News Release

Mike DeMaria Joins Town as Beach Operations Manager

March 23, 2023

The Town of Hilton Head Island is pleased to announce that Mike DeMaria has joined the Town as its Beach Operations Manager.

"Mike comes to us with a wide range of management skills that will help us create and sustain pleasant experiences for everyone who visits Island beaches and beach parks. We are excited to have Mike in this highly visible role interacting with the public and building upon the work we've been doing along our beach," said Bryan McIlwee, Assistant Community Development Director.

As Beach Operations Manager, Mike will lead the beach operations team, ensuring the Town maintains the safe, welcoming, inclusive, and environmentally responsible beach access and services that have helped the Island earn national acclaim in Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines. "I'm excited to hit the sand running and get geared up for this coming beach season. I welcome the opportunity to use my experiences to serve the public and help Island residents and visitors enjoy our natural asset," DeMaria said.

Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in sports, recreation, and athletic club management in the healthcare, private club, and community association industries. He has held management positions with the Colleton River Club in Bluffton, McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, and his own sports medicine and sports training business in Hilton Head Island. He has also managed athletic clubs in Cary, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida, and directed health and fitness for a medical center in Newport News, Virginia. Most recently, he was Director of Sports and Recreation for the Oldfield Club in Okatie, where he managed all aspects of sports clubs, recreation, equestrian center, wellness, café, aquatic centers, racquet sports, housekeeping, and facility maintenance.

Before his sports and health fitness career, Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports management from Christopher Newport University in Newport News. In addition, he earned certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

Mike's best advice for beachgoers is to wear sunscreen to protect your skin and, if staying in beachfront homes or villas, turn out lights at night to protect sea turtles during their nesting season. When he's not roaming the beach, Mike spends time with his family and enjoys golfing, boating, surfing, hiking, and being outdoors. Mike can be reached at MikeD@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.