Meet our team - Carolina Common Enterprise

Thomas Beckett

executive director

“Helping people work together to create something positive in their communities gives me the juice. This work is fulfilling, and with the tremendous variety of communities and types of co-ops, it never gets old.”

I have been a co-op member for most of my life, but I really became focused on cooperative development during the banking collapse of 2007-08. At that time, I was practicing small business law in Western North Carolina and had taken on incorporating some immigrant worker co-ops as a pro bono project. As the financial crisis unfolded, it became very clear to me that we need to redesign the economy at a local and human scale. The cooperative business model is just that.

Education and Training

Duke University – B.A. in Public Policy
University of North Carolina School of Law – Juris Doctor
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School – MBA
CooperationWorks – cooperative business development training
Kauffman Foundation – entrepreneurial development training

Makes me proud

I sit on the board of directors of a few co-op organizations, including Shared Capital Cooperative and the Weaver Community Housing Association. Board service is always a learning opportunity for me, and a way to contribute to organizations that do good work. My family and I sometimes take up opportunities to volunteer in the community.

What I love about North Carolina!

People here do great things, but we keep it low-key and humble.

Impact

Cooperative development allows me to use all of my professional skills and experience to transform the economy. One motto of our movement is, “Co-ops Build A Better World.” And we’re doing that, changing the world one business at a time.

Lindsey Taylor

operations director

“I have devoted the past 10 years to helping strengthen communities in NC through various organizations. My work with CCE will allow me to continue to do so long into the future.”

I grew up in small town Nebraska after moving from Colorado Springs, CO when I was in 3rd grade. I attended the University of Nebraska, Kearney with a major in Sociology. Soon after, I moved to Washington DC to get my start in nonprofit development, which was a field I had always wanted to enter. I began my career in Arlington, VA at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as a Development Associate, and 3 years later moved to Raleigh, NC to join Foundation Fighting Blindness as an Event Planner. I have since worked for many organizations fighting to make a difference such as the North Carolina Symphony and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I came to the cooperative world only months ago when I was offered a position at Carolina Common Enterprise in Durham, NC as an Operations Manager. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my husband and daughter and hiking on our land in the Western NC mountains.

Education and Training

University of Nebraska at Kearney – BS program in Sociology

Makes me proud

I am proud of the fundraising and awareness efforts through my experiences at some of the nonprofits I’ve worked for. I am also proud that my life has taken me down a professional path that helps me put other peoples needs ahead of my own. If all career paths did that, the world would be a better place.

What I love about North Carolina!

There’s no doubt that North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Beautiful forests, rustic mountains, and sandy white beaches make NC one of the most amazing places to live. Along with its natural beauty is the beauty of its people. You will never meet nicer people than you do in North Carolina.

Impact

Being able to take the skills I have acquired over 15 years in the nonprofit sector and apply them to my work with Carolina Common Enterprise is a personal victory for me. I have worked hard to understand social and economic disparities in our state and beyond so I can champion for residents in rural, often forgotten, communities so their residents can have more opportunities to build a better life.

Kelly Liddington

cooperative developer

“I have spent my whole life working with people and trying to move us all forward so that prosperity can be distributed to all who have contributed.”

I have a broad cross-section of training and experience in teaching, training and developing projects that perform beyond expectations. I have nearly 30 years of experience in cooperative extension in Virginia and North Carolina. As part of that work, I was involved in the development of two successful community organizations. Because of my reputation as a developer of people, I was chosen “Virginia’s Top Extension Agent” and honored as “Fair Person of the Year.”

I am an educator at heart and have taught leadership toorganizations and nonprofits which provide fertile ground forfolks to build and refine their leadership skills — the onlytruly empowering skills we have. I have also acquired experiencein managing facilities and events.

Education and Training

Old Dominion University – B.S. in Dairy Science
The Ohio State University – B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Education
S.U.N.Y. at Cobleskill – A.A.S. in Dairy Science

Makes me proud

The scholarship programs I designed for various organizations for youth to study agriculture and adult member education have given away close to $500,000!

People would be surprised to know

I raise registered Angus seedstock.

What I love about North Carolina!

I grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York so I’m enjoying the distinct seasons here.

Impact

The concept of a democratic workplace is intriguing. The reward for me is seeing people become more than they thought or ever dreamed they could be. Making positive contributions to the community and mankind is why I do this.

Gabriel Munoz-Navia

program coordinator

“I am originally from La Paz, Bolivia”

I believe that the values of the company are closely in-line with my personal beliefs and I have a very large amount of respect for the ties between Carolina Common Enterprise and cooperative development in North and South Carolina. I think that by becoming closely allied with the community, CCE is able to better understand and serve their clientele.

Education and Training

Shaw University – B.S. in Business Management

Makes me proud

I am proud of the balance that I had between school, sports and as an intern for the past year for Carolina Common Enterprise. Being able to compete at the highest level on the sports that I love while aiding my School and gaining experience on cooperative development was a dream come true.

People would be surprised to know

I came to the United States with a soccer and tennis scholarship to aid my studies.

What I love about North Carolina!

I love the beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains. I am very grateful to everything that this great State has given me. It fulfilled me of opportunities, and it is an honor to call it a second home.

Impact

Being able to help communities with potential to development and maximize the impact through a Coop model is what motivates me. The idea of making positive contributions to the community with technical human support and with their desire to improve with the goal of make a change in the world is my reward. I dream on dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable economies, in which people live full lives, free from poverty or hunger.

Neha Malkar

2022 intern

“I have a specific interest in sustainable development, marketing, and management. In my free time, I enjoy going on nature hikes, traveling with my family, or volunteering at local events.”

I am currently a student pursuing a degree in Business Administration/Sustainability Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. I am dedicated to helping others and love learning through experiences. I am especially interested in the intersection of business with sustainability. CCE introduced me to the cooperative world and it has been a wonderful experience learning about the different business structures and communities across NC. When I’m not learning or working, I enjoy spending time in nature, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Education and Training

Pursuing a degree in Business Administration at UNC Chapel Hill

What I love about North Carolina!

I grew up here and haven’t lived anywhere else so NC is home to me! I especially love that we get to experience all four seasons here and have easy access to amazing beaches and mountains.