First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op is excited to announce the hiring of its new General Manager, Mark Tarasawa. The decision was reached after a thorough selection process, extensive interview process, and careful deliberation by First Alternative Co-op’s Board of Directors.The Board’s decision was influenced by strong internal support from managers and staff, coupled with Tarasawa’s knowledge of our community and the Co-op. Tarasawa has served as the Co-op’s Finance Manager for the past fourteen years and brings a wealth of experience and passion to this new role.
Tarasawa has been with First Alternative Co-op for more than 25 years, starting as a Bulk Department Stocker in 1998. His passion for people, natural foods, and the cooperative model helped him continue to grow into roles with larger responsibilities through the years. He has seen the Co-op through tremendous growth, from a single store in the South Corvallis neighborhood to its second location on Grant Ave. on the north side of town. In his tenure at the Co-op, Tarasawa has proven to be a community-oriented leader who brings an impressive blend of business and financial expertise, mission-driven perspective, and an exceptional ability to connect with staff, customers, and the community as a whole.
“I am grateful, humbled, and excited that the Board of Directors offered me the opportunity to be the General Manager for First Alternative Co-op,” Tarasawa said. “I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without previous General Managers’ work and all of the staff who I have learned from every day. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish moving forward for the Co-op and for our community.”
Following the departure of longtime general manager Cindee Lolik in March, the Board of Directors hired Wynston Estis as interim General Manager to help stabilize operations while the Board undertook the General Manager hiring process. Estis will continue to serve in the role of interim General Manager until staffing transitions are completed in the Fall.