Our Board of Directors

Board of Directors Meeting

The Board plays a critical role in ensuring the continued success and health of this vital organization. It represents all the member-owners in developing and maintaining the vision and long-term viability of the Co-op. The Board does not run the stores, nor do they have direct control over the daily operation of them; that is the role of Management.

Instead, the Board monitors the operations of the stores via Policy Governance®, a system of oversight and accountability that emphasizes values, vision, and the empowerment of both Board and staff, while clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each.

 

Board of Directors Meeting

 

The Board plays a critical role in ensuring the continued success and health of this vital organization. It represents all the member-owners in developing and maintaining the vision and long-term viability of the Co-op. The Board does not run the stores, nor do they have direct control over the daily operation of them; that is the role of Management.

Instead, the Board monitors the operations of the stores via Policy Governance®, a system of oversight and accountability that emphasizes values, vision, and the empowerment of both Board and staff, while clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each.

Vision, Values & Policies

The Board monitors the operations of the stores via Policy Governance®, a system of oversight and accountability that emphasizes values, vision, and the empowerment of both Board and staff, while clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each.

Our Co-op Governance Policies Manual is continuously being updated and available to view here.

Vision, Values & Policies

The Board monitors the operations of the stores via Policy Governance®, a system of oversight and accountability that emphasizes values, vision, and the empowerment of both Board and staff, while clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each.

Our Co-op Governance Policies Manual is continuously being updated and available to view here.

Our Co-op’s Values

In 2023, the Board created the Co-op Values below. Our vision is a well-nourished community cultivated through cooperation.

Our Co-op’s Values

In 2023, the Board created the Co-op Values below. Our vision is a well-nourished community cultivated through cooperation.

EMPLOYEES

We value the well-being of our employees and their families. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and their families by providing comprehensive support, fostering a healthy work-life balance, and promoting professional development opportunities.

 

COMMUNITY

We value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community by actively engaging with individuals from different backgrounds, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering an environment of respect, acceptance, and belonging.

LOCAL

We value a resilient local food system and economy. We actively contribute to a resilient local food system and economy by sourcing locally, supporting local producers and businesses, and collaborating with community partners to ensure sustainable and thriving local ecosystems.

ENVIRONMENT

We value being a regenerative business with a positive environmental impact. We promote environmental stewardship through sustainable practices and active investment in initiatives that have a positive and measurable impact on the environment.

Employees

We value the well-being of our employees and their families. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and their families by providing comprehensive support, fostering a healthy work-life balance, and promoting professional development opportunities.

 

Community

We value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community by actively engaging with individuals from different backgrounds, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering an environment of respect, acceptance, and belonging..

Local

We value a resilient local food system and economy. We actively contribute to a resilient local food system and economy by sourcing locally, supporting local producers and businesses, and collaborating with community partners to ensure sustainable and thriving local ecosystems.

 

Environment

We value being a regenerative business with a positive environmental impact. We promote environmental stewardship through sustainable practices and active investment in initiatives that have a positive and measurable impact on the environment.

 

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Co-op members are welcome to attend board committee meetings and encouraged to share their thoughts with committee chairs on topics of interest to them. The time and location of board committee meetings will be posted 48 hours in advance. We look forward to seeing you!

Current Board Members
for the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society

Listed below are those currently serving on the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society Board of Directors along with some info about them.

Board Member Alice Kennedy

Alice Kennedy

Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
Enfield, NH

My name is Alice Kennedy, and I’m relatively new to the Upper Valley. I hold a master’s degree in public health and I moved to Enfield in 2018 to pursue a career in Health Services Research. Prior to moving to Enfield, I have lived in broadly different communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, New York, Ireland, and Kentucky. I have worked as a certified Montessori teacher, a paralegal, a physical therapy aid, and research manager. A lifelong learner, there has seldom been a time that I have not been juggling school, work, and community service – it is my happy place.

