When Pete Madden moved to Ocean City full-time in 2004 in his late 20s, he wasn’t thinking about hospital donations or civic service. Like many young professionals, he was focused on growing his career in real estate and raising his family. But it didn’t take long for him to realize that a strong community doesn’t just happen—it takes people willing to step up.
“I quickly learned if you want your community to be great, you have to be a part of it,” says Pete, now 47. “You can’t sit on the sidelines and expect everything to take care of itself.”
That belief led him to get involved wherever he saw a need. He first volunteered as a crew coach, drawing on his own experience as a rower. Then, as his kids entered public school, he ran for school board.
“I grew up going to Catholic school, so when my kids started in the public school system, it was a new experience for me,” Pete says. “But instead of standing back, I chose to get involved and learn. I saw it as a way to contribute and support the schools that were shaping my children’s future.”
Pete’s civic engagement didn’t stop there. He later joined Ocean City Council, where he now serves as Council President. He’s also president of the Ocean City Board of Realtors and the Ocean City Education Foundation. His focus has always been the same: help where you can, and lead by example.
That same mindset is what inspired Pete to begin supporting Shore Medical Center in 2010, after a conversation with his mentor, longtime Shore board member Scott Halliday. Pete joined the Stainton Society, Shore’s annual giving society for donors contributing $500 or more per year, and has continued to grow his involvement ever since. In 2018, he joined the Lightkeeper’s Society and he’s also on Shore’s Planned Giving & Development committee.
“Every gift helps, but for many people, the Stainton Society is attainable,” Pete says. “If you can make a small sacrifice of $500 over the course of a year—about $40 a month—that support helps ensure Shore can care for all of us when we need it most.”
Three of Pete’s four children were born at Shore, and he says the care his family received was exceptional. But his support goes beyond personal experience—it’s about keeping Shore strong for the entire community.
“You want a hospital that’s at the top of its game when people need it,” he says. “And it doesn’t just happen. It takes community support—just like good schools or safe neighborhoods.”
Pete believes there’s a role for everyone in building a stronger community. If you can’t give financially, he says, volunteer your time. Show up. Ask where you can help.
“Schools and hospitals are always being asked to do more with less,” Pete says. “Whether it’s education, healthcare, or local government, it takes a village. And if I’m in a position to help, I’m going to help. It’s the right thing to do.”
Through Shore, Pete has found one more way to give back—and one more way to lead.
“Giving back doesn’t have to be huge,” he says. “It just starts with showing up.”
