First Alternative Co-op’s General Manager, Cindee Lolik, has announced her retirement from her position at the Co-op as of March 1, 2024.

Cindee’s departure marks the end of an era for First Alternative.Cindee has skillfully guided the Co-op through many challenges over her 13 years of service, including financial difficulties, COVID, and the commissary fire. We are indebted to her commitment and vision that propelled us to our present position in our community and industry, and we are grateful for everything she has done for our Co-op and our staff.

“Leaving my position at the Co-op is, of course, bittersweet,” Cindee reflected. “I’m looking forward to retirement but will miss my colleagues and my relationships with the co-op community. I have enjoyed the opportunities and challenges of working at a great co-op, staffed by a wonderful group of people, governed by a solid and caring board, and patronized by loyal and giving Owners and customers. I will miss that role and all of you greatly.”

First Alternative’s Board of Directors recognize that recruiting and identifying the future GM of our cooperative is a critically important decision for our staff, owners and community. Evaluating candidates may take many months to come to a successful close. As a first step in this process the Board has identified an interim leadership plan to ensure our operations and governance will continue seamlessly during the recruitment phase.

The Board of Directors has decided to engage an experienced Co-op industry manager as an Interim General Manager. We are excited to introduce Wynston Estis (she/her) in the role of Interim General Manager beginning March 7, 2024. Her primary role is to provide stability to operations and support to Co-op staff.

We expect her role with First Alternative to last between 4-6 months, with a possible extension beyond that if required. Wynston has a strong background at the general management level at several Co-ops across the country, including multi-store and commissary organizations. We are excited to bring her breadth of experience as an Interim General Manager to our stores during our search for our long-term GM.

Wynston’s background brings a wealth of proven experience to our Co-op during this time, including her ability to support staff and to provide stability. With experience serving in 13 different communities in the last 8 years as an Interim General Manager, Wynston brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to this transition.”

“I’m looking forward to supporting the remaining projects that are underway and learning about your new dreams for the Co-op’s future,” said Wynston. “It’s my focus to support First Alternative staff, management, board of directors and community in making the next several months an inclusive, enriching, enjoyable, and very successful part of your Cooperative’s history.”

Our clear intention as a Board for this interim period is to strengthen and grow our foundation while successfully navigating this current transition to the future. Thank you all so much for your passion, dedication, and service to First Alternative! The Board is very grateful for your support of our Co-op as we move forward in this process.

Owners with questions or comments are encouraged to reach out to the Board of Directors at [email protected].