NORTH BEACH, MD (September 17, 2025) — Michelle O. Crosby has been appointed to the North Beach Town Council to replace Paul Troncone, who left the position due to a family relocation outside town limits. The announcement came September 16 from town officials, with Crosby scheduled for a formal swearing-in during the council work session October 2. She will complete the remainder of the 2022-2026 term, which ends at the next municipal election.
The vacancy arose after Troncone’s resignation on July 17, marking the second council departure that year. Town leaders received applications from four residents who met the criteria in Subtitle 3, Section 19-302 of the North Beach Town Charter: residency in the town for at least six months prior to appointment, continuous residence through the term, age of at least 21, and status as a registered voter in North Beach. The council conducted interviews before selecting Crosby, whose background in public service and community organizations aligned with the town’s needs for collaborative governance.
Mayor Mike Benton expressed appreciation for the applicants in a statement. “The Town extends its gratitude to all residents who applied for the vacancy,” Benton said. “We were encouraged by the strong participation from our dedicated community members who stepped forward to help make a positive impact in North Beach. Each applicant was deeply committed to serving the wonderful residents of North Beach, and we are truly appreciative of their interest. We look forward to working with Ms. Crosby.”
Crosby, a 41-year-old resident of Sea Breeze Court in North Beach, emphasized partnership in local government upon her selection. “Town government is a partnership built on the vision and values of our community,” she said. “My goal is to be a supportive new partner to the council and residents, fostering openness, collaboration and a shared vision that will keep North Beach vibrant and welcoming for everyone.”
Her experience spans nonprofit leadership and community engagement across Southern Maryland. Crosby serves as treasurer for the All Saints Episcopal Church Women in Sunderland, vice president of the Burnt Oaks Homeowners Association, and secretary for the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance, a group founded in 2005 to promote minority-owned businesses through networking, policy advocacy, and resource access in Calvert County and beyond. As managing director of Crosby Consultants & Associates LLC, she conducts surveys, assessments, and data analysis for nonprofits, drawing on more than a decade of expertise. She also holds a Ph.D. candidacy in sociology with a focus on economic sociology.
Crosby has been active in fundraising for key Calvert County organizations, including the Calvert Concept Charitable Corporation, known as C4, where she previously served as executive director. Established in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, C4 addresses social injustices through workforce housing programs, reconciliation efforts, and pathways to home and business ownership to build generational wealth, particularly in underserved Southern Maryland communities. Additionally, she supports the Community Harvest Network, formerly End Hunger in Calvert County, a Huntingtown-based organization founded in 2009 that redistributes food from the Maryland Food Bank to pantries, soup kitchens, and backpack programs to combat food insecurity in the region. Her initiatives have strengthened family support systems and met local needs, from economic development to hunger relief.
Educationally, Crosby earned a Master of Arts in international science and technology policy, specializing in applied economics, from George Washington University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies, with a minor in violin performance, from American University. These credentials equip her to contribute informed perspectives on policy and community development.
In North Beach, a coastal town of about 2,200 residents at the northern end of Calvert County, the seven-member council handles essential functions like budgeting, zoning, public safety coordination, and tourism promotion along the Chesapeake Bay waterfront. Incorporated in 1910 after platting in 1900, the town boasts a diverse history tied to Bay recreation, with landmarks like the North Beach Museum preserving artifacts from its early 20th-century resort era. Positioned as the “Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay,” North Beach emphasizes vibrant community events, small business support, and environmental stewardship, drawing visitors for its boardwalk, fishing pier, and seasonal festivals. The council’s role remains crucial in a town where local decisions directly affect quality of life, from maintaining the 1.5-mile beach to managing growth amid Calvert County’s population of 92,525.
Crosby’s appointment follows a deliberate process outlined in the town charter, ensuring qualified local voices guide decisions. Monthly council meetings, held at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, cover topics from infrastructure repairs to recreational programming. Residents can access agendas and minutes on the town’s website. Her term aligns with ongoing priorities, such as enhancing tourism and supporting nonprofit partnerships that bolster Southern Maryland’s social fabric.
This selection reflects North Beach’s commitment to inclusive governance in a community where volunteerism drives progress. As one of two incorporated towns in Calvert County, alongside Chesapeake Beach, North Beach navigates challenges like coastal erosion and economic diversification while preserving its welcoming atmosphere. Crosby’s focus on collaboration positions her to contribute to these efforts, helping sustain the town’s appeal as a Bayfront gem for generations of residents and visitors.
