The votes have been counted and the results are in! Below are the five candidates chosen by our Members to serve on the Littleton Food Co-op Board of Directors:
- Wayne Ruggles, Board President
- Deborah Rossetti Sullivan, Board Vice President
- Patricia Robertson, Board Director
- Kirsten Scobie, Board Director
- Casey Wilkins, Board Director
Please join us in welcoming three new Directors, and our congratulations to our incumbent Directors who were re-elected for another term. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s election!
About The Board Election
Cast your vote in the 2021 Election for the Littleton Food Co-op Board of Directors! In order to encourage safe social distancing practices, we are holding this year’s election online, and we’ll have ballots available in-store.
Online voting is open from 12AM on April 30 through 11:59PM on May 15, 2021.
Members must have four or more shares and be listed as the primary name on their Membership to be eligible to vote. If you haven’t done so already, this is a great opportunity to check your Membership status, acquire more shares, become a full member, and make your voice heard in the oversight and direction of your Co-op.
This year we have seven amazing candidates, and 5 available seats on the Board of Directors. Learn about this year’s Candidates below!
Coming soon: Q&A videos on Facebook.
2021 Board Candidates
Wayne Ruggles (Current Board President)
Wayne is a retired business owner who formerly owned and operated his own supermarket and an oil company. He’s served as the President of the Board of Directors at Littleton Regional Healthcare (formerly Littleton Regional Hospital). Wayne also served for seven years as Chairman of the Board at Associated Grocers of New England, which is one of the Co-op’s main suppliers and a cooperative.
How long have you lived in the community? 86 Years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? 12 years
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I am currently on the Board of Directors and would like to continue.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I have been in the grocery business most of my life, and have served as a Director on numerous Boards, one of which was Associated Grocers of NE. I served on that Board for 12 years, four of those as Chairman of the Board.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
I think we have to keep in mind the fact that another chain food store WILL be looking to locate in Littleton, possibly in the near future. Discussions should be started regarding this between the BOD and Management.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
Graduate of Business & Management at Boston University 1957. Served on BOD of the Lafayette Nation Bank in Littleton, Director of the Indian Head Bank North, Director of the Indian Head National Bank and Holding Company of Nashua, Director and Treasurer of the Littleton Area Historical Society, Past President of the Littleton Hospital, Past President of the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the Littleton Rotary Club. Littleton Citizen of the year, approx 30 years ago.
Why is local food important to you?
Local food is important since it is fresh, since it from nearby farms that we are familiar with. Using local foods also help sustain local farms which all add to the local economy.
Deborah Rossetti Sullivan (Current Board Vice-President)
Deb has spent a lifetime in the culinary industry, from family grocery stores to eateries. She’s a semi-retired Executive Chef and has owned and operated her own restaurants, cafes, catering business, and specialty shop. She was the first and only woman Executive Chef for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and has written for food blogs as well as her own cookbook. Deb has been an instructor with a drown prevention program, Infant Swimming Resource for over 30 years . She is currently serving as the LFC Board of Directors Vice President. In her spare time, Deb enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, and fronting her band, The Barnyard Incident.
How long have you lived in the community? 11 years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? 5 years
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I have had the privilege of serving on the LFC Board of directors for the past 3 years. I would like to continue to be of service in cooperation , to the board and the community.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
In making my decision to run for the board again, I considered what I have been honored to be a part of the past 3 years and where I could be of service, and what I can continue to do. My passion for food and community involvement overflows in my daily life. I want to continue to bring my ideas, excitement, and dedication to the board. I am proud of what I have contributed thus far.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
With the ever-changing challenges and exciting developments that our world and locally our community is experiencing Our COOP continues to engage and have a voice and presence as a model of excellence.I would like us to contuse on this path as the Co-op continues to set the standard of excellence with these challenges.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
As an educator I have learned the value of listening to what others have to share, Always learning and willing to contribute knowledge gained from your own experiences . The cooperative effort that is involved to educate oneself and others is a way of life. As a chef, food is always intrical in my daily decisions and choices. I thank my ethnic Italian background for that. My entrepreneurial spirit drives me forward to be creative and innovative. I have had the appreciation of the Coop Board and staff for my contributions.
