Democratic Member Participation is a critical part of being a Cooperative. The Board of Directors represents YOU, so we urge all of our Members to vote in the annual Board Election.
The next Election will be April 26 – May 10, 2025.
The nine Directors on our Board represent our Members by steering the direction of the Co-op, and they advise our General Manager via Policy Governance. They cooperate on strategic planning and organizational well-being, vote on significant financial decisions, and participate in project committees.
Elections are typically held in late April and early May, just before our Annual Meeting. Each year 3 seats become available on the Board of Directors; candidates include incumbent directors and community members. If you’d like to become a candidate, please read more here.
Scroll further down this page to learn more about this year’s Candidates.
Voter Eligibility
To be eligible to vote in the annual Board Election, you must:
- Be a Full Member, ie own four or more shares in the Cooperative;
- Be listed as the primary name on your Member account.
Only one ballot may be cast per Membership, and only the Primary Member listed on your account may vote. If you have a secondary name listed on your account, or other household members who “borrow” your account, it can cause lots of confusion at election time. You will not be able to cast your ballot if someone has already done so using your Member number.
If you haven’t done so already, election season is a great opportunity to check and update your Membership information, make sure your Primary Name, mailing address, and email are correct, acquire more shares, become a full Member, and make your voice heard in the oversight and direction of your Co-op.
How to Vote
We use a website called Simply Voting to handle our Board Elections. Eligible Members will receive either a mailed letter and/or an email from Simply Voting. This will include information about the election, along with a password to access the Simply Voting website. You will need to know your Member number and have this password in order to cast your ballot; only one ballot is permitted per Membership. Your information is kept private, and only used for the purposes of the Election.
Have questions? Don’t have internet access? Didn’t get a letter or an email from Simply Voting? Please reach out to our Membership Coordinator, Becky Colpitts, for assistance. Contact info@littletoncoop.org, or call 603-444-2800 and leave a message with the Service Desk. Note that it is best to call or email us, since we are not always immediately available for walk-in inquiries.
If you don’t have a computer or access to the internet, paper ballots will be available by request at the Service Desk during the voting period. Simply fill out a ballot, and we will enter your votes into the online system on your behalf.
Didn’t get a letter from Simply Voting? It’s most likely one of these reasons:
- Your contact information is not up to date in our records;
- You are not listed as the Primary Member on your account;
- You own less than 4 shares, which means you are not eligible to vote;
- You very recently purchased a brand new Membership;
- You very recently upgraded to Full Membership.
Again, feel free to reach out and we can help! We can easily adjust your contact information, check the name on your account, check how many shares you own, help you purchase additional shares, and more. If you’re a new Full Member you probably missed the first round of election notices, so keep an eye on your email inbox – you should receive an email from Simply Voting before the election ends. We are also able to cast votes manually on your behalf.
Meet the 2025 Candidates
Consider attending our annual Meet the Candidates event at the Co-op on Saturday, April 26th from 1-3PM. Super Secret Ice Cream will be served!
Louise Erskine
51431 was Louise’s childhood co-op number – a number she’ll never forget. She grew up in a ‘co-op family’ in small-town Alberta (Canada), inspiring her to commit her life to food equity and sustainability. Today she advocates for local food policy, builds international climate action programs, and serves as a social impact executive. Louise is learning about her new home, Grafton County, by hiking, skiing, and discovering all the great local food producers at the Co-op.
READ MORE ABOUT LOUISE
How long have you lived in the community? Six months
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? Four months
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I am new to the North Country and hope to contribute to the great social fabric here. I want to ensure the co-op thrives as a resource for our community as it was for me when I was learning about food and community. With my background in food policy, climate action, and social impact, I’m eager to contribute to the Co-op’s role in our community.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I am a passionate and seasoned social impact executive with years of governance experience, expertise in food and agriculture, and a background in fundraising. My experience includes managing climate action programs around the world, writing and passing local food policy, serving on local food councils, and raising millions of dollars for small social impact organizations. I am thorough, creative, and excited to serve!
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
– Secure (public and private) grants and loans to advance our sustainability goals like expanding our solar energy production.
– Continue tackling affordability challenges by increasing the availability of “Coop Basics”, expanding the bulk and wholesale section, and offering non-profit voucher programs.
– Make the LFC labeling scheme publicly available, and expand the labeling descriptors.
– Map and reduce the co-op’s carbon footprint (from the supply chain to the storefront and beyond), encourage supplier sustainability efforts, and avoid foods identified as non-sustainable choices, such as farmed seafood.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
My professional career has focused on developing fair and sustainable solutions to food and climate issues worldwide. Most relevant, I served on the Food Secure Canada Board, managed the Alberta Local Food Council, and served as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture of the Government of Alberta. All three roles engaged closely with farmers, community members, food non-profits, and grocery stores. I have a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Alberta and a Master’s in Agriculture from Cornell University.
Why is local food important to you?