Email: alicekennedy@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board Member Nick Clark

Nick Clark

President
Term ends in 2026

Where do you live?
Thetford, VT

What are you passionate about?
Community vitality, renewable energy, and local food systems.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
The Co-op is a cornerstone community organization that embodies so many of the Upper valley’s values.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
I can’t believe I can only pick one aisle, but I spend the most time in cleaning supplies, usually at Hanover.

Email: nickclark@board.coopfoodstore.com

Eric DeLuca

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Wilmot, NH

What are you passionate about?
Lifelong friends and shared mutual interests, including music, snowboarding, and local food.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
So much! The way owners really use the co-op to get what they need & so many shoppers choose to be owners of this thriving community resource. How the Co-op goes out of its way to showcase local producers, as well as support those experiencing food insecurity & a broad range of community organizations. The way the Co-op centers environmental sustainability and acts both boldly and systematically toward that goal. That the Co-op is an integral part of a regional, national & international ecosystem that builds a better world through cooperative enterprise. I could go on…

Which store and aisle will I find you?
There’s something special about the cheese aisle at the Lebanon store. It’s a nice, little oasis at the heart of the store. And you can always find both tried & true and new-discovery Vermont artisanal cheeses! My favorite recently won an international award, but that’s not why I like it and enjoy sharing it with friends.

Email: ericdeluca@board.coopfoodstore.com

Eric DeLuca

Term ends in 2026

Where do you live?
Wilmot, NH

What are you passionate about?
Lifelong friends and shared mutual interests, including music, snowboarding, and local food.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
So much! The way owners really use the co-op to get what they need & so many shoppers choose to be owners of this thriving community resource. How the Co-op goes out of its way to showcase local producers, as well as support those experiencing food insecurity & a broad range of community organizations. The way the Co-op centers environmental sustainability and acts both boldly and systematically toward that goal. That the Co-op is an integral part of a regional, national & international ecosystem that builds a better world through cooperative enterprise. I could go on…

Which store and aisle will I find you?
There’s something special about the cheese aisle at the Lebanon store. It’s a nice, little oasis at the heart of the store. And you can always find both tried & true and new-discovery Vermont artisanal cheeses! My favorite recently won an international award, but that’s not why I like it and enjoy sharing it with friends.

Email: ericdeluca@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board Member Nick Clark

Nick Clark

President
Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
Thetford, VT

What are you passionate about?
Community vitality, renewable energy, and local food systems.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
The Co-op is a cornerstone community organization that embodies so many of the Upper valley’s values.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
I can’t believe I can only pick one aisle, but I spend the most time in cleaning supplies, usually at Hanover.

Email: nickclark@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board member Mike Eigenbrode

Mike Eigenbrode

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Hartford Village, VT

What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about cooking and the local food system that fuels it! When I’m not cooking I find joy in running, adventuring with my dog, and embracing the outdoors and staying active. 

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
I love how the Co-op is actively supporting the community and brings us all together through shared values and collaborative efforts!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
You’ll find me at the White River Junction Co-op almost every evening. I can be found tucked away to the side scrolling through recipes for last-minute dinner inspiration, followed by shopping at breakneck speed through multiple aisles.

Email: meigenbrode@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Jessica Giordani

Jessica Giordani

Term ends in 2026

One of the owners of Scratch, a yarn shop specializing in fine fiber and indie-dyed yarn located in downtown Lebanon. She’s currently serving on the Arts & Culture Taskforce, and is also the Farmers’ Market Coordinator for the city of Lebanon. Jessica has spent the last fifteen years as a small business owner, and has been directly involved in local food production and farmers markets since 2011. She lives in Lebanon with her family, their four dogs, many chickens, and a surly rabbit.

