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.
Christian Puffer – Interim President
I attended Goddard College in the late 80s and fell in love with Vermont. After living 10 for years in New York City and 18 years in Providence, Rhode Island my partner and I settled in Springfield where we have sought to become engaged members of our community. A central pillar of that community is our food co-op. Springfield is blessed to have a healthy, active food co-op and I'm glad to serve on its board. It's important not only to have access to fresh organic food but to support local organic farmers and create a sustainable and healthy economy. I am a webmaster by trade but by passion I am musician, songwriter, and writer.
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.
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!
Blair Tardino – Director
Blair Grace Tardino came to Ludlow, Vermont in 2018 and never looked back. Drawn by the Vermont lifestyle and a desire to embrace a healthier, more intentional way of living, she has made this vibrant community her home — along with her husband and their beloved four-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Fredo. With a background in finance and mortgages, Blair brings an organized, detail-oriented perspective to everything she does (a true Virgo at heart). But her real passions lie in creativity and connection. She expresses that creative spirit through painting, event planning, and a deep love of travel — exploring exotic destinations around the world to experience new cultures, traditions, and, of course, food. Food is at the center of Blair's world. A self-described foodie, she believes that gathering around the table is one of life's greatest joys. That philosophy is what drew her to the co-op — a place where community, health, and nourishment come together naturally. As a part-time event planner, she has a gift for bringing people together and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like family. Blair is passionate about health, wellness, and organic living, and is excited to help the co-op grow as a cornerstone of connection for everyone in the community.