John Lathamhas submitted his name as a candidate for the upcoming OPA board of directors’ elections in August. It is expected that there will be three seats open this year.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(May 11, 2023) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors election is beginning to take shape, although just two candidates are vying for one of three seats up for grabs this summer.

So far, John Latham, 59, and Elaine Brady are the only two candidates in the race to fill vacancies created by the departures of Directors Doug Parks and Colette Horn because of term limits, and Director Frank Daly, who is moving to Florida.

Latham threw his hat into the ring last month, following Elaine Brady, who filed her candidacy a month earlier. The deadline to file for election is next Monday.

“I have been a homeowner in Ocean Pines since 2013,” Latham said last week. “In 2021, my wife and I decided to make Ocean Pines our full-time residence, as we love everything about the community.”

They previously resided in Pasadena, Maryland.

“I have been a volunteer for 20 plus years and knew I wanted to continue my passion for service in my community. I am the current president of the Marina Village Condominium Association which allows me to utilize my business and leadership skills to help control costs for our owners and make sure we address the safety, aesthetics and value of our properties.

 “I also serve on the OPA Marine Activities Advisory Committee and assisted in recommending the upgrades at the Mumford’s boat ramp last year which resulted in much needed improvements to the ramp pier.”

Latham said he planned to continue to seek solutions to provide ramp use for both residents and non-residents and to see that fee structures are effective.

Latham said if he is elected his focus would be on OP’s finances to ensure the community has proper reserves to address road, drainage and other major projects.

As Latham sees it, it will be important to monitor the Route 90 bridge project and the Route 589 expansion to ensure the community has appropriate input.

He also prioritizes safety, fire and police protection.

“If elected, my goal will be to help make our community even better. I will use my business background in leadership, communications, and financial acumen to help drive the decisions on important issues that are in the best interest of the Ocean Pines community.”

Latham is a United States Marine Corps veteran and has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in Business Management Studies from the University of Maryland, University College.

He currently works full time as the vice president of indirect and fleet GPO sales at Corcentric, LLC, a national procurement and financial automation consulting company.