Why is local food important to you?
With my background in culinary arts as a chef and caterer, I always like to know where my food is coming from. To have the opportunity to purchase products from my neighboring farms and purveyors is a privilege and a joy
Scott Butterfield
“Scott has been coming to the greater Littleton area for over 50 years and is now proud to call Bethlehem NH his home. He has a passion for all things local! Scott has over 40 years of corporate experience in Sales and Marketing for major companies including Campbell Soup, Johnson & Johnson and Pepsico. He has a deep understanding of Retail Distribution, Supply Chain Management, and Instore Assortment / Merchandising. He has also served on previous Non-Profit boards including as Vice-Chair of the South Shore Natural Science Center in Boston. He holds a BA from Colby College and an MBA from the University of Hartford. He has also been an adjunct Professor of Marketing in the MBA programs at both Boston College and Boston University. Scott would be honored to bring his experience, leadership and teamwork skills to the Co-op Board of Directors.
How long have you lived in the community? 5 Years. Have been vacationing up here for over 50 years.
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? 4-5 Years
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
Have always had great admiration for the Co-op’s Mission and contributions to the community. I have a strong desire to be part of this effort!
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I have over 35 years of Business experience in working for and consulting with Consumer Products Companies of all sizes. I have a deep understanding of Marketing and Sales through work experiences and also taught Marketing at Boston College and Boston University. Have led teams of 2 to 200+. Previous Board work and have organized many fundraisers as well. (Please see resume for additional background)
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
The Co-op has such a great variety of locally produced food and other consumer products. How can we better merchandise the store to maximize that benefit? How do we work on more ways to demonstrate value to shoppers? The Co-op will likely be premium priced on many products due to “scale” challenges (vs Shaw’s, Walmart, etc)…how can it stay competitive on pricing and also continually demonstrate extra value for the pricing charged? Think co-op has a real opportunity to continue to gain market share and build sales/profits to invest back into the community!
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
Some answers above and please see resume. I have worked for several consumer products companies including Campbell Soup, Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo (Frito-Lay). I have also consulted with hundreds of smaller companies on how best to promote, merchandise and distribute. I taught Marketing classes in the MBA programs of Boston University and Boston College. I was Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Shore Natural Science Center for several years.
Why is local food important to you?
Healthy, Fresh, and Delicious! Plus you are supporting the community as well. We are huge fans of Joe Brook Farms, Meadowstone Farms and many more! I am also a very big Craft Beer fan and love the selection at the co-op!
Patricia Robertson
Experienced in portfolio planning, organizational design, and talent development, Patty spent her career helping individuals and companies grow. She has worked for Fortune 100s, start-ups, and non-profits across the energy, healthcare, and technology sectors. Patty holds a BA in Economics from Wellesley College and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. Growing up in a rural farming town Patty had her first job at five as a potato picker. In her free-time she likes to hike, do yoga, and coach non-profit leaders. She holds a design patent, is an aspiring novelist, and lives in Sugar Hill, NH on her family’s farm.
How long have you lived in the community? 3 years (family since 1950s)
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? since it opened
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I appreciate having the Co-op in our community and value its mission.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I have extensive leadership experience at large, global companies, start-ups, and non-profits in strategic planning, organizational design, talent management, and product development. I love hiking, yoga, and wellness overall.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
The Co-op is doing a wonderful job all around! I think managing growth, developing your people, and serving the community are ongoing challenges for any organization. Consumer education and improving the tech outreach are great expansion areas for the Co-op.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
I have attached my CV for reference. I have been a frequent speaker at conferences on learning, talent development, and tech upskilling. I led professional development for a large biotech company (85 countries, 26k people), led corporate planning for a global Pharma company, and had 3 startups (one was a wellness company). I’m a creative problem solver and a people person. I spent my early career as an environmental consultant and am a strong believer in climate repair and sustainable food sources.
Why is local food important to you?
Local food is better for our environment, helps build the local economy, and is better for our health!
