Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 7 PM E / 6 PM C / 5 PM M / 4 PM P
Effective GM/Board Relationship: Building and Transition
Sam McCormick & Leah Ciappenelli, Assabet Co-op Market
The shift from startup board to GM-led operations is one of the most critical, and most fragile, phases in a food co-op’s development. Across the country, many startups are struggling with unclear roles, leadership turnover, and governance growing pains during this transition. In this practical and interactive session, leadership from Assabet Co-op Market will share their real-world experience navigating the GM/Board transition from pre-opening through post-launch growth. Together, the Board Chair and General Manager will highlight three important anchors for a healthy transition: clarifying roles early (and often), investing in the relationship before tension arises, and recognizing that governance maturity is an ongoing evolution, not a single handoff moment. The goal is for you to leave with concrete tools and reflection prompts to strengthen your own GM/Board partnerships.