Pamela Hunt
Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board Member?
I have been a member of the City Market board since January 2025, when I was appointed to a vacant seat. I've been an active
member of the Co-op for nearly 15 years, and I've come to treasure City Market, both for being an indispensible resource in our
community but also for being a vibrant community itself. I'm excited to be part of a team that's steering our Co-op to a
successful future.
The Board seeks candidates who are dedicated, cooperative, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and willing to participate in group discussions ranging from financial oversight to support of management, staff and Members. Please describe the skills and experiences you have that will help you be an effective Board Member in these regards. How would you use your skills and experiences to help the Board understand and use data as part of the decision-making process of our community-owned cooperative?
Since joining the board, I've learned a lot about financial oversight and data analysis from more senior board members. I also took
advantage of courses available to board members to learn more about the food co-op business and understanding financial reports. Through my nearly three years on the City Market Board Perpetuation Committee and two years on the Seed Grant Committee several years ago, I appreciate how to work with a group to get results through the lens of the Co-op's mission and values. Like the other board members, I strongly value diversity, equity, and inclusion, to ensure that all voices are heard and that we create an environment where everyone is welcome and feels safe.
Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?
Through the member worker program at City Market, I've volunteered over the years with several community partners, including
The Intervale Center and Local Motion. From these experiences, I've come to appreciate the various ways these groups help to
foster a supportive environment here in Vermont. I am also involved in the local chapter of the Alliance Francaise, and, through this group, I've had the chance to meet and work with people from an array of French-speaking countries, including France, Quebec, and Francophone Africa. Working with City Market and the Alliance Francaise has made me feel like I am truly part of the community, and I'm excited and proud to see how the work we do positively affects our local region.
The Board collaborates with the General Manager to support inclusion, diversity, equity, access and social justice (IDEAS) at City Market. How would you ensure that the Board's work is grounded in these principles? How would you help point City Market in the right direction when it comes to IDEAS? Please describe any prior involvement in IDEAS work either personally or professionally?
In both my personal and professional lives, I strive to hear everyone's voice, because different, or even opposing, ideas can push one to more closely examine one's own thoughts. I was fortunate to attend a workshop this year at City Market about inclusion and diversity, and I found it challenged me to think beyond the obvious differences among people and consider the not-so-visile ones. As part of the board, I take my role of ensuring that the Co-op fosters IDEAS seriously, and I look forward to continuing this work on the board.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?
The last five-plus years have been challenging, not just for City Market but for Burlington and Vermont as a whole, between working through the COVID=19 pandemic, dealing with the never-ending construction near both co-op locations, and handling the security-related changes lately. I feel confident that the Co-op will get through this, thanks to a dedicated General Manager, board, staff, and members who are working tirelessly to ensure a positive future.