Janice Corkery of Middle Township is Cape May MAC's Director of Visitor Services and Special Events. She has a bachelor of arts degree in literacy and two decades of management experience. Janice is the bright, smiling face you see when you enter Hill House at the Emlen Physick Estate, to ask a question, purchase a ticket, or grab a brochure.
She started at Cape May MAC 15 years ago after a brief hiatus from working, to adopt and raise her two oldest children. When the kids were settled, she returned to work and found Cape May MAC.
"I started out as Director of Visitor Services and added the Special Events position 18 months later," she said. "After successful careers in restaurants and retail, I thought I wanted a desk job. After getting the Director of Visitor Services position, which was mostly in the office, I realized I need more on my plate, more activity. Since I was already familiar with all of Cape May MAC's special events, since I had to describe them and sell them to people, setting up and managing the events was a task I wanted."
Janice hasn't looked back since, and in fact, has happily added more to her full plate. She now oversees the management of the annual Cape May Music Festival.
With the COVID-19 virus keeping people at home, Janice has had an increased work load, both at home and for work.
"I am different than most staff members at Cape May MAC," she said. "I am currently raising my 5-year-old and 19-month-old grandsons with my husband. Not only have I had to manage video conference calls and teach Pre-K, I have had to do so while staying on top of quite a busy work flow. Keeping on top of all the changes in tours and events can be quite a handful, since they are constantly changing (right now) as we get new information."
If you haven't guessed, Janice is a bundle of energy and a magnet for anyone who walks through her door. Up at 5 a.m., she starts her day with a weights workout at home, now that her gym is temporarily closed.
"I've had this schedule for 10 years," she said. "I have to do it. It starts my day and gives me the energy to tackle everything I have to do."
Janice finds great joy in her work and her staff.
"I love my staff! I can’t say it enough. I love my co-workers, too. We have chosen to work for a non-profit, usually at a reduced salary, in order to give back to our community. We appreciate what makes Cape May MAC unique and go out of our way to support the organization. I really haven’t faced many challenges. I am adaptable. Perhaps that is because I am a middle child, who knows!"
