Two key Fernandina Beach leadership positions will be vacant this February.
Fernandina Beach Municipal Golf Course General Manager David DeMay and city Parks and Recreation Director Catherine Vorrasi are leaving their posts.
DeMay, 56, is leaving to join a golf company in South Florida.
"I wasn't looking (for a job). It's an opportunity that came out of the blue that I just couldn't turn down," he said.
DeMay said the city golf course had made great strides in course improvements and staffing during his short time in charge.
"The city golf course has a lot of great momentum going forward. It has a bright future," DeMay said. "We have a great staff in place. We purchased new golf carts, renovated the clubhouse banquet room and improved the conditions of the course."
DeMay said he will be leaving in two weeks.
In 2013, DeMay joined the Golf Club of Amelia Island and later became executive director. In December 2022, DeMay was named general manager of the city golf course. He succeeded Mike Cooney, who was GM following the city taking over operations from Billy Casper Golf.
During his brief tenure, DeMay earned praise from city commissioners and members of the Golf Course Advisory Board for improvements at the golf course.
“I would like to thank Mr. DeMay for the improvements he made to the City golf course during his tenure as the Golf Course General Manager and wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” said John Pelican, chair of the city's Golf Course Advisory Board.
Acting City Manager Charlie George said he has received verbal notice from Vorrasi that she is leaving.
Vorrasi, 41, joined the city in September 2022. She recently presided over the opening of the new Simmons Road Park nature walk. Vorrasi was charged with heading a department that was supervised by her predecessor Nan Voit for 25 years.
As director of Parks and Recreation, Vorrasi began with a series of public meetings to hear the needs of citizens regarding public recreational facilities. She oversaw installation of new fencing at the city's ball fields and other improvements.
Vorrasi did not respond to requests for comment.
She is a Coast Guard veteran and had previous experience in Bartow, Florida where she has served as the Director of Leisure Services for three years. Vorrasi has also served in similar positions in New Mexico and Arizona communities prior to Bartow.
Originally from Virginia, she has earned a bachelor’s degree (George Mason University) in Education, Health and Physical Education, and holds a master’s degree (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign) in Recreation, Sport & Tourism Management. She has also earned several professional credentials related to public service and parks and recreation.
Very sorry to see this news. As a citizen, I can say that Ms. Vorassi was great to work with.