News

Opportunity to serve the Ocean Pines community

A commentary by Ocean Pines Association Vice President, Steve Tuttle:

Every summer, there is an election of people to the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors. This year, there are currently three candidates for the two open positions on the Board. 

The By-Laws of the Ocean Pines Association requires that, “if the number of candidates on the list submitted to the Elections Committee is less than two more than the number of vacancies to be filled, the Board of Directors shall attempt to solicit sufficient candidates to bring the total number to at least two more than the number of vacancies to be filled.” 

Further, “the additional candidates’ applications shall be submitted to the [Association] Secretary before the ballots are submitted for printing.” This year, the election materials must be submitted to the Secretary by Friday, July 3. 

What does this all mean? 

There is an opportunity for additional candidates to run for a position on the OPA Board.  Applications can be downloaded from the OPA website via this link: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/board-of-directors.   

Scroll to the very bottom of the page, and there is a link that gives a brief summary of Board responsibilities and the form to be completed. The completed form should be delivered to Senior Executive Secretary Michelle Bennett at the Administration Building, no later than the close of business on July 3. It can be mailed, hand delivered or emailed. 

Why would you run for the Board? Great question. As I near completion of my second year of a three-year term on the Board, let me share a few reasons why serving on the Board is an opportunity and a challenge. 

The seven-member Board manages the affairs and business of the Association. As a member of the Board, you have an opportunity to serve the people of Ocean Pines. Over the last two years, it has been my privilege to serve as Vice President of your Association. For me, this has meant regular meetings with the Board President and the General Manager.   

Further, I have had the opportunity to support the General Manager in the completion or near completion of three major building projects approved by the Board. My education in Civil Engineering was particularly applicable over the design and build phase of these projects. Each Board member brings particular expertise that enhances the work of the Board. 

Serving on the OPA Board is also a challenge. As a Board member, I have been faced with some tough decisions. These have involved expenditures of substantial amount of Association money, which I can assure you are not entered into lightly by your Board.  

During the past two years, the Board also faced replacement of the General Manager, after a short period of an Interim Management Team. Other involvement includes monthly meetings, special board meetings, and lots of emails and communication with residents of Ocean Pines. 

Finally, three aspects of serving on the Board that have been most gratifying are: 

The opportunity to hear from and respond to many residents of Ocean Pines about your concerns and occasionally your affirmation of your Board. 

As liaison to the Elections Committee and the Architectural Review Committee, the opportunity to serve alongside great folks who volunteer on these committees. 

The amazing staff who work tirelessly on behalf of our Association, often behind the scenes, but with dedication and commitment to excellence in their areas of responsibilities. 

So, please consider running for your Association Board!