2025 Election
Board Candidates
Ben Weinberger
Shopping at the Co-op has become part of my family's weekly routine. My wife and I enjoy bringing our two children (ages 4 and 1) every Saturday to fill our containers from the bulk bins and pick out our produce. It would be meaningful to me to be involved at a deeper level. I care a lot about my food and where it comes from, and becoming involved with the Co-op feels like an extension of that. I like that it is locally governed for philosophical reasons and part of a larger network of co-ops for practical purposes.
I think I can bring a unique skill set and perspective to the board. I am self-taught at writing software (my career for almost 12 years now) and love learning new things.
Beth Reynolds
I am excited to present my candidacy for a position on the board of the food co-op here in the Berkshires. I believe that my unique background in finance, combined with my love for gardening, positions me well to help guide our co-op towards a thriving and sustainable future.
With a solid foundation in finance, I have spent years navigating the intricacies of investing, budgeting, financial planning, and strategic investment. I understand how to analyze financial reports and create effective strategies that can help our co-op grow while remaining accountable to our members. I am committed to ensuring that our co-op operates efficiently and effectively, providing us all with access to fresh, local, and organic products without compromising our values.
Beyond my professional experience, I am deeply passionate about gardening and the joys of growing our own food. Gardening has taught me the importance of patience, nurturing, and community. These values resonate deeply with the mission of our co-op, where we can cultivate not just plants but also relationships—among members, local farmers, and our neighbors. I believe that a thriving food co-op not only provides high-quality products but also serves as a hub for education and community engagement around sustainable agriculture and healthy living.
Together, we have the power to influence not only our own health and well-being but also the economic and environmental health of our community. I am eager to listen to your ideas, collaborate with fellow board members, and work to enhance the co-op experience for everyone.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve and to contribute to our co-op's mission of nourishing our community, supporting local farmers, and fostering sustainable practices.
Carole Murko
I believe food is more than sustenance — it’s medicine, connection, and community. For over two decades, I’ve lived in the Berkshires, cooking, teaching, and helping people rediscover the healing power of real, seasonal food. From hosting PBS food specials to creating community dinners and mindset retreats, my life’s work has centered on nourishing people from the inside out.
When I recently taught at the Co-op’s pop-up, I was deeply moved by the energy, enthusiasm, and mission I felt in the room. It was a wake-up call: this isn’t just a grocery store — it’s a heartbeat of the Berkshires.
The Co-op is a business, yes — but it’s also an essential community resource. It offers local goods, bulk buying, and access to healthy food in a time when so many are struggling with rising costs and uncertainty. I want to help ensure more people discover and benefit from what the Co-op offers — nourishment, access, and connection.
I bring decades of experience in business, marketing, fundraising, and board leadership — but more importantly, I bring heart, vision, and a fierce commitment to building community through food. I want to help the Co-op thrive as a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient hub for all — where nourishment, and joy meet.
I’m honored to be considered and would love your vote to serve on the Berkshire Food Co-op Board. Let’s keep growing this vital community — together.
Round Up For Change Nominees
What Does the Board Do?
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. In this capacity, it represents the interests of the Co-op owners, as well as the interests of other customers and stakeholders. The board is composed of nine members who are elected by the owners. The Board is responsible for ensuring effective organizational and financial performance of the Co-op. This includes overseeing the general manager, who is responsible for day-to-day management; developing clearly stated organizational policies and strategic objectives; monitoring compliance with policies and achievement of objectives by the management; monitoring financial performance; and ensuring that the values of the Co-op are reflected in all of its activities and actions. The Board is also responsible for interacting with the Co-op’s owners and other customers to better understand their needs and interests, and for anticipating trends that may impact our performance. In short, the Board’s role is to focus on the big picture in order to ensure our long-term success as a triple-bottom-line, community-oriented business.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Serving on the Board of Directors is just one of several ways Co-op owners can contribute to and participate in the life of the Co-op. While directors are not expected to have specific prior training or experience in running a business or managing a grocery store, there are some characteristics that enable an individual to be effective in the role. As you consider whether to run for the Board, please reflect on how your interests, experience, and motivations align with the following characteristics of effective directors:
Are enthusiastic about shopping at the Co-op.
Are dedicated to the Co-op’s mission and values.
Understand the role of governance.
Are able to think in terms of systems and context, as well as the big picture.
Are able to work collaboratively and respectfully as part of a team.
Have strong personal integrity, independent judgment, a sense of humor, and the courage of their convictions.
Are willing to prepare for and actively participate in board discussions and deliberations, and to abide by board decisions and established policies.
Are able to set aside any personal agendas and interests that may conflict with the greater good of the Co-op.
Are knowledgeable about cooperative businesses and food retailing, or are willing to take the time to learn.
Have the necessary time available to be a fully effective and contributing board member.
ELIGIBILITY FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Must be a Co-op owner in good standing and be at least 18 years of age.
Must not have a disqualifying conflict of interest.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Hire, compensate, delegate responsibility to, and hold accountable a general manager.
Exercise due diligence in monitoring the Co-op’s financial condition.
Maintain confidentiality when required.
Faithfully honor all legal obligations that are integral to serving on board of directors, including the:
Duty of care,
Duty of loyalty, and
Duty of diligence.
EXPECTATIONS FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Make a three-year commitment to serving on the board.
(Board members are eligible for an additional two three-year terms, for which they must be re-elected by the ownership.)Become familiar with the Co-op’s bylaws, policies, and governance process
Prepare for and participate actively in monthly board meetings
Attend board training sessions, an annual retreat, and the annual meeting of owners
Become familiar with financial statements (with appropriate training)
Note that the board is not involved in the daily operations of the store. Board members are compensated with a monthly $125 stipend, paid onto a store tab, which can be used to make Berkshire Food Co-op store purchases.
LOGISTICS AND TIME COMMITMENT
Board meetings are held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Board members can expect to spend one to three hours reading materials in preparation for each meeting.
Each board member serves on one or two committees, which typically meet once every two to three months.
New board members attend a one-day orientation to cooperatives, which typically takes place in Keene, NH.
All board members attend a board retreat each year.
Each board member participates in several owner events each year, including the Annual Meeting.
ELECTION TIMELINE
Candidate Applications due (with headshot, resume, bio blurb) - Wednesday, September 17
Applicant Interviews - ongoing
Candidate Notification & Announcement
Voting Begins - Wednesday, October 1
Annual Meeting - Friday, October 24, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Voting Ends - Sunday, October 26, 11:59 PM