Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op, but becoming a Member has its perks! Learn More.

Co-op Board of Directors

The Board is supported by the focused work of committees in the areas of Member Outreach, Finances, and Governance. These committees are always open to input and involvement of member volunteers.

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring the continued success and health of this vital organization. We represent our members in determining appropriate organization and performance. We are engaged primarily in developing the vision and long-term viability of the Co-op. We do not run the store, nor do we have direct control over its daily operations.

Interested in joining our Board? Submit an application.

Board expectations include:

Meet our Board

Shawn Menard | President

“The Co-op is a vital part of the greater Concord Community. It is important for me to see the Co-op succeed into the future as it is a primary mechanism for connecting the community to sources of locally grown food. I believe the Co-op is equally valuable as an outlet for local food and also as a teaching tool to demonstrate the complexity of our local food system in New England.”

Krista Helmboldt | Vice President

“Growing up, the local co-op was part of our family’s food sourcing in the 1970’s.  So, when I moved to Concord in 1987 as a young adult, one of my first actions was to join the Concord Food Co-op – I felt that was a fundamental aspect of living in this community.  I served on the Co-op Board for 7 years, from our days at the State Street location through the move to our current location.  Through the years, our household has done most of our shopping at the Co-op.  When I travel, I seek out co-ops for healthy food, a sense of the community, and a connection with people and values in which I believe.  I measure the health of any community by the vibrance of its food cooperative, and I am proud of our Concord Co-op and its vital role in making Concord such a good community to live in.  I am proud of the products we sell, as well as the good people who are involved as staff, volunteers, farmers, producers, members, and shoppers.”

Pete Engel | Treasurer

“Our family has been involved with the Co-op since it was located on State Street, and has enjoyed the selection of products, co-op employees expertise, and shopping experience through the years. I now have the time, and am pleased to share my retail experience with this organization.”

Pete is retired as the former Director of Store Operations at the NH State Liquor Commission. He and his family live in Concord.

Joe York | Secretary

“The Co-op is the type of community institution that makes places like Concord special. I moved to the area a little more than two years ago, and joining the Co-op was one of the first things I did when I arrived. The benefits of having convenient access to fresh, sustainably-produced food were obvious – but as somebody new to the area, it also made me feel more connected to a region that otherwise felt foreign. By joining the Board, I hope to contribute to the vitality of a community institution that I hold very dear.”

Jaran Blessing

“The Co-op’s mission is personal to me. When my family moved to Concord, I made a vow to purchase our food solely from local farms, or from trustworthy sources. Through its thoughtfully curated selections of the most honest and sustainable products, the Co-op has allowed me to keep my word. The Co-op has been so much more than a grocery store to my family. It is a community center that we take my now-toddler, James, daily. During this difficult year, the wonderful employees and owners at the Co-op have welcomed us into their family. I serve on the Board because I want to give back to the Co-op, which has given me so much. To use my knowledge and drive to support a movement that I am passionate about: the movement to grow a community of health, wellness, kindness, and service.”

Chuck Gilboy

“I live in Concord and work downtown at the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. We invest in New Hampshire based companies with a significant focus on businesses that are a part of the state’s local food movement. I also have a daughter, Willow, and enjoy making her healthy organic meals. We’re at the Co-op often!”

Sam Pike

“I spent most of my 20s moving all over the country. The common thread that connected my haphazard movement was a love of supporting good local food. My dream of joining the board of directors is to follow this thread and help the local food community here in Concord. I’m currently a middle school science teacher by day and an avid home cook, fermentor and brewer by night. You’ll often find me checking out new local restaurants, breweries, and farmer’s markets and talking them up with my friends.”

Ryan Poirier

Bio coming soon…

James Stever

“I operate Generation Farm in Concord, NH and have been selling produce to the Co-op for over a decade. Concord Food Co-op was the first place I sold produce when I started my small organic farm. It made an enormous difference for my business and confidence as a young farmer. I care deeply about the Co-op, its members, employees, and mission.”