(Dec. 2, 2021) Leadership changes are coming in Ocean Pines after General Manager John Viola announced his resignation from the Ocean Pines Association’s top post on Wednesday.

Association President Larry Perrone issued a statement on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.

“John decided to resign to begin his well-deserved retirement,” Perrone said.

Viola took the reins on an interim basis in March 2019 following the departure of former General Manager John Bailey.

After inking a six-month contract that June, in Dec. 2019 the board of directors voted unanimously to extend the agreement for 30 more months.

Viola’s employment contract was slated to run through June 30, 2022.

In a statement Perrone said the Board of Directors is appreciative of Viola’s contributions.

“Notably, as the general manager, John assembled a highly effective management team and oversaw the stabilization of the OPA’s finances and recent strong economic performance,” he said.

Perrone said Viola would remain on the job until Feb. 28, while also noting the board would launch a search process for replacement candidates.

The board has scheduled a special meeting on the issue today at 9 a.m.