BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board meets the 4th Thursday of every month. Any changes due to holidays or other accommodations will be listed here!
Email board@springfieldfood.coop for a zoom link.
Jack Hurley – Director
A few years ago, I moved to Claremont, NH from Rochester, NY where I was a practicing attorney and ran a law-related education program for the Rochester City School District. In addition, I served on the board of directors of Abundance Food Co-op. I appreciate Springfield Food Co-op’s focus on good health, the environment, and social justice through, for example, our offering of local, organically grown food and fair trade products. I also support our Change for Change program in which co-op members may make donations to local groups focused on improving life in our community. I enjoy working with the co-op board of directors and co-op members in continuing our good work. In addition to being a co-op director, I am a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children, serve on the Claremont Conservation Commission, and am a trustee of Claremont’s Fiske Free Library.
Barry Gulick – Director
My wife and I moved to Vermont two decades ago to raise our daughter in a slower-paced environment, and since then, we've been enthusiastic members and shoppers at the Springfield Food Co-op. I am passionate about seeing the Co-op thrive and play a vital role in the revitalization of downtown Springfield. With over 20 years experience in retail and operations management, I look forward to contributing my skills and insights to the Co-op's continued success. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife in our extensive vegetable and flower gardens and am an avid bread baker.
Brian jones– Director
I was born and raised in Vermont and lived on a small Hereford farm in Ludlow. We were organic without realizing it! A few years ago I returned to Vermont after 21 years in Whitefish, Montana. The quality of our food and of our soils is a core concern of mine. I joined the COOP board because I believe in the importance of organic food and in supporting local farms and suppliers which I have been doing for most of my adult life.
Nadia Butler – Director
I believe the Coop is an important asset to the Springfield area, both as a grocery store and as an element of the revitalization of the downtown area. I believe strongly in the need to bring local products to the local market, for consumers, for our farmers, and for our local artisans. I’m a retired business owner and engineer. In my free time you’ll find me in the garden or at the piano.
Rhona Lofton – President
I was born in Mississippi. I was raised on a farm. I have been around farm vegetables, animals, and fruits all my life. I moved to Vermont in March 2020 when my daughter asked me to move with them. We used to grow cucumbers for the pickling plant in Mississippi to make all kinds of pickles. We also sold vegetables and fruits from our farm or at the farmer’s markets. We also raised animals for our meat. I serve on the Springfield Co-op Board So that I can be community-related and have a place where I can buy local food and food that is helping feed others in the community by supporting community farmers.
Will Mitchell – Treasurer
I was born and raised in Washington DC, and though I didn’t get into my chosen industry – niche meat and specifically grass fed beef – until my early 20s, I’ve always held an appreciation for sharing good meals with family and friends. Understanding where my food comes from has been an amazing journey that has been enriched by my time serving on the board for the co-op. It always fascinates me to see all that goes into getting good food to people. I serve on the Board so that I can learn from and help build a strong organization that can continue to bring good food to the community for years to come. Ensuring more and more people of all walks of life have consistent access to good food is a guiding force for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help make that a reality by serving on the Springfield Food Co-op Board of Directors!
Mike Huffmyer – Vice President/secretary
As a passionate advocate for supporting local food systems, I hope to use my experience working for emerging organic and natural food brands to support the financial, social, and environmental goals of the Springfield Food Co-op. In my free time, you’ll find me meandering in my medicine garden, planting more fruit trees in my forest garden, or foraging mushrooms on my 10 acre homestead in Chester, VT.
