Hunger Mountain Co-op is running its hiring process for a new General Manager (GM) in an extraordinarily open and transparent way. I learned that in April, when I interviewed eight people at sibling co-ops, mostly in Vermont, about recent GM hires they had done. 

More than one co-op used a search/hiring committee composed solely of a subset of its board (that’s the generic term for what we call the council). In a couple of the co-ops, only part of the board was involved, even in the final interview; the rest of the board relied on the committee report. None of the other co-ops involved members in the process, and only one reported that candidates even met with staff.

Hunger Mountain Co-op is making its two finalists available to staff members and Member-Owners when they come for in-person interviews, and we are asking for feedback on the candidates from staff and members. All members are welcome to attend.

The gatherings for members will take place on Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4; both are from 2:00 – 3:30 pm in the vestry of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier at 130 Main Street. One candidate will be available to meet per day. If you are a member, please come by to meet the candidates and give the council your feedback on them!

Both candidates have extensive experience in cooperative grocery stores and a broad range of experience in the world of food. We were impressed by their thoughtful answers to our questions, and we’re eager to show them our store and introduce them to our staff and community.

—Carl Etnier, Council President