Meet Your Fredericksburg Food Co-op Board Candidates
Due to unclear audio and video quality during last Saturday’s Zoom forum, the Board candidates have graciously provided written summaries of their responses. We’re pleased to share their answers in full below so that all member-owners can make informed decisions during the election.
John Budd
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
My name is John Budd, and I’m a proud UMW alum who has called Fredericksburg home for the past 20 years. I’m a Partner at a national consulting firm, where I help community hospitals and health systems expand access and strengthen financial sustainability. My wife, two kids, and our golden retriever live downtown, and we’re frequent faces at the Co-op for breakfast and weekly shopping. I’ve served on and led several boards including most recently National Capital Healthcare Executives in D.C., and I’m excited to bring that financial and leadership experience to an organization my family and I have loved for years.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
I’ve spent my career advising boards and executives of not-for-profit health systems on strategy and performance. Having served both as a board member and as an executive accountable to a board, I bring a balanced perspective on governance, management, and results.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
The Board’s role is twofold: to reflect the community’s needs and to amplify the Co-op’s voice externally. As a long-time resident and daily advocate, I see myself as a bridge—listening to our community and ensuring the Co-op stays deeply connected to the people it serves.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
Healthy organizations thrive when boards govern and leadership leads. The Co-op’s management team has exceeded expectations, so the Board’s role should be to provide oversight, represent the community, and act as a strategic sounding board. I see my contribution as bringing financial and strategic expertise, asking thoughtful questions, and supporting leadership without micromanaging.
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
Chocolate goose. I probably average three a week.
Jeremy LaRochelle
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
My name is Jeremy Larochelle and this is my 20th year living in Fredericksburg. I’m a Professor of Spanish at the University of Mary Washington where I teach courses in Spanish language and literature, with a focus on environmental issues and sustainability. I’m also co-director of the IMPACT program, a cohort program for first-year students that helps get students involved in community service. I’ve brought my students to tour the Co-op for the last three years—they’re always inspired to learn that this all started with a few volunteers who had a dream and made it happen.
My wife, Sarah, and I, along with our daughter, Hannah, do more than 95% of our shopping at the Co-op. I couldn’t be a bigger proponent of everything the Fredericksburg Food Co-op stands for. I strongly support the four founding values: supporting the local, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and financial strength. If elected, I would work to promote growth while honoring the vision of those early volunteers who made this a reality.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
Over the past 20 years at UMW, I’ve worked on campus sustainability initiatives through the President’s Council on Sustainability. As a Spanish professor, I also value inclusion and am committed to making the Co-op a welcoming place for the local Latino population—which I’m glad to see happening more and more. I’d work to further those efforts.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
Board members connect through committee work—events, sustainability, finance—and by serving as outspoken ambassadors. That’s what I would do: help build relationships and bring new members and community partners into the fold.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
First, I want to say that we have a WONDERFUL General Manager in Suzie, who is doing a fantastic job. This is the first year member-owners will receive dividends, and we’re now turning a profit—huge milestones. The Board’s role is to ensure we stay true to our values. Day-to-day operations are in great hands with Suzie.
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
The What’s Up Butternut sandwich. We have a first-rate chef who used to be at Sammy T’s—everyone should come in for a meal!
Christine McElhinney
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
Hi everyone—I’m Christine. I’m a mom, sustainability professional, book nerd, nature lover, and a proud Co-op member-owner. I’ve lived in the Fredericksburg area with my family for almost 15 years. After over a decade of commuting to Arlington, I recently transitioned to a fully remote role. This change has allowed me to spend more time in the local community—including at the Co-op—and inspired me to get more involved.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
I’m a sustainability and social impact consultant with thinkPARALLAX. I help businesses across sectors—from real estate to fashion to food—build thoughtful strategies and programs that support people and the planet. With over 15 years of experience and a focus on stakeholder engagement, I bring expertise that aligns well with the Co-op’s triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
From my years leading national philanthropy programs, I’ve learned that true engagement starts with listening. At the Co-op, that means tuning in to the voices of staff, member-owners, and neighbors. With a background in DEI, communications, and design, I’d love to help share our story and ensure everyone feels the Co-op is a place for them.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
In my work, I help organizations shape strategy—not by running daily operations, but by supporting the people who do. As a Board member, I’d focus on mission, direction, and long-term impact—while collaborating, supporting, and staying out of the kitchen (except to chop a few veggies, metaphorically speaking).
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
Tony’s Chocolonely dark chocolate. I try to hide it from my son, but he always finds it. I also recently discovered the dried mango and Zen party mix combo—so good!
Kevin Storm
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
I’m an engineer by trade and a leader by choice. I’ve lived in three countries and traveled to many more, and I’ve found that values and food are two things that bring people together. When I saw the opportunity to serve in a way that aligned with both, I jumped in.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
I use a five-step framework—Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Closure—to move ideas from concept to reality. Each step builds skills like strategic planning, financial acumen, and active listening—all of which are just as useful in a Board room as they are in a conference room.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
For member-owners, we can build stronger connections through events like educational workshops and themed dinners. To engage the wider community, I’d explore partnerships with local events and businesses—like collaborating with the Fredericksburg Marine Corps Marathon.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
Think of governance and leadership like a waterslide: governance is the slide, leadership is the water. Too much or too little of either and the experience suffers. My approach will be to check in regularly: am I guiding the water—or accidentally trying to flow with it?
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
The pesto in the produce section. I love it on bread or crackers—just delicious.
Amanda Thompson
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
My name is Amanda and I recently returned to the area. I’m a Courtland High School graduate and worked at Hardee’s in Spotsylvania. Now I hold a bachelor’s in marketing and communications and a master’s in business administration. When I came back to Fredericksburg, I quickly discovered that the Co-op was more than a store—it supports healthy lifestyles and the broader community. I’m excited to bring my business background and passion for service to the Board.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
I provide programmatic and technical expertise to the Department of Defense. I also serve as president of two HOAs, cofounder of Collective 365 (a grant-funding organization for communities of color), treasurer of the CCOM (homeless services), a church volunteer, and volunteer coach. Governance, funding, and service are what I do—and what I love.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
As someone active in homelessness services and communities of color, I aim to ensure the Co-op is welcoming and accessible to all. As a Board member, I’d work to reach those who might otherwise feel left out—because community means everyone.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
Much like HOA leadership, governance is about sustainability and long-term success. I want to help ensure the Co-op remains a strong community pillar for years to come.
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
Local cheeses with crackers—always a treat!
Meredith Whittaker
Please introduce yourself and share what motivated you to run for the Board.
Hi, I’m Meredith Whittaker, a surgeon at Mary Washington. I live in Fredericksburg, shop almost exclusively at the Co-op, and believe deeply in community, sustainability, and healthy living. If COVID taught us anything, it’s that people need connection. I want to dive into the Fredericksburg community and help others do the same.
What professional or volunteer experiences have prepared you to serve effectively as a Board member?
As a surgeon, I’m part of high-functioning teams where communication and collaboration are critical. That experience has prepared me well to work with others on a shared mission.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
Promotion and visibility are key. One idea: form a Co-op team to walk in the October Breast Cancer Walk—a great event that would help raise the Co-op’s profile and foster community connection.
Serving on the Board is about governance, not day-to-day operations. How will you approach this important distinction?
Every role on a team is important. The Board’s job is to support and encourage—not manage. I’ll respect that line while helping the organization thrive.
What’s your favorite Co-op snack?
Hands down, the chocolate and peanut butter-covered malt balls in the bulk bins.
