How long have you lived in the Brattleboro Area?
first arrived in 1989

When did you become a shareholder of the Brattleboro Food Co-op?
2017

Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op (BFC)?
I have been a resident of Windham County for much of the past 35 years, and a regular shopper at the Brattleboro Food Co-op for the past 20 years. I am interested in seeing the Co-op continue to operate as an ongoing business while meeting its mission of being engaged in and supportive of the communities within which Co-op members live.

What experience or involvement have you had with the BFC or other cooperative enterprises?
As noted in my answer to question #1, I have been a Co-op shopper for 20 years (and more – just sporadically in the 1990s and early 2000s). I have worked for a variety of local non-profit and educational entities. At times this work has come in a teaching and advising role (SIT; CCV), while at other times in a more program management or organizational leadership role (SEVCA; CABA). I was a longtime Board member of Food Connects, and continues to be an advisor member of that Board’s Finance Committee. Beyond the Brattleboro Food Co-op, my experience in co-ops is limited.

What opportunities or challenges do you see in the future for the BFC?
A key challenge I see is how does a small independent grocery store stay in business. What are the ideas and efforts that will, in the end, sustain the Co-op, not simply as a business, but as one rooted in its various communities (shoppers, suppliers, neighbors, partners …) and environments. This seems to me both opportunity and challenge at the same time, an opening for both thought and action. From the several Board meetings and events I have attended in 2024, I have seen that the current Board sees the opportunities/challenges. I wish to join them in working on ways forward.

What qualities, skills, and experiences would you bring to your service as a BFC board member?
I am a good listener, adept with complex concepts. I believe I do well at finding consensus in groups, or at least ways forward in accomplishing organizational goals. I am long experienced with the financial aspects of the various organizations and institutions with which I have worked.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?
As the Special Projects Coordinator (and then Executive Director) for Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), I was a member of the Vermont Everyone Eats (VEE) Task Force, SEVCA’s point person as the statewide administrator of the program. In this role, I believe I offered SEVCA and VEE a perspective that was generally wider and longer-term than many other people focused on. The entire 2+ years of VEE meant compromise, in a sense. Part of what I believe I brought to the work was the view that each community had its own set of reasons to be establishing and managing the program as it did. There did not need to be a statewide “version” of the program, but rather a statewide understanding that we were building a community of practice that was local at its heart, and needed to be so, and therefore attendant to local needs. I believe myself to be one of the architects of the success of that program (300+ restaurants involved; 200+ farms and food producers involved; 150+ community organizations around the state helping to co-run local efforts). … I could easily go on at greater length about this!

How long have you lived in the Brattleboro Area?
20 years

When did you become a shareholder of the Brattleboro Food Co-op?
2005

Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op (BFC)?
I have been on the Board of Directors for the past three years, and I would love to continue to be on the Board.
When I first ran for the Co-op Board three years ago my story was about how I was introduced to the Co-op exclusively as a patron.  My story focused on how the Co-op drew me to it starting at a young age when I lived far away to then living practically across the street. After purchasing a home in Brattleboro, I realized that I wanted to have a stronger connection to an establishment that was not only located in the heart of my town but was a business that I held close to my heart.  I wanted to contribute to its continued growth and success.  In the last three years, I have learned more than I expected.    
I’m more than excited to run again not only to continue to be a part of the Co-op’s success but to be part of a group of like-minded people. We meet not only once a month, but at other times also.  We are all part of sub-committees.  These range from organizing our Annual Meeting, Shareholder Engagement, Board Recruitment, and Policies and By-Laws.  We also had to search for a new General Manager twice in the last three years, which created one more sub-committee (the Search Committee) during that time. This might seem dry and possibly daunting, but it has been a way to strengthen my relationship with my fellow Board members.  
I also love that we have also learned the importance of sustainability intermingled with the Co-op’s success.  Preparing for our future is paramount.  Feeding people affordable, healthy food as well educating the community is in Co-op's future.  I want to continue to be part of an organization that also reaches outside its walls to the community at large. 

What experience or involvement have you had with the BFC or other cooperative enterprises?
I've been a working member since I've been a member. I've mostly worked in the cheese department in the store and out to pick up the Grafton order. I've also worked in bulk, grocery, and cleaned around the property.

What opportunities or challenges do you see in the future for the BFC?
In this day and age, challenges are what the Co-op will face. In the attempt to continue to be a business in the heart of Brattleboro, a positive and welcoming place is important to keep. Having diverse, sustainable, and affordable food is only part of running a business. Building and property upkeep is part of it, too. Supply chain issues and rising prices are part of life these days, but can be overcome.

What qualities, skills, and experiences would you bring to your service as a BFC board member?
I was a faithful patron for almost my whole life to the Co-op. My desire for the Co-op to succeed is very strong, and being a Board member would allow me to assist with that. I am in retail, so I know what it's like to be among a lot of people, but I succeed better in smaller groups (or sub-groups). I love to listen and learn from others.

Describe an experience where you worked on a team. What did you offer the team? How did you compromise for the team's benefit?
I've worked at Trader Joe's for almost 21 years, and we're a close team that is cross-trained around the store. I have to be able to work with the customer service or product team at different times of day every day. We meet and discuss what needs to be done. If I have a different opinion about how we might accomplish our goal, I mention it. Sometimes the change happens. Other times, it is explained to me why the original plan should be followed.
I have also been on the Brattleboro Food Co-op Board for three years, and I have learned how important it is to listen and process what people contribute to a group.