Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association names Bob Sahasaylo new Executive Director

Steve Tecco, President of the GWHMA, greets Bob Sahasaylo, the association's new Executive Director

At the dawn of a new season, the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association (GWHMA) is charting a course for its future with the hiring of an accomplished local businessman who specializes in digital media.

Earlier this week, the organization named Bob Sahasaylo as its new Executive Director. He takes over for Tammy Davis, who will remain with the association after serving as director for several years.

“Bob exudes passion for the Wildwoods that’s contagious,” said Steve Tecco, President of the GWHMA and owner of the Armada By-The-Sea. “His love for and knowledge of our resort destination makes him an ideal choice to assume the role of Executive Director of the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association.”

Added Jim Johnson, GWHMA Treasurer and co-owner of the Imperial 500 Motel: "We look forward to working with Bob and feel he is going to bring a much needed breath of fresh air to our organization."

Sahasaylo comes to the GWHMA with a well-rounded background in digital marketing and social media management. He is perhaps best known locally for producing and distributing the popular Boardwalk Bucks coupon books in the Wildwoods since 2001.

In 2017, Sahasaylo was presented with the Young Professionals Award for his work with the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, which also earned him a joint legislative commendation from the State of New Jersey and a certificate of special recognition from the U.S. Congress.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sahasaylo (friends and locals call him “Bob Silo”) cherishes the memories of his childhood vacations in the Wildwoods, his family visiting for a few weeks every summer since 1981. About 10 years ago, he and his family decided to become year-round residents of the island.

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and look forward to helping our members improve the family vacation experience for all guests staying at a hotel or motel in the Wildwoods,” he said.

In his new role, Sahasaylo will oversee various aspects of the association’s operation, including marketing and promotion of member businesses, management of the Wildwoods Welcome Center and Doo Wop Museum, and special events coordination. 

Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in the GWHMA’s stated mission of promoting the Wildwoods as “the Great American Shore Experience.”

The Wildwoods Welcome Center at 1 Rt 47 South serves as the association’s headquarters and is fully staffed during the season to provide island guests with up-to-date vacation information. The Doo Wop Museum, located at Ocean & Montgomery Avenues (directly across from the Boardwalk and Wildwoods Convention Center) offers a step back in time in tribute to the island’s “Doo Wop” spirit and architectural heritage.

“While I expect most aspects of the Wildwoods Welcome Center and Doo Wop Museum to stay the same, you will start to see more digital marketing, social events and a few QR codes for guests to scan and receive information about the Wildwoods,” Sahasaylo explained.

“We also currently host three excellent events that are planned for the upcoming season: the Spring Classic Car the Show, the Fall Classic Car Show and the Monsters on the Beach truck races at the end of September. Our goal is to add one or two more shoulder season events in the near future.”

"Bob is the new young blood we have been feverishly looking for to be involved with the GWHMA and he is the perfect fit with his credentials," said Joe Salerno, co-owner of the Imperial 500 Motel. "We can all feel the excitement he brings and we look forward to working with him to make the Wildwoods continue to flourish."

For more information, visit the GWHMA's official website at www.wildwoods.org and follow The Wildwoods Welcome Center on Facebook for the latest updates.