Email: jessicagiordani@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board member Mike Eigenbrode
Board member Mike Eigenbrode
Board member Mike Eigenbrode

Mike Eigenbrode 

Mike Eigenbrode 

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Hartford Village, VT

What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about cooking and the local food system that fuels it! When I’m not cooking I find joy in running, adventuring with my dog, and embracing the outdoors and staying active.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
I love how the Co-op is actively supporting the community and brings us all together through shared values and collaborative efforts!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
You’ll find me at the White River Junction Co-op almost every evening. I can be found tucked away to the side scrolling through recipes for last-minute dinner inspiration, followed by shopping at breakneck speed through multiple aisles.

Email: mikeeigenbrode@board.coopfoodstore.com

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Hartford Village, VT

What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about cooking and the local food system that fuels it! When I’m not cooking I find joy in running, adventuring with my dog, and embracing the outdoors and staying active. 

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
I love how the Co-op is actively supporting the community and brings us all together through shared values and collaborative efforts!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
You’ll find me at the White River Junction Co-op almost every evening. I can be found tucked away to the side scrolling through recipes for last-minute dinner inspiration, followed by shopping at breakneck speed through multiple aisles.

Email: meigenbrode@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Jessica Giordani

Jessica Giordani

Term ends in 2025

One of the owners of Scratch, a yarn shop specializing in fine fiber and indie-dyed yarn located in downtown Lebanon. She’s currently serving on the Arts & Culture Taskforce, and is also the Farmers’ Market Coordinator for the city of Lebanon. Jessica has spent the last fifteen years as a small business owner, and has been directly involved in local food production and farmers markets since 2011. She lives in Lebanon with her family, their four dogs, many chickens, and a surly rabbit.

Email: jessicagiordani@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Conicia Jackson

Conicia Jackson

Vice President
Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
Lyme, NH

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about finding solutions to create attainable housing in underserved communities.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
The moment I stepped inside the doors of the Co-op, I sensed its unique aura. The quaint Co-op in Lyme was my first encounter, and it immediately captured my interest. Little did I anticipate that I would eventually become a member of the Board. Yet here I am, nearly three years into my term, thoroughly enjoying my role within this exceptional organization. What resonates with me most about the Co-op is the palpable vitality that envelops me as I wander through the aisles of each store. I feel sense of excitement every time I walk into the Co-op stores. Observing the member owners taking immense pleasure and pride in their food and product choices fills me with a deep appreciation. The assurance that I can acquire wholesome items for both myself and my daughter is a source of confidence.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
On any given day at the Hanover store perusing the aisles, but where you will find me mostly hanging out is the organic vegetable section. I love all of the varieties of vegetables and contemplating what creative dishes I will conjure up for the upcoming week.

Email: coniciajackson@board.coopfoodstore.com.

Board member Mike Eigenbrode

Mike Eigenbrode 

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Hartford Village, VT

What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about cooking and the local food system that fuels it! When I’m not cooking I find joy in running, adventuring with my dog, and embracing the outdoors and staying active. 

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
I love how the Co-op is actively supporting the community and brings us all together through shared values and collaborative efforts!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
You’ll find me at the White River Junction Co-op almost every evening. I can be found tucked away to the side scrolling through recipes for last-minute dinner inspiration, followed by shopping at breakneck speed through multiple aisles.

Email: meigenbrode@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Conicia Jackson

Conicia Jackson

Term ends in 2028

Where do you live?
Lyme, NH

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about finding solutions to create attainable housing in underserved communities.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
The moment I stepped inside the doors of the Co-op, I sensed its unique aura. The quaint Co-op in Lyme was my first encounter, and it immediately captured my interest. Little did I anticipate that I would eventually become a member of the Board. Yet here I am, nearly three years into my term, thoroughly enjoying my role within this exceptional organization. What resonates with me most about the Co-op is the palpable vitality that envelops me as I wander through the aisles of each store. I feel sense of excitement every time I walk into the Co-op stores. Observing the member owners taking immense pleasure and pride in their food and product choices fills me with a deep appreciation. The assurance that I can acquire wholesome items for both myself and my daughter is a source of confidence.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
On any given day at the Hanover store perusing the aisles, but where you will find me mostly hanging out is the organic vegetable section. I love all of the varieties of vegetables and contemplating what creative dishes I will conjure up for the upcoming week.

