Nick Dickison joined the Brattleboro Food Co-op as a shareholder-owner in 2018. Nick is currently working in the kitchen, a job that they’ve done for most of their working career. Last year, they accepted an appointment by the BFC Board to fill out another staff Director’s term, as the 2nd staff shareholder on the Board; the BFC bylaws require at least one staff Board member, but no more than two. As Nick says, they’re learning as they go about being on the Board of Directors.
When did you become a member of the Co-op?
I have been a shareholder since 2018. It was actually my sister who bought my membership for me as a gift when I told her about our co-op here in Brattleboro and my intention to join.
What do you do for a living?
I cook for the Co-op! I have worked in food service since I was 14 years old, going on 26 years now. My career has included both “front-of-house” and “back-of-house” positions, management, consulting, and I’ve owned two businesses of my own in Portland, Oregon.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Much of my spare time is spent with my kids. I have two boys, ten and 14, and my partner has two as well, ages seven and nine. (I also have two grown stepchildren, 26 and 28, still living in Oregon!) We try to spend as much time outdoors as we can, but also like playing games together–that includes card games, board games and video games. When not on parent duty, though, I love going out to see live music and enjoying good food from around town.
Are you a member of any other cooperatives?
Back in Portland, OR I was a member of the Alberta Cooperative Grocery.
How have you spent these last 20 pandemic months?
It hasn’t been an easy time for me. Family and work are what kept me grounded. Fortunately, Vermont has so many beautiful outdoor spaces to practice social distancing!
What brought you to this area?
My kids’ mother is from the area and decided she was ready to move back to be close to her family. We moved together to be better able to co-parent.
What drew you to serve on the Brattleboro Food Co-op Board of Directors?
The opportunity to be a part of the process of selecting the next GM seemed important to me.
What do you like the most about being on the Board of Directors?
The broad spectrum of people on the Board from different backgrounds.
