by Beth Wilmart, HFM Board Chair
I’ve been shopping regularly at the Hollywood and Lloyd Farmers Markets since moving back to Portland in 2007. My home is at the midpoint between the two markets, so I often shop twice a week. As a plant-based eater, I never want to run out of produce!
For the past three years I’ve brought my love of plants and service to the HFM board, serving as Vice Chair and now as Chair. As my tenure comes to a close, I want to help ensure the markets have a strong board to support their success in years to come.
What exactly does the Board do?
As a non-profit organization, Hollywood Farmers Market relies on our volunteer board to oversee the direction, sustainability, and financial health of the Hollywood and Lloyd Markets year-round. Some of our recent activities and accomplishments include:
- Developed and implemented a multi-year strategic plan to guide board and staff efforts;
- Recruited a new Market Director to oversee staff and operations of both markets;
- Conducted fundraising (e.g. silent auction, pie contest) and grant writing to continue our popular and effective SNAP match program;
- Performed a trash audit of refuse generated at the market to inform our efforts to reduce waste.
Board members serve a three-year term, so in any given year there are several openings. Our board is currently comprised of 13 members, although we can have up to twenty. We meet monthly on the third Wednesday from 6:30 – 8pm at the Rose City Presbyterian Church. Board members also serve on one or two committees, including Development, Executive, Staff, Marketing, and Vendor. Typical time commitment is 5-10 hours per month.
We especially welcome representatives of our market vendors to join the board, and would love to have one or more board members who primarily shop at the Lloyd Market. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Hollywood Farmers Market values a diverse and inclusive work environment and having board members with varied experience and perspectives makes our board and organization stronger.
Apply now!
The deadline for applications is Monday, October 7, 2019. The Board will invite candidates to an interview at the October 16th board meeting, and elections will take place that evening. New members will be seated effective January 1, 2020. Board meetings are always open to the public, so if you’re not sure whether the Hollywood Farmers Market board is right for you, please feel free to attend a meeting as a guest. Our next two meetings are Wednesday, August 21st, and Wednesday, September 18th at 6:30pm at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church.
The application is available here. Any questions about the recruitment process may be directed to board chair Beth Wilmart at recruitment@hollywoodfarmersmarket.org.
