, his goal is to help keep the co-op practical, local, and sustainable—a store that works well for farmers and producers, makes ownership meaningful and accessible, and is built to serve the community for years to come.
Christine Robertson • Board Director Since 2026
After discovering a strong passion for nonprofit work, Christine transitioned from the private sector in 2025 to focus more intentionally on mission-driven work. With over 30 years of experience in IT leadership in the healthcare sector, she has managed diverse teams and multimillion-dollar projects while guiding business strategy through process improvement, systems optimization, and service-oriented solutions.
Her nonprofit and community involvement has centered largely on regenerative initiatives, including adopter screening, rescue fostering, volunteering at the food pantry in Crystal Lake, and, most recently, supporting recruitment efforts for owner-volunteers at the FoodShed Co-op.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Christine enjoys exploring sustainable cooking, gardening in her backyard, and spending weekends at the Woodstock Farmers Market.
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.