Triny Vigil appointed interim general manager at the Los Alamos Cooperative Market. Courtesy photo

BUSINESS News:

Following thoughtful deliberation Wednesday evening, the Los Alamos Cooperative Market Board of Directors appointed Triny Vigil, formerly the Co+op’s meat and cheese manager, to assume the role of interim general manager during the store’s transition between general managers.

The community is encouraged to stop by the Co+op to welcome Vigil to his new role, ask questions, and supply feedback. He also will be available to speak to Co+op members at the Co+op’s Annual Meeting 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at the Holiday Inn Express. During the annual meeting, Board President Tracy McFarland will give the State of the Co+op address.

Current General Manager Steve Watts serves his final day Friday and will be retained through May 24 to act as an operations consultant to help with the Co+op’s leadership transition. Watts served as the Co+op’s general manager for 4.5 years. During this time, he led the Co+op through opening the store, engaging the community, realizing double digit growth, purchasing the building, and establishing a strong management team. 

In June, Watts will take on a new role as executive director of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, thereby furthering his passions for community and mountain biking.

“Transitions are an opportunity for Co+op growth. This co-op is a part of me, and I will be available as a resource to aid in the Co+op’s transition to the next general manager,” Watts said this morning at the Co+op’s management team meeting.

The Co+op Board of Directors and staff are grateful for his service and share his vision of opportunities ahead.

Vigil welcomes customer comments and questions and he maintains the Board’s “free hug” policy.

“As interim general manager, I will strive to bring the Co+op to being a happy place to work, shop and be,” Vigil said. “I look forward to the future success of the Co+op.”

He said he is glad to be taking on this new responsibility of leading a financially sound co-op with the support of dedicated employees, a strong management team and an engaged Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is taking steps to search for a new general manager, a process that will involve staff. 

“The Board is excited to work with Triny and the management team to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to move toward achieving the Ends that guide our governance of the Co+op on behalf of our member-owners,” McFarland said.

Los Alamos Co+op Market exists so that:

• Its communities have conveniently located, welcoming, accessible places to buy a variety of foods and products including local, healthy and natural foods;
• Its community has a thriving marketplace where people want to shop, work and be;
• Its member owners’ goal of increased environmental sustainability is achieved;
• It provides quality employment opportunities in an enjoyable, stimulating, and cooperative environment; and
• Local producers have an expanding opportunity to sell their products.

Current and past board members from left, Cecile Hemez, Tracy McFarland, Karen Kendall, Megan Green, Nancy Savoia, Merry McIntyre and GM Steve Watts. Courtesy photo