- MEET THE BOARD -
JIM WALFRAND
PRESIDENT
Born and raised in Amherst. I am so proud to be a lifelong member of the community. I have been in economic development most of my life either in disaster assistance or in rural communities. I feel it’s important to give back to the community which has given me so much (wife and three GREAT kids). I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and help bring something special to the Village of Williamsville.
Term ends 2024
JON CARMEN
VICE PRESIDENT
My wife Peg and I have lived in Williamsville for 17+ years after moving here from Boston, MA. We are extremely excited at the prospect of having a Member-Owned Food Co-Op here in Williamsville! As Founder of BrightWebConsulting, I draw on 20 years of experience, building and scaling tech companies. I have started 7 companies over the last 20 years, with 3 exits. My focus is Ad-Tech, anything in and around buying or selling online advertising. I also have deep experience selling private label products via eCommerce/Amazon. I work with clients across the country on a wide variety of digital strategy engagements. From Start-Ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Term ends 2026
MARY ELLEN HAEFNER
TREASURER
Originally a resident of WNY, I returned in 2010. I have been enlightened and thankful that WNY is making strides in being more sustainable and promoting a robust and prosperous local economy. The framework for cooperatives includes a participatory process for all member-owners and a fair share of the earnings, which are key to the strength and longevity of the business. I truly believe our upcoming food market cooperative will be a pinnacle in the community. With my background in Federal government contracting, policy and governance, along with quality assurance compliance, I look forward to contributing toward the front and back end of our operations and ensuring we offer good food choices at reasonable prices.
Term ends 2025
MARK STORCH
GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
Eight percent of produce consumed in New York State is grown in the state. Most is grown and transported thousands of miles. This process provides lower food quality, the produce is harvested very early, a higher carbon footprint due to fuels burned during transporting produce, and typically uses a greater amount of pesticides. This system needs to be altered for many reasons. I believe an increase in locally grown produce that is helpful to the local economy using less carbon in production and transporting produce with the harvesting location known to the consumer will be the next evolution of our farming industry. I have lived my entire life in Western New York and the past 25 years in Williamsville. I have spent much of my professional career doing business development in the planning, architecture, engineering and construction world. Currently I am a partner in two businesses - Acadia Energy (a microgrid developer that produces energy using multiple sources of renewable and nonrenewable energy at a given location for multiple users) and Beyond Green (an indoor farming business that uses hydroponic, aquaponic and indoor soil-based farming technologies to create year-round production of produce and fish for consumers).
Term ends 2025
STEVEN SCHULTZ
GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in Buffalo, I received a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1978 and have practiced in WNY for over 30 years. My wife Sara and I have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. We try to eat healthfully and live in a "green" manner as Sara is on the Executive Committee of the local Sierra Club. Our home is heated and cooled with a geothermal system powered by solar panels, and Sara drives a fully electric vehicle. We enjoy traveling, hiking, backpacking and biking. All of this leads to my interest in helping to develop a successful cooperative in the Village of Williamsville.
Term ends 2025
JEFF BAGEL
GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
I am the Managing Principal with eAdvancement Consulting and have extensive experience in leading organizations to maximize their potential through fundraising, volunteer and board development, the creation of annual fundraising plans, capital campaigns and the development of alumni and member programs.
I am excited about where the VCMW is today with a planned 2024 grand opening, and also about being its 1000 th member. A community becomes stronger when we work together for the betterment of all. The VCMW is a perfect example. It is the right project at the right time for our community.
Term ends 2026
Isra Jahan
SECRETARY
I moved to WNY in March of 2022. Holding a degree in Psychology from Stockton University in
southern New Jersey, my path has taken me through myriad sectors including retail, food service,
hospitality, finance, and tech, which has broadened my perspectives and honed my versatility.
In a moment of profound connection, I became a member-owner of VCMW in June 2023, a choice
infused with intention. Driven by a fervor for community engagement and inspired by the co-op's
resolute vision and principles, I embarked on a journey towards greater involvement. This trajectory
aligns seamlessly with my burgeoning commitment to health and wellness, which ultimately led me to
this cooperative junction.
The co-op thrives on candid discourse, attentive listening, and harmonious collaboration. My aspiration
is to serve not only as a community member but as a catalyst for positive transformations. Guided by
the co-op's ethos, I'm excited to contribute to sustainable development, individual empowerment, and
resilient communities. I'm grateful to contribute my thread to this vibrant fabric, working towards a
collective narrative where every voice resonates.
Term ends 2024
RYAN DUQUETTE
GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
I am a boomerang Western New Yorker, I was born a raised in Williamsville, attended Williamsville South then Canisius College, and moved to the NYC area after I graduated. I met my wife Katie and moved back home in 2012. We have two young boys who attend Maple West Elementary.
I am currently a Lead Product Designer at Liberty Mutual. I focus on putting people first, understanding their needs as well as business needs, challenging assumptions, redefining problems, and creating innovative solutions. I work with people and product teams to find better ways of doing things and solving complicated problems. In my personal life, I enjoy skiing with family, weekend hikes, and of course, watching the Bills and Sabres.
Term ends 2024
Nancy Corigliano
GENERAL BOARD MEMBER
I have a background in leadership, customer satisfaction, and strategic thinking. I have had a diverse career path from the United States Air Force (as a Ground Radio Electrician primarily stationed at Yokota Air Base Japan) to Physical Therapy to Healthcare Administration.
My values of community, healthy eating, and education align perfectly with the co-op's core values. I'm eager to contribute my trustworthiness, accountability, and respect to this role. I hope to bring my passion for serving others to the Village Co-Op Market of Williamsville..
Term ends 2026