Copy of City Marina to lose stellar manager with major projects in cue just months Away

Cathy Chapman

Cathy Chapman, who has received high praise for her management of the city's marina, has resigned her position with Oasis Marina effective Friday.

The departure comes just months before a major multi-million-dollar reconfiguration of the marina when the demolition of Brett's Waterway Cafe begins early next year followed by construction of a new bulkhead, dock expansion, relocation of fuel tanks and the replacement of an 85-foot-long gangway that collapsed during the 4th of July fireworks.

Chapman recently won high praise from members of the newly formed city Waterfront Advisory Board during discussions regarding renewal of the Oasis Marine management contract with the city. Although the board voted not to renew, they overwhelmingly agreed to retain Chapman as marina manager with the city taking over running the complex. The city commission nixed that recommendation due to the complex marina renovations planned for 2026.

According to an interview with Marina Life, Chapman said she has been at the marina "since 2013 with a brief time away after Hurricane Matthew in 2016."

Previously, she served in 2019 as an assistant project manager at Fernandina Beach for the city's docks rebuild project following damage caused by two hurricanes and as an accounts manager for the previous marina management company Westrec Marina Management. Chapman also served as the staff liaison for the City of Fernandina Beach Marina Advisory Board, which was disbanded this year. 

In her letter to City Manager Sarah Campbell, she wrote "I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had working with the City of Fernandina Beach.

"Since 2013, it has been my privilege to be part of the marina’s evolution- first with Westrec Marina Management, then directly with the City of Fernandina Beach working with Bronson Lamb during the marina rebuild, and most recently with Oasis Marinas.

"As a third-generation member of this community, I am committed to supporting a smooth transition. I have every confidence that Oasis Marinas will continue to lead with excellence and select a highly qualified, professional general manager to carry the City’s marina forward."

She is the city's representative on the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) with her term expiring on January 9, 2029. Her resignation notice is attached below.

CC Letter.pdf

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