We are pleased to welcome Amber Quesenberry as the next general manager for Co-op Market Grocery & Deli. Her first day at the co-op will be January 17th.

Amber comes to us with extensive experience in customer service and in leading, inspiring, and managing teams. Since 2015, she has held senior management positions at Princess Riverside Lodge and Westmark Hotel & Conference Center in Fairbanks. Before moving to Alaska, she spent several years as receiving manager and then visual merchandising manager for Macy’s in Delaware and Maryland.

Amber has expressed a deep commitment to serving our community and promoting equality through the co-op. She said she’s eager to move from a corporate environment to a more values-driven organization. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to develop relationships with our Owners and shoppers,” she said, “and I’m especially looking forward to working alongside the co-op’s dedicated managers and staff as we strengthen the store for the future.”

The co-op board of directors unanimously selected Amber following a two-month competitive search that identified several highly qualified local candidates. Store managers were included in the final interview process.

The board was impressed by Amber’s commitment to staff and her solid track record of developing strong management teams. We appreciated her obvious dedication to customer service, and we were inspired by her commitment to the cooperative values and principles.

To ensure continuity, Amber will work closely with Columinate consultant Dennis Hanley, who has served the co-op as interim GM since October. Under Dennis’ leadership, the co-op has developed plans to improve store operations and finances. He will transition to the role of mentor and monitor to help the board and GM succeed in implementing those plans.

Amber is eager to meet our Owners and shoppers, so please keep an eye out for her when you’re in the store. Introduce yourself and let her know what the co-op means to you.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to us at board@coopmarket.org.

In cooperation,

Co-op Market Grocery & Deli Board of Directors
Art Gelvin, Brian Kassof, Patrice Lee, Anduin McElroy, Rich Seifert, Hilary Shook