By Scott Carlson
Matt Hass, a familiar face at the Hampden Park Co-op, is now officially the store’s general manager.
The co-op’s board of directors recently named Hass to the post after he had been serving as the store’s interim general manager, said board chairperson Catherine Reid Day.
“We are happy that he has agreed to take on the official head role,” Day said in a statement. “He and his team have done remarkable work to navigate the pandemic and keep the store strong and resilient throughout it.”
Hass joined the co-op staff in 2005 and has served as its produce manager, grocery manager, assistant general manager and interim general manager. During that time the cooperative expanded, bought the building that is its home and continues to grow its sales and membership, Day said.
Hass is most proud that Hampden Park Cooperative has become a safe and welcoming space for its diverse group of employees and community members, Day said.
She added that Hass wants to, among other things, enact more environmentally sustainable business practices and grow the store’s retail footprint.
Matt, his wife Melissa and their 13-year-old son Shannon live in south St. Anthony Park. He enjoys music, comic books, camping and spending time with his family.
Hass earned a bachelor of sciences degree in microbiology from the University of Minnesota. He worked in public health and biovascular research until he started volunteering at the Hampden Park Cooperative.
Scott Carlson is managing editor of the Bugle
Photo cutline: Matt Hass is the new general manager of the Hampden Park Co-op. Photo courtesy of Hampden Park Co-op.
