GreenStar Hires New GM

Announcement from GreenStar Council

GreenStar’s New General Manager will Start July 5!

The Council of GreenStar Food Co-op is pleased to announce the hiring of the Co-op’s next General Manager, Jeff Bessmer. Bessmer will begin in his new role on July 5th.

A cooperative management professional of 15 years, Bessmer has served as General Manager for three co-ops, bringing their communities together to realize a more cooperative future. Bessmer is committed to member engagement and community involvement, has served on eight local and national co-op Boards and holds a Masters of Management of Cooperatives and Credit Unions degree from Saint Mary’s University. Bessmer is relocating from Sacramento, CA and says he is excited to serve the Ithaca community and beyond.

The recent hiring is the culmination of a six-month search that began in January with the formation of an ad-hoc General Manager Search Committee, composed of six GreenStar Council members and three Co-op staff members.

GreenStar is planning a Meet & Greet for staff and member-owners on Thursday, July 14, 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Cascadilla St. store. Drop in and meet Jeff!

GreenStar’s Council recognizes and appreciates that GreenStar employees Deb Peskin, Director of Human Resources and Giles McCarty, Front End Manager ably served as Interim General Manager and Assistant Interim General Manager, in addition to their regular jobs, during the search process.

“We are grateful to Deb and Giles and all of our dedicated GreenStar staff for keeping co-op operations on track during this challenging period,” Council President, Marilyn Chase said.

Come early for a Conversation with Council! June’s Topic: Announcing GreenStar’s New General Manager

Do you have questions or comments for Council regarding the hiring of a new General Manager? Join Council members on June 14th from 6:00 – 6:30 PM for an opportunity to engage in conversation. You are also welcome to email questions or comments to: GMSearch@greenstar.coop

This 30 minute period is an online “open-mic” event for GreenStar members, and is recurring – taking place ahead of the GreenStar Council meeting every second Tuesday of the month. Email boardadmin@greenstar.coop for instructions on how to attend.