Email: coniciajackson@board.coopfoodstore.com.

Board Member Alice Kennedy

Alice Kennedy

Term ends in 2028

Where do you live?
Enfield, NH

My name is Alice Kennedy, and I’m relatively new to the Upper Valley. I hold a master’s degree in public health and I moved to Enfield in 2018 to pursue a career in Health Services Research. Prior to moving to Enfield, I have lived in broadly different communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, New York, Ireland, and Kentucky. I have worked as a certified Montessori teacher, a paralegal, a physical therapy aid, and research manager. A lifelong learner, there has seldom been a time that I have not been juggling school, work, and community service – it is my happy place.

Email: alicekennedy@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board member Mike Eigenbrode

Mike Eigenbrode 

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Hartford Village, VT

What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about cooking and the local food system that fuels it! When I’m not cooking I find joy in running, adventuring with my dog, and embracing the outdoors and staying active. 

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
I love how the Co-op is actively supporting the community and brings us all together through shared values and collaborative efforts!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
You’ll find me at the White River Junction Co-op almost every evening. I can be found tucked away to the side scrolling through recipes for last-minute dinner inspiration, followed by shopping at breakneck speed through multiple aisles.

Email: meigenbrode@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Peggy O'Neil

Peggy O’Neil

Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
Cornish, NH

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about living here in the Upper Valley. I’m passionate about my work at WISE and I’m passionate about our Coop and its role in our community. I’m also a passionate home cook and our Coop gives me so many local and fresh choices to prepare meals for family and friends.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
What excites me about our Coop is its vitality–the daily and dynamic interactions between members, employees, partners, vendors and our community makes our Coop so dynamic and gives us, a shopper, fresh and local products.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
I am most often shopping in the Lebanon store. I love all the aisles! Local breads, viewing the different oils and vinegars, pastas and rices and the beautiful and local options in the produce section.

Email: peggyo’neil@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Eileen O'Toole

Eileen O’Toole

Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
Hanover, NH

What are you passionate about?
Family and friends, Labradors, reading, cooking, and travel

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
There are so many great things! I love we are local on so many levels. We are rich in history and tradition. The Co-op cares and works diligently to take care of its employees and community. I also love finding new or unique products!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
Just one? Hmmm….I am going to go with the Hanover store and the cheese counter because my favorite maple apple baked donut holes are right near the cheese counter so I can get a two-for-one here! That cheese counter is where I first sampled a fabulous truffle cheese which is now a favorite!

Email:
eotoole@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Peggy O'Neil

Peggy O’Neil

Treasurer
Term ends in 2026

Where do you live?
Cornish, NH

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about living here in the Upper Valley. I’m passionate about my work at WISE and I’m passionate about our Coop and its role in our community. I’m also a passionate home cook and our Coop gives me so many local and fresh choices to prepare meals for family and friends.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
What excites me about our Coop is its vitality–the daily and dynamic interactions between members, employees, partners, vendors and our community makes our Coop so dynamic and gives us, a shopper, fresh and local products.

Which store and aisle will I find you?
I am most often shopping in the Lebanon store. I love all the aisles! Local breads, viewing the different oils and vinegars, pastas and rices and the beautiful and local options in the produce section.

Email: peggyo’neil@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Eileen O'Toole

Eileen O’Toole

Secretary
Term ends in 2026

Where do you live?
Hanover, NH

What are you passionate about?
Family and friends, Labradors, reading, cooking, and travel

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
There are so many great things! I love we are local on so many levels. We are rich in history and tradition. The Co-op cares and works diligently to take care of its employees and community. I also love finding new or unique products!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
Just one? Hmmm….I am going to go with the Hanover store and the cheese counter because my favorite maple apple baked donut holes are right near the cheese counter so I can get a two-for-one here! That cheese counter is where I first sampled a fabulous truffle cheese which is now a favorite!

