Our Board of Directors is made up of Co-op Owners, elected by fellow Owners, who volunteer their time to act on the community's behalf to ensure a vibrant cooperative vision for the store. They develop and maintain policies to provide overall direction and ensure the long-range security and viability of the Co-op, developing policies necessary to carry out the Board's duties and the Co-op's functions.
The Board does this through the following:
- Creating and sustaining a relationship with the member/ownership
- Hiring and overseeing the work of the General Manager
- Planning yearly goals for the organization
- Creating committees to accomplish large-scale projects
- Ongoing education, training, and recruitment for the Board
The Board does not make decisions about or become involved with any of the day-to-day activities or decisions regarding the operations of the store. The Board’s sole connection to operations is through the General Manager.
The Board and General Manager report to you, the Owners, on the state of the Co-op at our Annual Owners Meeting. Most importantly, you support the growth and mission of the Co-op through your patronage and loyalty.
If you'd like to find out more, board meetings are open to all Owners as observers. Board meetings are currently being held in hybrid form, both in-person in the Community Room and virtually via video conference. If you'd like to attend, click the Contact the Board of Directors button below to request a link for the next meeting.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Lisa Hinton Donkor, President
Lisa is a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and a dedicated supporter of Deep Roots Market. Her experience managing sustainable agriculture at Live Well Community Farm and volunteering in community gardens underscores her commitment to improving food accessibility for all. As the founder of Safe Place Transportation LLC, she has demonstrated leadership in serving underserved populations, further complemented by her role as a board member for Too Much TV and active involvement in community initiatives. Eager to contribute her skills and experience to the Deep Roots board, Lisa aims to enhance its impact and promote equitable access to healthy, locally sourced food.
Khaila Daye, Co-Vice President
Khaila has a strong connection to the Co-op. She began her journey as a cashier while pursuing her Master's Degree in Agribusiness Management at NC A&T. Currently, she is the blueberry, greenhouse vegetable, peach and watermelon marketing specialist at the NC Department of Agriculture. She has experienced firsthand the impact of cooperative values on community well-being. Deep Roots serves as a beacon of inclusivity and support, providing a safe space for all individuals to come as they are, which are important values to Khaila. As a supporter of local nonprofits, Khaila understands the importance of giving back and valuing people over profits. Deep Roots has not only changed her life, but it inspired her to advocate for cooperative principles and community engagement.
Andrea Davidson, Co-Vice President
Andrea is a long-time member of Deep Roots Market who actively connects local organic farmers with the co-op. With two years of experience as board chair of the Caswell County farmers market and volunteer work at Boca Helping Hands, she has strong skills in community engagement and non-profit service. Andrea sees Deep Roots as vital for promoting real, whole foods and fostering awareness of their importance. Her mission is to advocate for transparency in the food industry, encouraging responsible food choices for better health and sustainability.
Ambrose Kee, Secretary
Ambrose is a 4th-year Agricultural and Environmental Systems student at North Carolina A&T. He aims to blend the community empowerment aspect of local food systems with the cooperative economic business model to strengthen communities from within. His collegiate perspective will bring an intergenerational connection to the Deep Roots Board. The blend of student input with experienced guidance furthers Deep Roots’ strategy of achieving its role in the community. As a current student at North Carolina A&T, he brings the thoughts of students toward healthy food options in the community.
Debra Smith El, Treasurer
Debra is a seasoned accounting professional with over 15 years of experience in financial operations, client service, and organizational support. She has lived in Greensboro, North Carolina for more than 20 years and is deeply invested in the local community. Debra currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Deep Roots Market, where she contributes her expertise in accounting and governance to support the co-op’s mission of sustainability and community well-being. Debra is the owner of Smith El Tax And Business Center, where she provides personalized tax, bookkeeping, and small business consulting services. Her work is rooted in a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening local economic resilience.
Cecelia Allen, Assistant Treasurer
Cecelia, originally from a small community on Maryland's Eastern Shore, moved to Greensboro in 1966 to attend North Carolina A&T State University. She discovered Deep Roots Market during college and work, seeing it as a vital resource for improving her family's health and preventing hereditary issues. As a loyal supporter since the early 1980s, Cecelia developed a passion for nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement through workshops, local farming connections, and holistic practices. She enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, canning, and creating healthy recipes, all rooted in her strong faith.
Drew Dix, At-large
Drew recently retired from The Fruit Guys, a leading office and home fruit delivery company, where he was Director of Sales Development, managing regional hubs connecting local farms to consumers. With 35 years of experience in business development and performing arts, he has worked with organizations like the American Press Institute, Times-Shamrock, the Specialty Food Association, and the NY Botanical Garden. He has performed in New York and regional theater, founded a non-profit theater company, co-directed a 14-year outdoor music festival in NJ, and is a member of Actors Equity. Drew also conducts acting workshops and public speaking coaching in Greensboro.
Spoma Jovanovic, At-large
Spoma moved to Greensboro in 2001 and taught in UNC-Greensboro's Department of Communication Studies until 2022. That year, she was elected to the Deep Roots Market Board of Directors, re-elected in 2025 after serving as board president. She focuses on community, justice, ethics, and food to support the co-op’s growth and contributions to quality of life. An unexpected benefit has been bonding with talented staff and fellow board members committed to supporting local farmers and promoting democracy in the co-op. She lives in College Hill with her husband, retired civil rights attorney Lewis Pitts, and their lively beagle, Bernie. Her garden includes tomatoes, basil, and plants Bernie loves to chomp.
Michael Rubin, At-large
Michael is a dedicated shopper and supporter of Deep Roots Market, believing that improvements in operational efficiency could better serve its members. With over 35 years of experience working for top brands such as Nikon, Bentley, and Porsche, he brings a wealth of professional expertise. Additionally, Michael is actively involved in his community as a volunteer at his place of worship and a local food distribution center. He has also founded a Silicon Valley startup near Palo Alto City Hall, focusing on compliance with federal and California accessibility standards, including conversion of bathrooms to all-gender and disabled-accessible facilities.