As a new member of the North Country community, I plan on getting to know my neighbors over delicious food purchased at the LFC. Local food is a way to engage with my new home and align my values with my day-to-day purchases. Time and time again my work has reminded me that the answer to unsustainable, unaffordable, and low-nutrition diets is investing in our local food system players like the Littleton Food Co-op! And sustainable food is the answer to so many local economic, social, and environmental troubles.
Travis Brenchi
Travis and his husband moved to the North Country in March 2020, and by September, Travis joined the Co-op. With 15 years of experience in the grocery industry, he excelled as Assistant Manager in Front End and Produce; he now specializes in Specialty Cheese. Passionate about local foods and community, Travis is excited to bring his expertise and strong interpersonal skills to the Co-op’s Board of Directors, contributing to its continued growth and impact.
READ MORE ABOUT TRAVIS
How long have you lived in the community? 5 Years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? 4 1/2 years
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I’m interested in serving on the co-op’s board of directors because I believe in the cooperative model’s ability to directly benefit the community. I’m eager to support local farmers, businesses, and minority-owned enterprises, while ensuring that affordable, fresh produce is accessible to those in need. I want to deepen the co-op’s relationships with the community, forging new connections to strengthen its impact. With my experience and knowledge, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the board, helping to guide and strengthen the co-op’s operations for long-term success.
Additionally, serving on the board would allow me to gain a better understanding of the co-op’s functioning, while providing a platform to actively influence and shape its direction. I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of a team that fosters growth and inclusivity, all while making a positive, tangible difference in the lives of community members.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I bring a strong set of interpersonal and problem-solving skills that would enable me to effectively collaborate with others on the board of directors. My solid work ethic, paired with a deep sense of responsibility, ensures that I consistently approach tasks with diligence and integrity. I am a quick learner, able to adapt to new situations, challenges, and ideas, which would allow me to contribute fresh perspectives while understanding complex issues swiftly.
Additionally, my effective communication skills allow me to express ideas clearly and actively listen to others, fostering productive discussions. I value confidentiality and am committed to maintaining trust and respect within any team environment. With patience and a natural inclination to work well within a team, I am confident that I would contribute meaningfully to the collective decision-making process and long-term goals of the board.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
The co-op is currently facing a range of challenges and opportunities as it navigates both external and internal factors. One significant challenge is the need to find and acclimate to a new General Manager, which will require time and effort to ensure a smooth transition and continued alignment with the co-op’s goals. Additionally, the co-op must navigate potential economic shifts, such as tariffs, sanctions, and climate-related supply disruptions, which could affect both costs and availability of products. Furthermore, the possibility of competitors entering the market presents a potential threat that will require proactive strategies to maintain the co-op’s competitive edge.
On the opportunity side, there are several promising avenues for growth. The co-op can benefit from partnering with regional cooperatives like Caledonia and Androscoggin, leading to shared resources and strengthened community support. Additionally, focusing on strengthening ties with local and regional suppliers can provide a resilient foundation for the co-op, allowing it to serve as a stronghold for its communities, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. These partnerships and strategies could help the co-op not only survive but thrive in the face of potential disruptions.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
I have accumulated nearly 30 years of experience in retail, with 15 of those years spent in the grocery industry. Over the course of my career, I’ve developed a deep understanding of leadership, team dynamics, and problem-solving in high-pressure environments. My work has allowed me to collaborate with and lead diverse groups of people, honing my skills in conflict resolution and fostering cooperation.
In addition to my extensive career in the retail and grocery sectors, I also founded an organization in Philadelphia focused on building community and connecting like-minded individuals. This venture has allowed me to leverage my leadership experience to address challenges, create inclusive environments, and drive positive change within the community. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, I bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to decision-making and problem-solving, which I believe will be valuable to the board as we work toward our collective goals.
Why is local food important to you?
Local food holds a special place for me because it tastes better and is more nutritious than food that has been shipped long distances. The unique flavors that come from local terroir truly make a difference in the quality of the food. Additionally, supporting local food producers and farmers is a direct way to support the local economy, which benefits everyone in the community. Knowing where your food comes from and who produced it is deeply satisfying; it fosters a sense of connection and builds community.
Local food also has a significantly lower environmental impact. With less distance to travel, there’s less energy used in transportation, and fewer resources are spent on packaging. Beyond this, having strong relationships with local farmers helped our co-op and farmers survive the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing just how vital these connections are. Knowing the story behind your food creates a deeper appreciation for it and reinforces why eating local is so important.
Timothy Healey
Timothy is currently serving as Vice President of the Co-op board. He is passionate about ensuring the Co-op thrives, offering affordable and healthy choices, supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and making a positive impact in the community. Co-op sales and membership have never been stronger. Employee and member satisfaction are well above industry averages. Timothy will leverage his business education and executive management experience to help maintain this strong momentum.
