Being asked to come back major factor in his decision

By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer

Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola

John Viola isn’t going anywhere.

On July 1, the Ocean Pines Association announced that they had agreed on a two-year contract with its general manager that includes an option for a third year.

In a press release issued that day, OPA President Colette Horn said the association interviewed other “very qualified candidates” while maintaining a line of communication with Viola. Ultimately the board of directors allowed Horn to negotiate the extension with Viola.

One of the reasons Viola decided to come back, he said, was simply being wanted back.

“Throughout my four years, I’ve never turned down a constructive board majority. Six of seven (directors) came to me as well as five of the six (director) candidates told me they wanted me to stay on, as well as many others (in the community).”

Viola said there is plenty of work to be done in the second half of 2022. His goals, he said, are to continue improving drainage around the community, putting the amenities in a balanced position, the bulkhead projects and replacing mailboxes around the community, which is slated to begin next week.

Earlier this week, Horn praised the work Viola has done in Ocean Pines thus far.

“He’s certainly proven his ability to be a successful leader,” she said. Financially, developing his staff, working with the board. He’s result-oriented and he’s shown that. I’d like to continue the success that we’ve seen.”

“I’m delighted to see that we were able to negotiate that agreement with him.”

The OPA brought on Viola in 2019 in the wake of a forensic audit of the association’s ledgers that had left it in dire straits financially. The association’s treasurer immediately before his ascension, Viola was originally inked as an interim replacement for former General Manager John Bailey, whom the association ousted amid the monetary mayhem consuming the association.

Under Viola, the OPA’s finances rapidly approved, making a continued partnership a sensible move in the eyes of the association’s leadership.

No other details on the contract were available at the time of the announcement.

This story appears in the print version of the Bayside Gazette on July 7, 2022.