Spring Into Transition

By Clem Nilan, General Manager

We have a number of transitions coming our way over the next several months. Some of these are already underway and some of them are still in progress. Because these transitions affect leadership at the Co-op, it feels like a good time to share them with our Members and customers.

Last spring I let the Co-op’s Board know that I would be stepping down as General Manager as of March 31, 2013. So around the Co-op, it’s common knowledge at this point that Pat Burns has accepted the position as our next General Manager. Pat is currently our Director of Operations and has been in that position for over 5 years. His longevity and experience (both within and prior to the Co-op) will surely make for a smooth leadership transition. At the same time, I will continue to work with the Co-op, on a part-time basis, to lend further support to our commitment to strengthen the local food system.

As Pat transitions to the GM position, Jason Maring has been promoted to Director of Operations. Jason has been working closely with Pat already as the Assistant Director of Operations. While Pat is working with Clem to transition to the GM position, he’ll also be working closely with Jason on training for his new position. A variety of departments including Receiving, Facilities, Front End, Safety & Security will continue to report to Jason.

And just recently, Lynn Ellen Schimoler, our current Grocery Manager, was promoted to a new position, Store Manager. This new position will have oversight for our Produce, Grocery, Wellness, Meat & Seafood, Beer & Wine, and Prepared Foods departments and will report to Jason as the Director of Operations. The addition of this position is a slightly different way of managing the Co-op for us, but one that’s directed toward serving us (as employees and customers) well as we grow. Although we’re a bit away from expansion to a second store, we have researched the management structure of co-ops who do an excellent job operating multiple stores. This new organizational structure emulates what we see as best practices.

Thank you for your continued patronage of the Co-op; I’ve enjoyed working with you as General Manager and look forward to the work to come in my new role. If you have any questions during this transition, feel free to ask.