(Dec. 19, 2019) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola, who stepped up to take the reins after a leadership upheaval last spring and signed a six-month contract in June, can now continue to lead the association’s financial and operational turnaround through June 2022.
The OPA Board of Directors agreed unanimously on Dec. 4 to extend Viola’s contact for 30-months, running from Dec. 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.
Commenting on the association’s continually improving financial picture, Viola said numerous departments have been instrumental in bolstering the bottom line.
“We’re getting things done and that’s a testament to the work that everyone is doing,” he said. “Across the board, from the marina to public works to rec and parks, aquatics and the yacht club, everyone is producing, and the numbers prove that.”
Following the ouster of former General Manager John Bailey in March, Viola appeared uniquely qualified to take over, at least as a stopgap measure, as both the acting OPA treasurer and previous budget and finance committee chairman.
“I believe my six years with the Budget and Finance Committee helped me get an understanding of not just how the finances work in Ocean Pines, but also how the process works, and how that also includes working with the board of directors,” he said.
When Viola took over as general manager, an emergency management team was formed with support provided by Colby Phillips, who was shortly promoted to Operations Director, along with Director of Finance Steve Phillips and Executive Secretary Michelle Bennett.
“Colby has been with the association for some time and worked her way up and proven herself,” he said. “She has stepped up to develop in other areas.”
Viola credited the partnership formed with Steve Phillips for the improved fiscal path.
“He shares my vision for the finance department,” he said. “The turnaround is also a credit to the work that he’s done and the team he’s put together in finance.”
Viola also intends to continue developing and training internal talent.

OPA General Manager John Viola

“Of course, continuing to work with the team that’s in place is a major reason I agreed to stay on,” he said.
Viola cited the value of forming work groups to capture the expertise of both association members and employees when pursuing improvement and capital projects.
“So far, it’s paid off in projects like the new golf clubhouse, using our experts in construction and project management to help us stay on budget,” he said. “It’s helped us with the compensation study, Northstar implementation, dredging and drainage, and many more initiatives and issues that arise.”
Looking toward the start of 2020, Viola said the next fiscal year budget, which begins May 1, is ahead of schedule with a draft version likely on track before the end of this month.
“We believe we’re moving in the right direction, bringing in several major projects on time and on budget and … have a solid budget draft that’s going to help continue our success into the next fiscal year,” he said. “The team continues to operate on all cylinders, and I hope we will continue to deliver for Ocean Pines.”