General Manager Succession Planning

By Clem Nilan, General Manager

I’ve had the great honor to represent Onion River Co-op as General Manager for the past six years. During this time, I’ve been very proud of the work that our entire staff has been able to accomplish together as a team. The Co-op is in a really good place with strong membership and strong sales.

A few months ago, our Board of Directors requested that I commit for another two year term. This started me thinking about the balance in my life. Change is inevitable. Walking to work early this month, the lovely crab-apple blossoms reminded me to appreciate each moment. I would still like to work at the Co-op…but it’s the right time to pass on the responsibilities of General Manager.

I will continue on as General Manager through March of 2013. For the remainder of the two year General Manager term, I will be succeeded by Pat Burns, who many of you already know well in his current position as our Director of Operations. Pat has the full support of the Board and City Market’s Management Leadership Team in this transition. The Co-op and its staff, members and customers are very lucky to have someone of Pat’s caliber ready to step in at this time of store expansion.

While this actual transition is a ways off, we’ve shared the information with staff and felt it was important to share with our members and customers as well and have you hear it from me. I look forward to the rest of my term as General Manager and to whatever life holds for me beyond that. Thanks for your continued support!