2026 Board of Director Candidate
John Budd
Incumbent Board Member
Currently serving on the General Manager (GM) Search Committee (Chair) and Finance Committee.
My name is John Budd and my family and I have lived in Fredericksburg for almost 20 years. By day, I work with a firm focused on helping not-for-profit hospitals and health systems. I am a graduate of the University of Mary Washington where I earned both my undergraduate degree in English as well as my Masters in Business Administration. My wife Lindsay and I have two children, George and Olivia and a Golden Retriever named June Carter.
We can usually be found at the Co-op at least a few days a week for breakfast getting Chocolate Gooses and Sausage Egg and Cheeses or doing our weekly shopping. I currently serve on the Co-op Board and have also served in volunteer governance roles including as President of the National Capital Healthcare Executives. I look forward to continuing to partner with the Co-op Board and management to help in any way that I can.
Q&A
Why would you like to serve on the Board?
As a member-owner and frequent Co-op shopper, my family and I know firsthand what a uniquely different shopping experience the Co-op is for our community. By continuing to serve on the Board, it would be a unique privilege to help safeguard this community impact as the store looks toward its next phase of growth.
Have you done any volunteer work or contributed to the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, or another co-op, in the past? If so, please describe.
I currently have the privilege of serving on the Fredericksburg Food Co-op Board where I have helped to facilitate the General Manager Search Committee.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
I believe that the best way that the Co-op can strengthen its relationship with the wider community is to continue to be present in the community and help make the region aware of the incredible services that the store provides. Through programs like the Food For All initiative and the Community Co-op Cash program, the store helps our community every day. By expanding the community’s awareness around these types of programs, the store can help to strengthen this connection.
What strengths or skills do you feel you have that would add value to the Board?
I have almost 20 years of experience working with non-profits in the healthcare space where I have served on Boards as well as in executive capacities. This has afforded me a unique perspective on operational and financial sustainability and the relationship between management and governance.
What’s your favorite Co-op product?
Chocolate Goose