Jim Kelly Announces Candidacy for Ocean City Council, Member-at-Large, to Bring a New, Independent Voice to Local Government
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jim Kelly Announces Candidacy for Ocean City Council, Member-at-Large, to Bring a New, Independent Voice to Local Government
Ocean City, NJ — February 24, 2026 — Today, longtime Ocean City resident, business leader, and community volunteer Jim Kelly announced his candidacy for Ocean City Council, Member-at-Large, pledging to bring integrity, transparency, and sound business principles to local government.
A full-time Ocean City resident for more than 20 years, Jim said his decision to run is rooted in his deep connection to the community he and his family proudly call home.
“Ocean City isn’t just where I live — it’s where my wife and I chose to raise our family, where our sons grew up, went to school, and where we’ve all built lifelong friendships,” Jim said. “This community has given us so much. I’m running to give back and to help ensure Ocean City remains strong, family-friendly, and financially responsible for the next generation.”
With a 43-year career in executive leadership roles spanning finance, operations, development, and business strategy, Jim brings decades of private-sector experience in community building to his campaign. He currently serves as Vice President of Erickson Senior Living, where he has helped lead complex projects involving land use planning, zoning, financial oversight, and long-term strategic growth. His work has required collaboration with local officials, residents, and business leaders to develop solutions that strengthen communities.
“In my professional life, I’ve learned that the best outcomes come from bringing everyone to the table early, listening carefully, and working through differences in the open,” Jim said. “I’ve led projects where residents, local officials, and private stakeholders didn’t always agree at the start — but by focusing on data, dialogue, and long-term impact, we found solutions rooted in common ground. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to Ocean City.”
“I also believe government should be run with the same accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline that successful businesses rely on,” Jim said. “City decisions should be made in the open, with real public input and clear accountability. Public trust must be earned.”
Jim is actively involved in a number of local community initiatives. He currently serves on the Ocean City Boardwalk Subcommittee, which is in the process of reviewing data, gathering public input, and developing thoughtful, long-term recommendations for the future of the Boardwalk area. He was co-founder of Ocean City 2050, a grassroots organization focused on encouraging transparency, civic engagement, and respectful public dialogue. Upon announcing his candidacy, Jim formally stepped away from any leadership role with Ocean City 2050 to ensure a clear and complete separation between the organization and his campaign. He has also served in environmental and community leadership roles throughout his career, including as Past President of the Churchville Nature Center, and serves as a member of corporate sustainability and diversity councils.
“My involvement in Ocean City 2050 and the Boardwalk Subcommittee has reinforced my belief that when residents are informed and invited into the conversation, governments make better decisions. Transparency and engagement aren’t optional. They’re essential to building trust and making decisions that truly serve the whole community.”
In launching his campaign, Jim emphasized three key priorities:
Fiscal Discipline — ensuring responsible long-term financial planning, clear reporting, and open discussion of city finances.
Smart, Responsible Growth and Progress — encouraging thoughtful development that protects Ocean City’s character while supporting economic vitality.
Public Engagement and Transparency — fostering open dialogue, meaningful public participation, and accessible information about major city decisions.
Jim and his wife Donna have been married for nearly four decades and have two sons – both graduates of Ocean City High School and state surfing champions – and three grandchildren. Donna operates a local charitable thrift shop supporting domestic animals and wildlife, and Jim proudly notes that he serves as her “assistant and chief schlepper.” Most mornings at sunrise, he can be found surfing along the Ocean City shoreline.
Jim noted, “Ocean City doesn’t need more politics-as-usual — it needs steady, experienced leadership grounded in integrity. I bring decades of business experience building consensus among people with different viewpoints. I’m ready to apply that experience here at home — with transparency, discipline, and a commitment to listening.”
For more information, to volunteer, or to sign up for updates, visit www.kellyforcouncil.com.
Media Contact:
Glenn Giveans
Campaign Manager & Treasurer
Kelly for Council OCNJ
info@kellyforcouncil.com
Paid for by Candidate Jim Kelly, 809 Seacliff Rd. Ocean City, NJ 08226
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