A Conversation with Jody Alessandrine, director, CEO at Cape May MAC
Coastal Conversations with Alanna Stoloff
Cape May runs on a rare kind of magic: gingerbread homes, quaint lampposts, cobblestone streets and history that refuses to fade. At the helm of the organization charged with protecting all of it is Joseph J. Alessandrine Jr., known to nearly everyone simply as Jody. As director and CEO of Cape May Museums, Arts and Culture (Cape May MAC), he oversees the historic sites, museums and cultural programs that keep the town’s story alive. In this Coastal Conversation, Jody opens up about his path to leadership, the moments that have made the work worthwhile, and his vision for what comes next.
AS: What inspired you to step into the role of CEO at Cape May MAC, and how did your background in public service and tourism prepare you for it?
JA: My wife and I had been members of Cape May MAC, on and off, for the better part of 25 years. The Christmas Candlelight Tour was an annual part of our holiday each season. I knew my predecessor, having been involved in historic preservation efforts and having been appointed to the New Jersey Historic Trust, so I had a pretty good idea of the organization, its history, and its relevance from both preservation and cultural tourism-driver perspectives. Public service helped in understanding hierarchies and who to contact to get attention and things done. But my experience in other nonprofits, especially serving as the Executive Director of two special improvement districts, were perhaps the most transferable.
AS: What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your role so far?
JA: Fortunately, there have been several. Traditionally, Cape May MAC had to borrow $350,000 at the start of each year, as well as take loans out from board members and other locals, just to make payroll until the summer season kicked in. Thankfully, we no longer have to borrow. Our endowments for specific historic sites we manage are collectively five times healthier than they were. We’ve conducted two economic impact studies, and the latest found that Cape May MAC contributes $ 204.1 million annually to the local economy. One would be hard-pressed to find any other nonprofit with such a profound effect on local businesses, property ownership and even local government. Finally, we’ve installed an HVAC system in the Physick House Museum, as well as a fire suppression system in the basement.
AS: How do you approach preserving Cape May’s history while also keeping it relevant for future generations?
JA: Over 80% of Cape May’s visitors are repeat visitors, so we change the Physick House Museum tour script each year to keep it fresh. Our Museum Education division offers mostly free programming for learners of all ages, and school students and scouts from the three local counties can visit the Physick House Museum, Cape May Lighthouse and World War II Lookout Tower for free. We recognize that we need to be part of young people’s present, for Cape May MAC to be part of their future.
AS: What are some goals or visions you have for Cape May MAC moving forward?
JA: In 2020, the NJ Historic Trust suggested we do a Historic Site Management Plan to best interpret the entire estate, including the nine original outbuildings. So, we did, and we’re about to embark on a phased plan to get our staff out of the historic outbuildings, interpret them more and open them to the public, in a sense creating Cape May’s version of Mt. Vernon. This year, we’re doing our first major capital project for the World War II Tower and applying for federal funding to restore the Cape May Lighthouse. We’re grateful the city has partnered with us by bonding on our behalf, saving us hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest.
AS: How has your background as a city councilman shaped your leadership style, and what role does community engagement play in your work today?
JA: Being accessible and open to opinions you do not share to find common ground are probably the best examples that I’ve carried into all leadership roles subsequent to my public servant experience. Realizing it’s not about you, but those you serve — the 3,500 or so members of Cape May MAC and other donors whose generosity helps us fulfill our mission. I lead the Cultural Organizations Roundtable, a group of some 20 local nonprofits, and I’ve hosted elected officials to tour our three historic sites, emphasizing how Cape May MAC helps to make this area a great place to invest and live.
AS: Can you share a challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?
JA: Any executive can attest that daily challenges, some bigger than others, are part of leadership roles. I don’t think I can name just one from which disappointment led to a better understanding and a new way to address a similar situation. The old saying, “You learn something new every day,” is a truism.
AS: What does Cape May mean to you on a personal level?
JA: To our family, it has always been a special place, even before we moved to Cape May County 32 years ago. My wife and I were married here, and the Candlelight tour has been a tradition for over 30 years. Now, this is the seventh year I’ve had the privilege to serve, with the daily opportunity to make the nation’s only historic landmark city and first seaside resort what many of us believe is the best place in the state, even better.
AS: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in public service or nonprofit leadership?
JA: 1. In order for you to be successful, you need to have a good team in place; 2. Realize that to get results, it often takes compromise, as long as you don’t compromise your principles; 3. Always be accessible; 4. If you have thin skin, do something else.
From strengthening Cape May MAC’s financial foundation to expanding educational programming and historic preservation, Jody’s leadership reflects a commitment to serving both the community and future generations while ensuring Cape May’s unique history continues to thrive.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
