Latest News – September 5, 2006

Ferry Beach Welcomes Ed Mann as Our New Operations Director

He has all the skills we are looking for and then some, plus all the intangibles that are so hard to find. Ed's work experiences include Director of Information Technology for Shriners Hospitals for Children, Operations Manager of Innovative Business Systems, and RE Program Assistant for the UU Society of Greater Springfield. Ed worked with us as Grove Manager for the past two summers and his skills with logistics, people and computers are well proven. Ed began serving Ferry Beach in his new role on September 5, 2006.

Hello, my name is Ed Mann. I am 40 years old and the husband of the famous Anne Mann, as well as father to Abby (age 15) and Mikey (age 14), who are also very famous. I was raised Catholic but as a young adult found myself seeking a more personal theology and a broader framework for spiritual mystery. Anne has a similar background; thus we were led to the UU Society of Greater Springfield (UUSGS), where we have been active members for nearly 15 years. We have found a true family home in the UU movement.

I have worn many career hats. After college I managed a locally owned specialty furniture store for several years. Almost by accident, I became caught up in the Information Technology revolution of the 1990’s, serving first as the Operations Manager for an upstart computer services company for three years and then as the Director of Information Technology for a Western Massachusetts hospital for nearly 10 years. In 2003 I left the professional IT world to be a stay-at-home dad and to homeschool Abby and Mikey while Anne accelerated her career as a full time DRE. As of late, I am working three days a week as an IT consultant and two days a week as the RE Program Assistant at UUSGS. These positions are ideal because they allow me the flexibility to disappear for the summer so I can be on staff at the beach.

I have a variety of interests, including: guitar playing, weightlifting, following the Red Sox, reading (just about anything will do), sustainable living practices, playing with technological gadgetry, and music. With me, interests sometimes lay dormant for years and then get dusted off and enjoyed again, so this is an ever changing list.

I was introduced to Ferry Beach by Anne, who “volunteered” us as Different Drummers staff some 11 years ago. I went kicking and screaming but once I got a taste of the beach I was captivated by its magic. I’ve been an avid and active Ferry Beacher ever since, having served as conference staff, a Ferry Beach volunteer, and the Grove Manager. I’ve also done my share of vacationing, playing and growing here! I have undergone tremendous personal transformation thanks in no small part to Ferry Beach. When I first came to the beach I was in many ways closed, stagnated and fearful. Over time I have really opened up to the wonder and possibility in this world. I feel that my relationship with Ferry Beach began as a one-way flow, with me taking most of the energy out. As I have grown and matured (and fallen in love with this place) that energy exchange has become two-way. I now strive to stay balanced as both a steward of the beach and a recipient of its spiritual nourishment. As a couple, Anne and I felt compelled to become Life Members of FBPA in 2001 so we could formalize our desire to “give back to the beach”.

When the position of Operations Director first became available I knew it was perfect for me because I could utilize my extensive background in operations management to benefit a place that I love and want to spend more time at. Anne and I have always had a desire to try living in southern Maine, especially on or near the coast. We both vacationed on the southern coast as children. A couple of times we’ve come close to buying a second home in the area, though this never quite worked out. With this new job opportunity, we’re really looking forward to finally living in Maine.

Serving as Operations Director is in many ways the next step on this continuum of giving back to Ferry Beach. I am honored to be called to the position and I look forward to working with everyone, especially conferees and members. I intend to use my time and talents to help make sure that old and new Ferry Beachers alike have an experience that exceeds their every expectation.