Ocean City Housing Authority honors its former "rock star"

Now-retired Executive Director Jacqueline Jones was credited with the agency's turnaround after taking over.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Ocean City Housing Authority said a fond farewell to its former executive director, Jacqueline Jones, during a retirement ceremony that honored her for reforming what had been a troubled agency plagued by financial and operating difficulties. Jones took charge in 2017 after her predecessor was removed for embezzling federal housing funds, and in just one year, she was credited with stabilizing the authority's finances and management.

Why it matters

The Ocean City Housing Authority was facing significant organizational challenges prior to Jones' arrival, including an embezzlement scandal involving the previous executive director. Jones' leadership and efforts were credited with turning the agency around and restoring public confidence, positioning it for long-term success.

The details

Under Jones' leadership, the authority pursued a strategy of replacing outdated, flood-prone housing developments with new affordable housing complexes that blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods. This included the nearly $7 million Speitel Commons senior housing complex and the upcoming 60-unit Pecks Beach Village affordable housing development.

  • Jones took charge as executive director in 2017.
  • In 2021, the authority built the Speitel Commons senior housing complex.
  • The authority recently started construction on the Pecks Beach Village affordable housing development in 2024, with an expected completion in 2027.

The players

Jacqueline Jones

The former executive director of the Ocean City Housing Authority who was credited with stabilizing the agency's finances and management following a period of significant organizational challenges.

Alesia Watson

The former executive director of the Ocean City Housing Authority who was removed from her position in 2017 after admitting to embezzling federal housing funds to pay for personal expenses.

Ron Miller

The new executive director of the Ocean City Housing Authority, who previously worked as a senior member of Jacqueline Jones' staff.

Bob Barr

The chairman of the Ocean City Housing Authority, who introduced Jacqueline Jones as a "rock star" when she took over in 2017.

Jay Gillian

The mayor of Ocean City, who presented Jacqueline Jones with a ceremonial piece of the Boardwalk as a memento of her work in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I think that's an appropriate way to close this out. You are a rock star.”

— Bob Barr, Chairman, Ocean City Housing Authority (Ocean City Daily)

“I don't know if the Ocean City Housing Authority would be here today if it wasn't for you. The work you and your team put in saved this authority. We are indebted to you.”

— Bob Barr, Chairman, Ocean City Housing Authority (Ocean City Daily)

“Jackie, you set each authority you served up for success. The residents you helped, the cities and boroughs you served, and the staff who worked under your leadership all recognize what a truly unique and capable leader you are.”

— Ron Miller, New Executive Director, Ocean City Housing Authority (Ocean City Daily)

“You didn't just manage housing authorities. You strengthened communities. You didn't just supervise staff. You developed leaders. And you didn't just hold a position. You carried a responsibility that you honored every single day.”

— Ron Miller, New Executive Director, Ocean City Housing Authority (Ocean City Daily)

What’s next

The authority will continue to work on the Pecks Beach Village affordable housing development, with an expected completion in 2027.

The takeaway

Jacqueline Jones' leadership and efforts to reform the troubled Ocean City Housing Authority serve as a model for how public housing agencies can turn around and become successful, community-focused organizations that provide affordable housing options and support for residents.