By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,737)

The Portland Food Co-op has announced that it has hired Kevin Gadsby as its first General Manager ending a national search.  He will start his new post in May.

Gadsby has been General Manager at Good Tern Coop, Rockland, for the last three  years, overseeing a period of growing sales and membership as well as store renovations, according to a press release issued by the non-profit.

“In Rockland and elsewhere, Kevin has demonstrated a living commitment to Portland Food Co-op’s triple bottom line of environmental, social and financial sustainability  and he is uniquely qualified in his ability to manage all three,” said PFC President Daniel Ungier.  “His enthusiasm and passion has brought tremendous life to the businesses he has managed and will help anchor our new store as a welcoming, thriving place for the entire community.”

Under Gadsby’s management, Good Tern Co-op has undergone significant renovations, resulting in a 34% increase in sales over the last two years.  In the last three years, Good Tern Co-op also grew bh over 500 members and added five full-time positions.  Before becoming manager there, Gadsby also worked at Rising Tide Co-op in Damariscotta and managed natural food stores and bakeries.

“I am excitied and honored to serve as the first GM of the much-anticipated Portland Food Co-op,” said Gadsby.  “I love the energy of Portland and look forward to continuing to support the dynamic local foods economy in Maine.”

PFC’s new storefront location is planned o open at 290 Congress Street – Congress Plaza near India Street this Fall.

The co-op will create about 20 jobs when the location opens.

Pls. visit www.portlandfood.coop for more.