Board of Directors
Hampden Park Co-op is guided by a Board of Directors elected by our member-owners. The Board helps steward the long-term health of the Co-op by representing the interests of our ownership, supporting the General Manager, and keeping the Co-op focused on its mission, values, and community impact.
Board members do not manage day-to-day store operations. Instead, they provide leadership, accountability, and vision so Hampden Park Co-op can continue to serve our neighborhood as a trusted, community-owned grocery store.
Our Board of Directors
Becca Yahr
Becca has lived in the area since 2019, and has been a board member since March 2026. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and crafting. In addition to championing Hampden Park Co-op as a neighborhood staple of affordable, quality food, she is also an advocate for expanding accessible public transportation.
Bharat Balyan
Bharat has been a proud resident of the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood since 2022. He has worked in the public sector for most of his professional life, with public service being one of his core values. His experience as a MN GreenCorps member shaped his career path. He works in the public health and climate field, and his passion for supporting thriving and resilient communities grounds him both professionally and in his personal life. These values are why he joined the Hampden Park Co-op board two years ago, as he sees this institution as a heartbeat of the community. He brings his strong partnership building skills to the table, and is always thinking about how we more equitably serve the community and sustain the co-op in the long term.
In his free time, you can find Bharat biking around the cities, exploring the diverse food and drink scene, rock climbing, playing his saxophone in his jazz band, or playing some board games or Dungeons and Dragons with his friends.
Crosby King
Crosby Thurgood King, with nearly a decade of frontline experience in the grocery store industry, blends his seasoned customer service acumen with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wartburg College, where he also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Transitioning into talent acquisition, Crosby has excelled as a Senior Campus Recruiter at Medtronic, where he forges strong relationships to attract and nurture diverse talent for the company's internship and full-time programs. His prior roles at 3M, Ecolab, and various educational institutions underscore his dedication to fostering connections and driving impactful recruiting strategies.
Delonna Darsow
Delonna brings a background in public service, partnership development, and relationship-building to the Hampden Park Co-op board. She believes strongly in the role a neighborhood co-op can play both as a great place to shop, and as a place that connects people and strengthens community.
As Co-President, she enjoys asking good questions, bringing people together, and helping the board think about both the co-op’s immediate needs and its long-term future. A longtime Saint Paul resident, Delonna can often be found tackling a home project, planning the next roadtrip adventure, or out and about with her spouse and Cairn terrier.
Mark Chapin
Mark Chapin has been a member of Hampden Park Co-op since 2008 and brings deep roots in the cooperative community to his board service. A retired attorney based in Roseville, he has previously served the co-op as both Board President and Secretary. Beyond the co-op, Mark serves as a Tree Advisor on the 100 Tree Initiative in the Creative Enterprise Zone, reflecting his commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy urban communities.
He values the dedicated and diverse staff that makes Hampden Park special, the thoughtful product selection that reflects the co-op's mission, and the vibrant community of members who make it more than just a place to shop. Mark is committed to the long-term health and resilience of the co-op and to honoring the trust that members place in it every day.
Ren LaGrant
As a new local to the neighborhood, Hampden Co-op has been a delight to discover. I've loved seeing the impact that a local grocery store can have on a community, and hope to invest my own time in helping make Hampden Co-op thrive. From the warm and cozy soups to the every day staples, Hampden is a beacon in the community, and I'm excited to help make it better.
Reyd Jordan
Reyd is a Saint Anthony Park resident serving on the board to help HPC meet the needs of the community. He enjoys learning about how cooperative food systems work and believes everyone should know where their food comes from. Other interests include sustainable landscaping and non-profit management.
Tyler Gustafson
Tyler has lived in the area since 2019, and has been a board member since January 2026 where he currently occupies the role of Secretary. He enjoys hiking and rock climbing, as well as traveling abroad. He is passionate about protecting and promoting physical media and brick-and-mortar shopping.
What Does the board do?
Board members are expected to:
Attend regular board meetings
Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials in advance
Participate respectfully and constructively
Support the Co-op’s mission, values, and long-term goals
Represent the interests of member-owners
Help strengthen communication between the Co-op and the community
Apply to Join the Board
Do you care about local food, community ownership, and the future of Hampden Park Co-op? Serving on the Board of Directors is one of the most meaningful ways member-owners can help guide the Co-op.
The Board represents Hampden Park Co-op’s member-owners and helps shape the long-term direction of the store. Board service is a great opportunity for people who want to support the Co-op’s mission, strengthen our community, and help ensure Hampden Park Co-op continues to thrive for years to come.