From the Blog

Some Familiar Faces are Taking on New Roles at the Co-op

New Pioneer Food Co-op November 16 Category: Store News

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This summer, some familiar New Pi faces stepped into new leadership roles in our organization. Meet Ann, Amy, and Doug and learn a bit more about their work at the Co-op!

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Ann French
Human Resources

(former Iowa City Team Member)

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Amy Hospodarsky
 Operations Lead

(former Brand Manager)

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Doug Zilm
Purchasing Team Lead/POS Coordinator

(POS Coordinator)


 

If you were a fruit, what would you be and why?

Anne: It's a tie between tomatoes and cucumbers because I love to transform them into my very favorite things, pickles and salsa!

Doug: I would be a coconut so I could just hang out on a tropical beach all day.

Amy: A pineapple- bright, sweet, and just a touch of tang for good measure.


Favorite Co-op Product:

Ann: New Pi - Pico De Gallo + Guacamole. There is no other comparison. The smell of fresh cilantro on Tuesdays when we make it, adds to the essential Taco Tuesday dinner moment.

Doug: Hansen’s Ice Cream. Local. Sweet. A delicious treat.

Amy: Chocolate mouse cake or pumpkin cookies. Really anything from our bakery. I have a bit of a sweet tooth!


What experiences do you bring to the Co-op?

Ann: I have 10+ years of progressive Human Resource experience supporting several different industries. These have ranged from small start-ups to international businesses. It's a joy to learn all of the lessons in scaling, their challenges and creative solutions.

Having started my career with a Co-op in the mid-west and spending several years supporting the west coast, returning to Iowa and joining New Pioneer, was getting back to my roots personally and professionally.

Doug: New Pi is the fourth food co-op I have worked at, and I have done everything from washing dishes to being a general manager. I have also worked with several non-profits that are working on food insecurity and sustainability issues.

Amy: I spent most of my professional career in marketing with a passion for community relations, consumer behavior, communications, and facilitation. I love building systems and working with people. I am thrilled to jump into my new role.


What do you like to do in your spare time?

Ann: Creating, I absolutely love sharing my visions with the world. That comes in the form of cards, illustrations, jewelry and resin made home goods. I try to add a little extra sparkle and shine to whatever I touch.

I also really enjoy pickling! Pickles, onions and radishes. I love to share them with anyone who is looking to looking for more "dill"iciousness in their life.

Doug: Hanging out with my family.

Amy: Spending time with my son, listening to music, reading a book, taking a long walk, or working on my long list of creative pet projects.


What are you most excited about in your new role?

Ann: Upon joining New Pi, I was in awe of the special group of people we are, how we support amazing farms, products and the community. I hope to continue to enhance and support our team to keep doing the amazing things we do, while reaching for the stars of where we can go next.

Doug: Getting to combine the experience I have gained over the last twenty years with that of a fabulous team to help create a great experience for our members and shoppers.

Amy: Our store teams are the lifeblood of what we do day-to-day. I love getting to work alongside them each day.

New Pioneer Food Co-op About the Author

New Pioneer Food Co-op

New Pi is a food co-operative, owned by over 35,000 members, home-grown in Iowa. We welcome everyone to our store, regardless of membership, and focus on local and sustainable food solutions. New Pi has strong roots in Iowa City’s local food community, and continues to partner with local growers, food, and sustainability organizations to enrich Linn and Johnson County communities.