Frederic Grocery Cooperative is led by nine dedicated community members who share a common goal: preserving access to fresh, affordable groceries and ensuring our community has a locally owned grocery store for generations to come.
Our volunteer Board of Directors brings together a wide range of experience in business, finance, retail, nonprofit leadership, and community service.
Each member contributes their time, knowledge, and passion to help build a sustainable future for Frederic Grocery Cooperative.
We are neighbors, business owners, community leaders, and grocery shoppers working together to keep this essential part of our community thriving.
Amanda Blackmon, President
Amanda has helped lead Frederic Grocery Cooperative from its earliest planning stages, bringing experience in community engagement, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and project management.
As President of the Village of Frederic, she is passionate about strengthening the community, supporting local businesses, and ensuring residents have continued access to a full-service grocery store.
Tammy Brenizer, Vice President
Tammy brings a wealth of business ownership and management experience to the cooperative. Her background includes financial management, human resources, marketing, and business development, along with fundraising for nonprofit and community organizations.
She is committed to helping build a successful, sustainable, community-owned grocery store.
Nichole Bastyr | Treasurer
Nichole brings extensive experience in accounting, financial management, and business operations. With more than 17 years of business ownership experience, she offers valuable expertise in budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and day-to-day operations.
Her financial knowledge helps guide the cooperative's responsible planning and long-term sustainability.
Rich Potvin, Secretary
Rich has a long history of community involvement and organizational leadership in the Frederic area. His experience includes serving with the Frederic Community Library, Kinship of Polk County, Crosswalk Community Church, and the Frederic Chamber of Commerce.
He brings valuable experience in board governance, budgeting, and community collaboration.
April Byron, Director
April brings hands-on retail and management experience to the cooperative, including customer service, employee scheduling, inventory ordering, and point-of-sale systems.
Her understanding of daily retail operations and commitment to community involvement provide valuable insight as the cooperative prepares to operate the grocery store.
Lydell Larson, Director
Lydell brings practical business ownership and financial management experience, along with a strong commitment to public service. A retired firefighter with 38 years of service, he also serves on the Frederic Housing Authority Board.
His business knowledge and dedication to the community are valuable assets to the cooperative.
Brianna Prahl, Director
Brianna brings experience in small-business ownership and restaurant management, including budgeting, inventory, pricing, and daily operations. She is also actively involved in community initiatives and serves as a Director at Frederic Arts.
Her combination of business experience and community involvement helps support the cooperative's vision.
Mary Wick, Director
Mary brings years of retail management experience, along with skills in technology, social media, nonprofit fundraising, and community outreach.
Her background in customer-facing businesses and community engagement provides a valuable perspective as the cooperative works to serve local shoppers and build lasting community relationships.
Kris Surbaugh | Director
Kris brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and community governance. Having served as a library director and school board member, she has a strong background in budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational leadership.
Her dedication to community service helps guide the cooperative's mission and long-term goals.
Our board members volunteer their time because they believe a locally owned grocery store is more than a place to shop — it's an investment in the future of our community.