The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election results, announced Aug. 8, revealed incumbents Rick Far and Jeff Heavner successfully defended their seats, and at a special meeting Monday, the results were validated.
Ocean Pines Association board of directors members Jeff Heavner and Rick Farr toast to celebrate re-election to new three-year terms after the ballots were counted in the board election last week.
Photo courtesy Ocean Pines Association
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election results, announced Thursday, Aug. 8, revealed incumbents Rick Far and Jeff Heavner successfully defended their seats. The victors will serve three-year terms.
Farr, who acts as the body’s president, pulled 1,933 votes. Heavner secured 1,898. Challengers Amy Peck, obtaining 1,270; Sherrie Clifford, who garnered 936; and Jerry Murphy, procuring 293, fell short of capturing enough ballots to earn a position on the seven-person governing body.
“Serving the Ocean Pines community is a deeply rewarding experience that has brought me a sense of joy, fulfillment, and purpose,” Farr said. “…Simply lending a helping hand when needed is my contribution that makes a real difference and leaves a lasting impact on those I serve in our community.”
Farr, whose initial term began in August 2021, was appointed president around a year ago. He said he would remain as the group’s leader until the election of officers in September. The board will then decide who fills the executive positions.
Heavner was first elected to the Board of Directors in 2023 to finish the last segment of a three-year term vacated by Frank Daly.
“It is a gift to give back,” he said. “Any amount of time is generous.”
The pair look forward to furthering their priorities. Farr and Heavner said that their primary concerns remain constructing the new South Station for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, which inches closer as the two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July to hash out each party’s wants and needs, renovating the racquet sports center building, extending Matt Ortt’s food and beverage contract, continuing the golf course irrigation project, and ensuring the new Veteran Memorial Pavilion is completed by November.
Heavner added that community-wide beautification is also at the top of his list.
“I look forward to continuing this board’s approach in setting policy and wisely approving spending to focus on our community-affirmed strategic pillars of quality, governance, exceptional safety, top-tier amenities, disciplined infrastructure maintenance, and admired community appearance,” the director said.
The election winners believe their backgrounds have prepared them to represent the neighborhood effectively.
Farr grew up in Bowie and served 20 years in the United States Air Force. During his military career, he participated in combat operations like Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Southern Watch. He is a five-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal and Citation for Valor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The OPA official is also the chief human resource Officer for the Town of Easton and serves on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation committee.
“I believe the membership trusted my leadership and passion by delivering on the promises made that have enhanced our Ocean Pines community,” Farr said in reference to the election results.
“I have demonstrated open and honest communication in raising awareness about important issues that affect Ocean Pines community, promote local events within our community, and support community engagement,” he continued.
Heavner has developed similar strengths.
He spent his summers working in Ocean City before attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. As an intelligence officer, he served aboard the USS Midway to protect Arabian Sea global shipping lanes.
Heavner also managed for three decades in a range of positions at ExxonMobil and served on a leadership team that “directed the safest and most prosperous $3 billion lubricant business.”
“I have demonstrated that I can work with others to protect and enhance our valued way of life,” he said. “I am even better prepared to serve this community after a year on the Board.”
The results were verified at a special board meeting on Monday, August 12. Election Committee Chair Steve Ransdell said the number of ballots cast was “the highest we have ever had.”
Of the votes counted, 27.7% were completed online.
“A large and growing portion of our membership likes the online voting option,” Ransdell said. “Online voting saves the association money because it saves on paper and postage.”
OPA Board of Directors Secretary John Latham expressed his gratitude to the election committee at the annual meeting on Saturday, August 10.
“I just want everyone to know that this thing doesn’t happen in the backroom,” he said. “There are many moving parts, and we feel it was a very successful election.”
The secretary also acknowledged the current committee members, Cheryl Jacobs, Fred Robinson, Patrick Lehnerd, and Ken Petrini, and the outgoing group of former Chairperson Tom Piatti and members George Alston, Tom Schwartz, and Nanci Osborne who departed before the election.
The election team will meet in the next few weeks to rehash what went well and what can be approved in future races.
Farr and Heavner’s terms will expire in August of 2027.
“I believe that together, and working in partnership with our General Manager, we can continue to achieve great things and make a meaningful impact on the lives of all Ocean Pines residents,” the president said in a letter to the community. “I remain dedicated to listening to your voices, advocating for your interests, and working collaboratively to build a stronger community.”