Orcas Food Co-op transitions to co-management as longtime GM moves on
Published 1:30 am Saturday, November 15, 2025
Submitted by the Orcas Food Co-op Board of Directors.
We have big news! Our founder and general manager, Learner Limbach, is leaving Orcas Island. He has accepted a position as general manager of the Littleton Food Co-op in New Hampshire. He will work with both co-ops over the month of December. His last day serving the Orcas Food Co-op is Dec. 31.
Limbach was key to founding the Orcas Food Co-op in 2013 and has served as the general manager since the doors opened. He’s helped our little island lead the nation in developing multiple food access programs, such as curbside delivery during the pandemic and the Provisions program, which is becoming a nationwide platform.
Limbach has brought expertise and passion to the cooperative movement that has fundamentally changed the face of Orcas Island. We’re so proud of him and his accomplishments and cannot wait to watch as he continues to lead the food system revolution with his innovative ideas.
The board of directors has decided to transition away from the model of having a single general manager to a new model of a shared cooperative leadership team, and has selected the three members of the current senior management team to transition into the roles of co-general managers. We’re extremely excited to welcome Regina Zwilling, Robin Zinthefer and Sara Pelfrey into these new shared leadership roles, as they bring a combined 21 years of insight into the day-to-day operation of Orcas Food Co-op.
The board, Limbach, Zwilling, Zinthefer and Pelfrey all support a co-management model that embodies the collaborative spirit of cooperation, and will allow the organization to thrive through collective strength, shared wisdom and balance.
We are very excited about the next chapter of the Orcas Food Co-op. One built on gratitude for the past, trust in our current leadership and excitement for what’s ahead.
