Ali Kenney
1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Onion River Cooperative?
Serving on the Board has been a goal of mine for over 6 years now. The Co-op values and principles resonate deeply with me, and the history of the Co-op runs deep in my blood. My family has been a member since it was on Archibald Street in the 1970s, and I have fond memories of my childhood days running around the store (house) while they volunteered.
I want to be a positive force in helping the Co-op fulfill its mission to serve the community, and I think I am now well positioned to do that through my education, experience and drive to learn. In my work life, I founded and still lead the global sustainability (environmental and social impact) program for Burton Snowboards. I also sit on the Board for Vermont Parks Forever and the UVM Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Program (SEMBA). I hope that this background knowledge and experience will be a wonderful jumping off point for helping to guide the Co-op to meet community member and staff needs, while also improving the community around us. And most importantly, I will work hard to learn and be a great team member amongst the wonderful team already in place.
2. The work of the Board is not operational – that is, it does not deal with the daily operations of the store. Instead, the Board deals with the overall policies that identify and guide the mission of the Cooperative. How will you stay focused on the larger vision, without being distracted by the day-to-day operations of the store?
I am fully aware (and happy!) that the role of the Co-op Board is not to make day-to-day operations decisions but is rather to ensure that the Co-op is meeting its fiduciary duty to our members. That means that I will work to make sure that the Co-op financials are healthy, that the Co-op is meeting its principles and its ends – to be a central to a thriving and healthy community - and that the Co-op is fulfilling the needs of its members to the best of its abilities.
3. What strengths and skills would you bring to the work of the Cooperative’s Board?
I ran for the Co-op Board in 2012, lost by a few votes and knew not to take it personally but rather to take it in stride and continue to build experience and knowledge. Three years ago, I started the Global Sustainability program for Burton Snowboards and now have a full global team working to ensure that we are improving our environmental and social impact in every way possible. This includes how we treat our workers, the community, and the environment, and has given me invaluable experience and resilience to fight for a better quality of life for all. Also since then, I have joined two Boards (mentioned above), received my MBA from UVM, Chaired the Winooski Environmental Board, and worked on the Winooski Development Review Board. Through trying to grow much of my own food, I understand the difficulty yet also the value of local farms and thus support the Co-op ends of strengthening the local food system and community. But most importantly, while now more experienced, I realize it is still most important to continue to learn and then act. I promise to listen and act in the best interests of this community and cooperative.