NEIC 2026 Board Elections

Voting

All NEIC member-owners are invited to vote for our Board of Directors.

Online voting is open through Tuesday, April 14, at 5:00 p.m (CDT).

Please read the candidate information and then use the link below to vote.

Candidates for the NEIC Board of Directors

Voters may vote “Yes” or “No” on each candidate. A candidate must receive a number of “Yes” votes greater than 50% of the valid ballots in order to be elected.

Jason Gottfried

1. Why would you like to serve on the NEIC board of directors?

I am a longtime member and hadn’t had the necessary capacity to contribute until recently. I believe the cooperative investment model increasingly is the best way for a community to guide and foster reinvestment in their area and democratize land use opportunities.

2. Fifteen years after our founding, NEIC is at something of a crossroads, and part of the board’s coming work will be to determine, in collaboration with membership, the direction for the co-op. What is your vision of NEIC, five years from now?

I believe my unique contribution in transportation and community development and keen eye for redevelopment potential would go a long way towards renewing a successful direction for the board. There are numerous underdeveloped properties that deserve a vision, and interdisciplinary partnerships to ignite their potential.

3. What kinds of expertise, interests, skills, or other resources would you bring to your work on the board of directors, or on any of NEIC’s committees?

I have 13 years experience in transportation and community development in both the public and private sector in the twin cities including chair the Hennepin County Public Works Development Review Cmte for 7 years. That along with serving on the Met Council Livable Communities Advisory Board affords me the foundation of the real estate development environment of the region, priorities, players, and funding opportunities.

4. Have you served on a board of any other organization? If so, which one(s)?

Yinghua Academy Community Association (YACA) as Development Chair

Met Council Transportation Planning Tech Cmte representing Hennepin County

5.  Please provide any other relevant information.

15 year resident in northeast raising a family committed to ensuring long-term vitality of the area highlighting our world class arts district.

Joe Bove

1.  Why would you like to serve on the NEIC board of directors?

I am one of the founding members and incorporators of the Northeast Investment Cooperative, and I remain deeply committed to its mission of community ownership of real estate in Northeast Minneapolis.

Over the years, NEIC has built an important foundation through the acquisition and operation of its first property. As we look ahead, I believe the cooperative is at a point where strengthening our operational systems and financial structure will be key to long-term success.

One of the things that stands out to me is how close we are to delivering tangible financial value to members. Based on current membership levels, it would take less than $40 per member in additional surplus to fully fund the $500 C-share dividend accounts. That kind of milestone is achievable with disciplined operations and clear financial management.

If elected, I would focus on strengthening leasing and tenant evaluation practices, ensuring appropriate professional oversight of property management, improving financial transparency, and preparing the cooperative for a future second property through disciplined acquisition standards.

NEIC was created so that our community could invest together in the places where we live and work. I would be honored to help guide the cooperative as we continue building on that vision.

2. Fifteen years after our founding, NEIC is at something of a crossroads, and part of the board’s coming work will be to determine, in collaboration with membership, the direction for the co-op. What is your vision of NEIC, five years from now?

In five years, I would like to see NEIC operating multiple properties with strong, stable tenants and consistent financial performance. The cooperative should have clear acquisition criteria, professional property management in place, and well-defined governance processes that support sustainable growth. Members should have confidence in both the mission and the financial performance of the cooperative.

3.  What kinds of expertise, interests, skills, or other resources would you bring to your work on the board of directors, or on any of NEIC’s committees?

I bring practical experience in property ownership, leasing, and operations, along with a strong understanding of financial performance and risk management. I am comfortable evaluating tenant quality, structuring leases, and assessing operational decisions in a real estate context. I also have experience working within governance structures and focusing on long-term organizational outcomes.

4.  Have you served on a board of any other organization? If so, which one(s)?

Yes. I have previously served on the NEIC board and the Windom Park Neighborhood Association (WPCiA.)

5.  Please provide any other relevant information.

As a founder, I have a long-term perspective on the cooperative and its mission. I am interested in helping NEIC build the operational strength and governance structure needed to support future growth while protecting the interests of its members.