Faye Conte
1. Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Onion River Cooperative?
City Market has been a cornerstone of my life since joining this community seven years ago. I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board, and represent City Market on the Board of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association. As I wrap up my first three years on the Board, I would love the opportunity to continue to serve members, the staff, and the community. Before joining the Board, I was an employee at the store, volunteered as a member worker, and partnered with City Market through my job at Hunger Free Vermont. Serving on the Board has allowed me to deepened my involvement and commitment to the co-op and help the store continue to grow and evolve. So far I have helped hire two General Managers, move forward on opening a new store in the South End, support co-op leadership and the union in reaching progressive staff contracts, and explore ideas about further expansion into communities that lack a grocery store of their own. I would like to help guide the co-op as it expands to ensure it does so in a way that is sustainable, grounded in its mission, and mindful to the larger community.
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?
As a current Board Member I have three years of experience focusing on the larger vision and mission of the co-op. I enjoy thinking strategically about where the co-op is headed. I also have a profound respect for the staff and trust that they are able to run the store more smoothly than I ever could. I have full confidence in the co-op staff’s expertise, and believe the Board’s role to focus on policies that guide the organization is equally important. Organizations need people who are dedicated to stepping back from the details of daily operations and focusing on the big picture. Keeping the vision and mission of the organization present empowers others to have the flexibility and autonomy to skillfully make the daily decisions that help the co-op successfully navigate each day.
3. What strengths and skills would you bring to the work of the Cooperative’s Board?
I have a variety of important skills and strengths that I bring to the Board, including a background in areas related to the co-op’s mission, strong organizational and facilitation skills, and a unique perspective. I have a deep understanding of cooperative principles, the policies and bylaws that govern the Board, and the important role the Board plays in representing members. As the current Vice President, I work with the President and General Manager to guide the Board’s direction and respond to member interests and concerns. While a graduate student at UVM, I studied local food systems and the impact access to grocery stores has on obesity in Vermont. I now work at Hunger Free Vermont, where we help all Vermonters access nutritious food with dignity. Because of this work, I understand how many Vermonters struggle to put food on their table, and know how the co-op’s mission can help our entire community. These areas of expertise help me focus on the co-op’s vision and direction. Professionally, I often organize meetings, set agendas, and facilitate productive discussions with diverse community partners. Finally, as a former employee, I have experienced first-hand how the co-op operates as a business and an employer.