Email:
eileeno’toole@board.coopfoodstore.com

Infiniti D Sanderfer

Infiniti D Sanderfer

Term ends in 2027

Where do you live?
West Lebanon, NH

My name is Infiniti Sanderfer and I have lived in the Upper Valley for almost 6 years. I am a mother to a wonderful 8 year old and have worked professionally in kitchens for 10+years. I have a passion for positive change, I really connect with the values of the Co-op, and I would love to bring my perspective to the conversation about the Co-op’s future and how we can make meaningful additions to the Upper Valley.

Email: infinitisanderfer@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Peggy O'Neil
Board Member Schimoler

Lynn Ellen Schimoler

Where do you live?
Essex, VT

What are you passionate about?
Family, friends and volunteering in my community and mentoring. Dancing, local food and the game of Lacrosse.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
Cooperative economics excites me, and I’m committed to learning about and assisting with how these business models thrive. The Co-op food stores increase access to affordable food, amplify the value of supporting the local food and farm economy and improve well-being for a volunteer like me who is ‘fed’ by the knowledge and sense of purpose that comes from being an eater/customer to our stores.

The Co-op stores participate in the incredible eco-system of community-owned food enterprises around the globe, encouraging positive interaction among eaters and a reminder of our shared responsibility to be good stewards of our food system.

Where will I find you – which store, which aisle?
Likely meandering carefully around each store for different reasons. Produce, cheese and wine are areas where you might find me visiting longer.

Email: lynnellenschimoler@board.coopfoodstore.com

Infiniti D Sanderfer

Infiniti D Sanderfer

Term ends in 2028

Where do you live?
West Lebanon, NH

My name is Infiniti Sanderfer and I have lived in the Upper Valley for almost 6 years. I am a mother to a wonderful 8 year old and have worked professionally in kitchens for 10+years. I have a passion for positive change, I really connect with the values of the Co-op, and I would love to bring my perspective to the conversation about the Co-op’s future and how we can make meaningful additions to the Upper Valley.

Email: board@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Peggy O'Neil
Co-op Board Member Cate Tierney

Cate Tierney

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Lebanon NH

What are you passionate about?
Cats, co-ops and social work

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
How the community takes care of each other!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
Running the Service Desk at WRJ as the Front End Supervisor!

Email:
ctierney@board.coopfoodstore.com

Board Member Schimoler

Lynn Ellen Schimoler

Where do you live?
Essex, VT

What are you passionate about?
Family, friends and volunteering in my community and mentoring. Dancing, local food and the game of Lacrosse.

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
Cooperative economics excites me, and I’m committed to learning about and assisting with how these business models thrive. The Co-op food stores increase access to affordable food, amplify the value of supporting the local food and farm economy and improve well-being for a volunteer like me who is ‘fed’ by the knowledge and sense of purpose that comes from being an eater/customer to our stores.

The Co-op stores participate in the incredible eco-system of community-owned food enterprises around the globe, encouraging positive interaction among eaters and a reminder of our shared responsibility to be good stewards of our food system.

Where will I find you – which store, which aisle?
Likely meandering carefully around each store for different reasons. Produce, cheese and wine are areas where you might find me visiting longer.

Email: lynnellenschimoler@board.coopfoodstore.com

Co-op Board Member Cate Tierney

Cate Tierney

Term ends in 2025

Where do you live?
Lebanon NH

What are you passionate about?
Cats, co-ops and social work

What is it about the Co-op that excites you?
How the community takes care of each other!

Which store and aisle will I find you?
Running the Service Desk at WRJ as the Front End Supervisor!

Email:
catetierney@board.coopfoodstore.com