panelists
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion following Esteban’s remarks. This discussion will featuring visionary cooperators from the Maine Co-op Ecosystem. Together, they’ll reflect on themes from the keynote and explore how co-ops across sectors are working toward economic democracy, stronger local communities, and sustained regional impact.
This conversation will highlight the lived experiences, insights, and bold visions of these cooperators as they strive to build a more just and sustainable Maine.
Annie Doran
Coordinating Director, Maine Food Convergence Project
Consultant & Facilitator, Imaginal Systems Consulting
Annie’s work centers on co-creating thriving, community-rooted livelihoods through systems change that begins with the personal and interpersonal, and extends to culture and policy. Her experience spans from supporting a women’s artisan collective in Brazil to advancing food and climate justice efforts and cooperatives across New England. Alongside her consulting practice, Annie serves as Coordinating Director of the Maine Food Convergence Project, where she nurtures collaborative, trust-based spaces for transformative initiatives like the Local Food Switchboard to take root and flourish.
Kathryn Piper
Owner and Program Manager, Five Pillars Butchery
Kathryn was born and raised in New England and has a background in social services and teaching. She took on her role as Programs Manager for Five Pillars Butchery in 2021 when the decision was made to expand the business to a USDA operation. Kathryn manages financial investments, community partnerships and programs as the business is working to establish a cooperative among local livestock growers. Kathryn actively supports cooperative initiatives including the Lewiston-Auburn Community Market (not yet operational), which aims to strengthen local food systems through a multi-stakeholder approach, accessibility and incubation.
Nora Gosselin
Director of Resident Acquisitions in CDI’s New England Resident-Owned Communities (NEROC) Program
Nora helps residents in manufactured housing communities across New England organize, establish cooperatives, navigate through commercial real estate transactions, access financing, and purchase their communities. Having worked with over 30 communities at various stages of the process, and completed over $50 million in transactions, Nora is deeply knowledgeable and experienced in the needs of residents, sellers, and state laws that regulate the sale and purchases of manufactured housing communities. Nora also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, and previously lived in a multi-family housing cooperative, serving as co-op treasurer and housing coordinator.
Scott Vlaun
Executive Director, Center for an Ecology Based Economy
Scott Vlaun is the Executive Director of the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) in Norway, Maine, a climate justice organization founded in 2013. CEBE is dedicated to developing an equitable, resilient economy in western Maine built on the backbone of clean renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Scott is a longstanding member of the Fare Share Food Co-op and has worked closely with Cooperative Development Institute to foster a cooperative ecosystem in western Maine. He was a founding member of the Spoke Folks Cooperative and is currently the board president of Maine Community Power Cooperative.