Francesca Parnham

1.Why would you like to serve on the Board of Directors of the Onion River Cooperative?

In our 40th year, and as the most successful Coop in the USA, I strongly believe that this Coop can play an important role in growing Vermont's economy. As a bustling hub in the State's most populated urban city, we have the opportunity to create real change on a neighborhood, community, and state-wide level, by supporting our local farmers, employing the skilled and passionate people of Vermont, and hosting an environment that fosters community engagement and empowers the next generation of Vermonters to be conscious consumers and active citizens. The future is exciting! I am thrilled to work as a part of this team to serve our 11,500 members and dream together to support the common good through the success of our beloved Coop. We live in a sustainable community; to be able to work, learn, live, play, and eat within our City limits is a special thing, and with that comes my commitment to Burlington and to City Market's Board of Directors.

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?

It is an exciting time to be involved in the Coop! As a loyal and actively present member of the Coop, I've witnessed the hard work of the employees. I deeply trust the delegation of the Coop's 200+ staff members, as they all work for common economic, social, and cultural needs. This will allow me to move beyond the day-to-day operations , to ultimately understand and honor the bigger picture and vision of the Coop. I will stay focused on keeping up with positive trends, and creating change when negative trends arise. This focus will help maintain a democratically run organization.

3.What strengths and skills would you bring to the work of the Cooperative’s Board?

I am committed to Burlington and loyal to our local food economy. I am passionate about giving people access to local food. I truly believe there is nothing more important than for consumers to have the choice to choose local and City Market members choose to spend their dollars locally. People want to support their communities and I certainly do to!

I am level headed and take on responsibilities with a clear mind. This will allow me to communicate through policy governance with a mind that is not easily swayed by bias's and quick judgements. I support transparency and thrive on making informed decisions.

I come to the Coop with a holistic perspective. As a resident of the Old North End, Downtown District, and now the South End, I understand the different priorities and demographics that exist in our culturally and socioeconomically diverse City.

I have stayed very present in this organization -- like many of our Members, I am reliant on the Coop, now as a young professional and formerly as a student. I am an actively involved member and cannot wait to have the opportunity to serve on this highly functional, very efficient and effective, Board of Directors.