Kirsten Scobie
Kirsten loves fresh produce and cares about the local food system in northern New England. She owns her own business, Persimmon Consulting, where she works with foundations, businesses, and individuals on their philanthropy and funding strategies. She is passionate about designing philanthropic portfolios with a social and racial justice lens, including community development, local agriculture, and engaged democracy. She hopes to learn more about the cooperative model and how to make good food more accessible. She is the owner of 27peonies – a micro flower garden – selling wholesale and retail cut flowers throughout the summer. She lives in Lancaster with her family.
How long have you lived in the community? 18 yrs
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? Since the beginning.
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
There are many reasons why I am interested in joining the Board of Directors for the Littleton Food Coop. First, on a more personal note, I just love the Coop. It feels like a great place to work, that employees are valued and respected, and it is an enjoyable experience to be in the store. I deeply value that the Coop buys from a wide diversity of local farmers and producers. I have long been interested in the coop model and was an early investor in the Littleton Coop. In addition, I am interested in, and personally care about local food systems, food insecurity, building community-owned wealth, and different grocery store governance and financial models.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
I have Board of Directors experience, organizational development expertise, food systems knowledge, and have worked professionally in the field of philanthropy for over 15 years. While I have not served on a Board in awhile, my children are (mostly) grown and I have recently changed jobs which gives me more time to be involved as a volunteer in the broader community. In the last few years, I have also become a flower grower which has given me a little bit of insight into the difficulties of growing, selling and distributing fresh products in the North Country.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
I have been consistently impressed by the Coop’s efforts to buy local products directly from farmers, work towards paying employees a living wage, and address food insecurity. I imagine that all of these opportunities are also on-going challenges. Sometimes it can be easy to do the first or second step – but harder to do the deeper and longer work to transition activities and values towards policies and systemic changes. I imagine that some of the challenges include continuing to raise employee wages and expand benefits, addressing underlying issues in chronic food insecurity, and dealing with competition. Alll the while balancing the tension of a growth versus triple bottom line business model.
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
As a part of my business, I am in a fellowship which is focused on applying integrated capital (e.g. financial, social, environmental) in a way to solve broad systemic inequities in our communities and country. While I am not sure how, I think this might be of interest. In addition, I have a small cut flower business selling retail and wholesale to clients in the North County including the Coop. And lastly, I do have a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration.
Why is local food important to you?
Local food is important to me because of its multiplier effect. First, locally grown and processed food is fresh, delicious, and healthy. Local food, in our region, also tends to be grown by smaller producers – people that live and work in the Northern Forest Region. By buying local food, we are in turn supporting people, families and households as a part of the local and regional economy. Smaller, local growers and producers tend to invest in local ecosystems whereas industrial farming and corporate agriculture tends to be an extractive force on our land, water, and human ecosystems.
Tom Simpson
My first time to the White Mountains of New Hampshire was on a family vacation when I was eight years old. I had never been out of the state of Connecticut where I was born and raised, I was immediately taken with the mountains and the beauty of the area. My family continued to annually vacation in the Lakes Region and make our day trips up to the Mountains. After College, my wife Rosalind Page and I bought a condominium in Lincoln which gave us the opportunity to fulfill our love of the area, hiking, skiing, and exploring northern New Hampshire, including our visits “north of the notch” to Littleton. In 2004 after a hike with our dogs we stopped by an Open House for a home being sold in Lisbon by the owner. We thought it would be fun but had NO intention of buying a house. Four months later after having sold our Condo in Lincoln we were moving into our new home in Lisbon! Two years later we made it our primary home, albeit we were both commuting weekly to Connecticut for work. We fell in love with the area and the community!
Our association with the Coop started when what I believe was the first day that shares were being offered to the public, as we happened to be in the Village Book store and had seen the offer and signed up. Rosalind and I were thrilled with the concept and the opportunity to help launch the initiative, and SO pleased to have been given Coop member number 22. From that point we have seen the work of many become a reality, and like so many in our area we embraced the Coop and love what it has become and means to our community. Rosalind and I participated in the member loan program to help with the expansion project and have seen how that growth brought the Coop to yet another level and experience for us all.
