After more than sixteen years of incredible growth and cooperative success, the Co-op’s current General Manager, Ed King, plans on retiring at the end of this year. Shortly after he announced his departure, the Co-op’s Board of Directors formed a committee to begin the process of hiring a new leader for the Cooperative. They enlisted the help of an executive recruiter and an HR professional consultant, and over the past few months have vetted and interviewed many highly qualified candidates from all over the country.
After much deliberation, the Littleton Food Co-op Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that they have selected Learner Limbach to be the Co-op’s new General Manager. Learner Limbach offers over 12 years of experience in cooperative management. He is a fourth-generation cooperative leader and an accomplished expert in cooperative development, sustainable food systems, and community-based economic transformation.
As Co-Founder and Chief Cooperative Officer of Orcas Food Co-op in Eastsound, WA, Learner spearheaded the successful launch of the consumer-owned grocery store in 2014. Under his leadership, the co-op has grown into a $5.7 million business with more than 50% of Orcas Island residents as members. Learner was able to open a thriving second location for Orcas Food Co-op and has built a cooperative wholesale division—Provisions Co-op Wholesale—projected to reach $1 million in sales by the end of 2025.
Learner’s expertise extends beyond operations into strategic governance, organizational culture, and policy advocacy. He has played a significant role in shaping food policy and systems development at the county, regional, and national levels and looks to continue this work as the next General Manager of the Co-op.
During the interview process, Learner shared a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm about leading the Co-op forward: “I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. It’s clear that the Littleton Co-op has been stewarded well over the years and is poised for continued success. Everyone I have met has been great and very welcoming. I look forward to helping lead the Co-op into the next chapter, as well as learning more about the area and connecting with the Littleton community.” He has also said that he sees many similarities between Littleton Co-op and Orcas Food Co-op; he’s very interested in small-town life and in integrating himself into the Littleton community, and would also welcome the opportunity to be an active member of the regional cooperative work already underway in New England.
Deborah Rossetti-Sullivan, President of Littleton Co-op’s Board of Directors and head of the General Manager search committee, stated, “Learner is a hardworking visionary and a passionate, engaged, and well-respected leader in the cooperative world. He will bring years of knowledge, success, and dedication to our Co-op’s future.”
About The Littleton Food Cooperative
The Littleton Co-op is a member-owned grocery store featuring local produce, hot prepared foods, deli, bulk foods, craft beer, wine, and a quality grocery selection. The Co-op strives to serve the North Country of New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont by offering a broad range of high-quality food products at fair prices, accompanied by outstanding service.
The Co-op exists to serve its members. While membership is not required to shop at our store, our member-owners help govern the Co-op by electing our Board of Directors each year. Our Members also help us maintain the Co-op’s mission of supporting local growers and producers, promoting healthy choices, and advocating for environmental sustainability.
Littleton Co-op’s Mission is to provide a community-owned marketplace that supports local and promotes healthy choices for people and planet. The Co-op’s Vision is to be a catalyst for cultivating a vibrant community and regional economy.
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