READ MORE ABOUT TIMOTHY
How long have you lived in the community? Five years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? Three years
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
Serving on the Board of Directors is an honor and a privilege. Our Co-op is a vital institution in our community and the impact it makes goes far beyond those of its members. Local farmers and suppliers depend on the Co-op as a channel to sell their products. Employees depend on the living wages and the safe and inclusive work environment of the Co-op. Local non-profits depend on the Co-op and the generosity of our members through our Partner of the Month program to fund their initiatives. Shoppers cherish the unique in-store experience, delicious and healthy products, and our helpful staff. It is of great importance to me that our Co-op continues to thrive so we can continue to our important mission.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
My experience as Vice President of the Board, member of the Finance Committee, and other committees has provided me with key insights to help the board and the general manager plan for success. My business education and executive management experience equips me to help the Co-op achieve its vision and navigate future challenges.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
With the upcoming retirement of Ed King, a critical focus for the board will be to recruit and attract a new general manager to lead the co-op. Ed has been a tremendous leader, and helped propel our Co-op to achieve national recognition as one of the best-run food co-operatives in the United States. We must ensure our next leader has the skills to chart a course for success into the future.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
I hold a BS in Geology from Boston College and an MBA from Babson College. My professional experience includes serving on various boards and executive management roles, where I have honed my skills in strategic planning, financial management, and leadership. At the Littleton Food Co-op, I have served as Vice President, a member of the Finance Committee, the General Manager Search Committee, and previously on the Nomination Committee. These experiences enable me to continue contributing effectively to the Co-op’s success.Why is local food important to you?
Local food is important to me because it supports family-run farms and local businesses, ensuring they thrive in our community. It also provides fresher, more nutritious, and environmentally friendly options for our shoppers. By prioritizing local food, we strengthen our local economy, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This commitment aligns with the Co-op’s mission and my personal values.
Sam Brown
Sam has spent 16 years working with an incredible team growing local food at Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem NH. He combines his passion for sustainable agriculture with his education background to promote the importance of local food. Sam has been a member of the Coop board for the last 3 years and shopping at the Coop since the beginning. When not farming, he enjoys adventuring in the White Mountains with his family and roasting coffee.
READ MORE ABOUT SAM
How long have you lived in the community? 23 years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? Founding Member
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
The co-op embodies so much more than just a grocery store: community, local food, affordable options, openness and acceptance, safety. As a farmer I already positively influence the local food system, as a board member for the last 3 years I have been able to positively impact another aspect of our food system, I hope to continue to do so.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I am entrenched in the local food system as a farmer and have the perspective of a local vendor providing products for the coop and other local businesses. In addition to the products we grow at Meadowstone Farm we also focus on educating our customers and visitors about the importance of supporting local farms by purchasing local food. I believe my experience as a Coop Board Member, previous career in education, first hand view of the local food system, enthusiasm for the Littleton Coop, and my creativity will continue to be an asset to The Littleton Food Coop.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
As a longtime customer since the beginning, I have watched and experienced the growth of the coop from physical growth of the facilities, available products, employees, and customers, to community growth with the development of programs, events, and outreach. These will continue to be important areas to focus on and further the mission of the Coop. As prices increase with inflation and other factors, food access and competitive pricing will continue to be a challenge. I want to ensure the Littleton Coop remains a community based store with phenomenal leadership.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
I have been a member of the Littleton Food Coop Board of Directors for the last 3 years. I Manage Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem NH. The collaboration between the farm and Coop began before the doors opened. We pick up about 26,000 lbs of food waste from the coop each year, and have various products throughout the coop including Vegetables and greens, Eggs, and Flowers. Since starting work at the farm almost 17 years ago, I have helped to expand the operation to support a 100+ member CSA, developed a self guided tour, and expanded our vegetable, egg, pork, and beef production. Before farming I taught Theater and Music, was a dorm head, and directed the school a cappella group among other things, at The White Mountain School. I have some previous board experience with The Woodland Community School Board, and was a member of the Easton NH Planning Board. For the last 12 years I have been a member of the organizing committee for the Littleton Farmers Market. In my Farmers Market role I have worked with the New Hampshire Food Bank to accept EBT/SNAP and match SNAP dollars with Granite State Market Match coupons to make healthy fruits and vegetables more accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to afford them. I have a BA from Hamilton College and an M.Ed in Integrated Arts from Plymouth State.
Why is local food important to you?
Local food is important to me because it strengthens our community, supports the regional economy, and promotes environmental sustainability. As a farmer, my livelihood depends on the sale of locally produced food, I see first hand the importance of keeping these dollars local. Freshness and nutrition are also significant factors—locally grown food travels shorter distances, preserving its quality and minimizing environmental impact. At Meadowstone Farm, we take this further by composting food waste from local schools, community members, and restaurants. We compost about 26,000 lbs of food waste from the Littleton Food Coop each year, turning waste into a resource that supports our food system.
Food security and access are also central to my commitment to local food. Through my role with the Littleton Farmers Market, I have worked with the New Hampshire Food Bank to ensure that low-income families can access healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables by accepting EBT/SNAP and matching benefits with Granite State Market Match coupons. I am passionate about educating our community—including my own children—about the importance of local food systems.