Rosalind and I have both have experience building businesses from the ground up. We realize what it takes to create a team and a positive culture and to build a business that promotes values and integrity, and we have observed and experienced that at the Littleton Coop, and been so impressed by it. We have seen the outreach to the community the Coop promotes, and the good you do in so many ways even beyond the financial support. I believe the Coop is extremely professionally managed by the personnel that look after the day-to-day operation but also by the governing board, and for that reason I would be proud to be a part of the board of directors, not because I believe the Coop is in need of radical change but to help support its continued growth into the future and within the community based on the business model and principals it already practices.
Covid has taught or reinforced in most of us the importance of sourcing our food locally. In this area we are fortunate that the coop has provided us the opportunity to purchase local produce, meats, cheeses, bread etc, etc. but during this past year it had taken on a more important significance. As a small business owner that is also a vendor to the Coop, I greatly appreciate the support of the Coop to me a small local business owner that represents primarily small family-owned wineries.
My business experience includes several “startups”, and managing operations both as a sole proprietor, partner, and VP/GM for a division of a large corporation that bought my business. I have now returned to owning and running my own boutique wine distribution business here in the North Country. My board volunteer experience includes thirteen years on the board of directors of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, and for the past five years on the board of Copper Cannon Camp.
As stated, Rosalind and I can see that the Coop is in good hands and continues to grow in a positive way. That said, business always presents challenges, some seen and others not (i.e.Covid). Littleton is a growing region and community and with that we could see competition from another larger grocery store coming to the area. Finding the right employees and maintaining the good ones you have is always a challenge especially when the area reaches “full employment”. Being able to continue to provide the mix of local and national items at a reasonable price point while maintaining a proper gross profit margin and giving back to the community are all ongoing challenges that require consent communication between management and the board, and continual vigilance to these areas.
I hope if considered for and elected to a board seat I will be able to help to work with the present board and management to face those potential challenges, but to also help to continue to promote a good work environment, support our local businesses and community, and to continue the growth of the Coop into the future.
Casey Wilkins
Casey and her family moved to the area nearly three years ago. She has a Master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems and a background in environmental science and education. She is excited to work with the Co-op to support the local food system in Littleton. Casey is particularly interested in helping local farmers compete with the ‘big name’ brands, as well as supporting access to healthy, environmentally and socially responsible food for the larger community.
How long have you lived in the community? 2.5 years
How long have you been a Member of the Co-op? Partial Member 1.5 years (?) Full member since December 2020
Why are you interested in serving on the Co-op’s Board of Directors?
I am looking for a way to use my education, background, and values to become more involved in and serve the local community.
What strengths and skills would you bring to the Board?
A Master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems; background working in the health and fitness industry; background in science education; background in retail and customer service.
What are some of your ideas and opinions regarding important opportunities or challenges in the Co-op’s future?
I am very interested in becoming involved in the Co-op’s community outreach programs such as the partnership with the Grafton County Advisory council UNH extension. I would love to be involved with any programs which help to increase the larger community’s access to healthy food, as well as education programs (particularly those involving children).
What are some relevant professional or life experiences that you’d like to share?
I have had an eclectic professional and educational background which I believe will help me make positive contributions as a member of the board. As a former science student and teacher I have an interest in food and its effects on our bodies and environment. As a certified personal trainer, former athletic coach, and now parent, I have an interest in how what we eat affects of physical performance as well as emotional and cognitive health. My graduate work in Sustainable Food Systems gave me a better understanding of the effect of our food system on our environment, but more importantly, an appreciation for the effect of our food system on our society. As a board member I hope to make a positive contribution to the Co-Op’s important role in building an intentional and values-driven local food system.
I am also a parent of two young children who both have food allergies (and different food allergies to boot!). The challenges that we face around food have greatly boosted my cooking and baking skills, and have given me a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by people with limitations to their diets, as well as the importance of education, careful labeling, and food substitutions!
Why is local food important to you?
Healthy local food nourishes our bodies, our communities, and our environment. But there are so many barriers to eating this way! Local food faces a Herculean challenge against the industrial food system. Individuals face financial barriers that make shopping for healthy food in general, and healthy local food in particular, a huge challenge. Even with the means to purchase “healthy” and “local” food it can feel almost impossible to make the “right” choice when it comes to grocery shopping. The more resources we can give people to feed themselves, their families, and support their community, the better!
