Yesterday, I was let go from my position as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Ocean Pines Association, a job I have held since April 2019. It was unexpected and unexplained. To say it came as a shock is an understatement.

By all evidence, I was successful in the position. Over the last five years, I raised departmental revenues to record levels while cutting expenses. I recently secured a major sponsorship – a first for Ocean Pines – and was working toward securing a second. My employee evaluation scores increased every year, and engagement on all platforms was through the roof.

Under my lead, the department made the quarterly newsletter profitable for the first time ever, started a podcast from scratch and made it profitable within months, launched a revamped website, and leveraged new technology to elevate the Association’s public presence.

I’m grateful to the team I had around me, especially Nancy MacCubbin, who anchored my department. Her skill, hard work, and innovation were invaluable, allowing me to focus on special projects and new ways to grow revenue and engagement. I’m also grateful to the staff, especially Eddie Wells, Nobie Violante, Billie and Lisa, and everyone at Public Works who made that office feel like home.

To my fellow department heads – Debbie, Terry, Steve, Tim, Michelle, Bob, and Linda – you were all amazing to work with and it was a pleasure to collaborate with each of you.

More than anything, I’m grateful that I had the chance to tell stories about the Ocean Pines community. So many wonderful, generous people volunteered their time and talent to make this place better. I loved working with the Veterans Memorial Foundation, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Worcester County Tourism, the Local Improvement Health Coalition, and all the caring, engaged people who make this community so special.

Thank you to my local media partners – Tom, Joe, Stewart, Steve, and everyone else. I value your friendship and truly enjoyed working with you in this role.

I don’t know what’s next, but I’m eager to find out, to say the least! If you have any job leads, please reach out anytime: 443-366-1844. Thank you.