Co-op Leadership:
Staff Information | Board of Directors
The St. Albans Cooperative is committed to the needs of its members, customers and neighbors. That commitment is shown in many ways. We want to hear from our members and our staff is readily accessible to members and takes pride in responding promptly to their questions and concerns. Our commitment to our customers is shown through our high quality product and service. We are active in our community and are proud to take part and sponsor many agricultural events in Vermont.
We would be glad to hear from you. Our members, customers and neighbors are all important to us. If you have questions please contact us. The Cooperative's office is located in St. Albans, Vermont and our office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To assist you in making contact with the staff and board members at the Cooperative, the following information is provided.
St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc. Management Team and Board of Directors:
The St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc. management team is composed of outstanding people who bring years of experience and expertise in the dairy industry to the operations of the Co-op. Their goal is to provide dairy farmer members and customers with excellence in service and commitment to provide the best quality milk and milk products available.
Management Team
Leon Berthiaume, General Manager - Leon graduated from the University of Vermont in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is a certified Public Accountant who worked for the largest Vermont accounting firm for 4 years before joining the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in 1984 as the controller. He was appointed to General Manager in 1991 and is responsible for overall Cooperative operations and the support and achievement of the Cooperative's Mission Statement.
Robert Hirss, Plant Operations Manager- Rob graduated from the University of Vermont in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Technology. He has extensive management experience in dairy plant operations. Rob has been employed by Polio Dairy Products Corporation in Campbell New York for 2 years as Assistant Plant Manager; International Cheese/Stella at their Hinesburg plant for 6 years as Whey Plant Manager, Production Coordinator and Plant Manager; Beatrice Cheese in Allentown, Pennsylvania for 4 years as their Plant Superintendent and Plant Manager; and joined the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc. Management team in 1996 as Operations Manager.
Tom Gates, Cooperative Relations Manager- Tom graduated from the University of Vermont in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He grew up on a family owned dairy farm in Vermont and is familiar with the dairy industry and with the importance of quality milk. He has gained valuable supervisory and management experience while working for Quaker Fabric Corporation in Massachusetts. Tom joined the St. Albans Cooperative management team in February of 2006.
Kristen Fallon, PH.D., Quality Assurance Manager - Kristen graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1990. Subsequently, she continued her education and received a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire in 1995. In 1996 she earned her Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. Kristen has gained valuable laboratory experience having worked as a senior microbiologist in St. Albans at Clancy Environmental Consultants, Inc., as well as having other positions as a laboratory director, a senior technical consultant, a laboratory instructor and as a research assistant with various other entities. Kristen joined the St. Albans Cooperative management team in February of 2007.
Michael Janson, Business Manager - Mike graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. He has considerable supervisory and management experience having operated his own retail establishments from 1976 to 1988. He was employed by The Fonda Group in St. Albans from 1990 until he joined the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc. team in November 2001. At the Fonda Group, Mike was in several management roles including production management, production planning, purchasing and inventory control.
Steve Martin, Store Operations Manager - Steve graduated from Plymouth State College in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in Economics and Mathematics. Steve has been employed as a manager for Wal-Mart, Ames and F.W. Woolworth company where he acquired a combined total of 12 years retail management experience. In 2002, while working at IBM as a Test Technician, Steve received an Associates degree in Technical Studies from Community College of Vermont. Steve joined the Coop in September, 2002.
Ralph McNall, President of the Board of Directors (802) 849-6589 - Fairfax, Vermont
Jacques Parent, Vice President of the Board of Directors (802) 868-2514 - Highgate, Vermont
Thomas Magnant, Treasurer of the Board of Directors (802) 285-2192 - Franklin, Vermont
Bryan Davis, Secretary of the Board of Directors (802) 873-3941 - Derby Line, Vermont
David Montagne, Director (802) 524-2216 - St. Albans, Vermont
Andy Dykstra, Director (802) 545-2276 - New Haven, Vermont
Connie Menard, Director (518) 298-3362 - Mooers, New York