The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Dave Winslow its 2026 Citizen of the Year, recognizing his decades of community service, civic leadership and dedication to Ocean City.
Winslow will be honored at the chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Business and Beautification Awards Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Ocean City Yacht Club.
Ocean City has been part of Winslow’s life since 1954, and he has called it home permanently since 1977. His commitment to the community spans generations, from volunteering with local youth organizations and serving on the Board of Education to leadership roles in civic organizations and local government.
A longtime fixture of Ocean City’s beloved Night in Venice boat parade, Winslow joined the committee in 1983 and became chairman in 1985, a role he has held for most of the years since.
Since joining City Council in 2023, Winslow has continued his public service and now serves as vice president. In 2024, he received the chamber’s Outstanding Contribution to Community Service Award.
Winslow also brings a distinguished professional background in hospitality and human resources, including service as vice president of human resources for Genting USA. He has taught at Rutgers University and developed a pro bono leadership program for local business leaders.
Despite his many professional and civic accomplishments, family remains central to Winslow’s life. He and his wife, Kathleen, have been married for 46 years and raised three sons in Ocean City. All three graduated from Ocean City High School and became Eagle Scouts. The couple are also proud grandparents.
“Dave Winslow is truly deserving of this recognition. His decades of dedication to Ocean City, his leadership and his commitment to preserving the traditions that make our community special are an inspiration,” Chamber President Patrick McMahon said. “Dave’s contributions have made a lasting impact on Ocean City, and we are proud to honor him as our 2026 Citizen of the Year.”
2026 Business and Beautification Awards
Outstanding New Business
Golden Hour
Kyma
Chop Wave
Business Renovation/Improvement
OC Medical
Compass Vanderslice Group
Payton Jewelry, Asbury Avenue
Outstanding Landscaping/Signage
Nuss Dwyer Real Estate Group/Provident Legacy
Bennie’s Bread, 55th Street
Aqua Turf and Ulmer’s Appliances
New Construction
Duncan Homes, 201 West Avenue
Ocean City Police Sub-Station
Island Creamery
Best Website/Use of Technology
OC Bikes
City of Ocean City Parking App
Health and Wellness
Fuel and Flow by Frankie
Salt + Core
Outstanding Service to the Community — Nonprofit
American Cancer Society
Outstanding Service to the Community
Nick Marotta
Anniversary Recognition
Miss Sea Shores Cleaning — 10 years
Monkey Bread — 25 years
Avalon Flooring — 65 years
Brown’s — 50 years
South Jersey Linens — 10 years
A La Mode — 50 years
Stainton’s by the Sea — 5 years
Bookateria Two — 50 years
For dinner reservations or to congratulate the winners in the 2026 program book, contact the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce at 609-399-1412 or info@oceancitychamber.com.
