Maria Marinelli, a real estate professional for almost 15 years, has been named sales manager of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.’s Longport office, located at 2401 Atlantic Avenue in Longport, N.J. Marinelli, who brings significant career achievements to her new position, is a New Jersey native with a wealth of expertise on the real estate market along the shore. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. is the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States.

“I’m thrilled to join the Long & Foster family and lead the team of highly trained professionals in the company’s new Longport office,” said Marinelli, who will report to Mike Mavromates, branch manager of Long & Foster’s nearby Avalon, N.J. office. “Long & Foster is known for attracting high-caliber sales associates and clientele and for leading the industry by providing the best and latest tools, technology and training, and I look forward to building the Longport office and the company brand in the New Jersey region.”

Marinelli began her real estate career supporting buyers and sellers in the primary and secondary home markets, as well as individuals purchasing investment properties in the shore communities along Cape May and Atlantic counties. She holds her associate broker license and has earned several professional designations, including Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI), Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and e-PRO.

An active member in the real estate community, Marinelli served as president of the Ocean City Board of Realtors in 2012 and continues to serve on its Board of Directors—a role she’s held since 2006. She is also involved in the South Jersey Shore Regional MLS, volunteering as a director on the MLS since 2001 and serving as president in 2007.

In addition, Marinelli volunteers with local business organizations like the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce that work to enhance the high standards of the area’s business community. She’s also a dedicated community volunteer, who contributed to the Ocean City New Jersey Cleanup and Recovery Effort (OCNJ CARE) after Hurricane Sandy hit the region. Marinelli worked with OCNJ CARE’s housing committee during that time, helping find temporary and long-term housing for residents displaced by the hurricane.

“It takes a highly knowledgeable and experienced leader to supporting real estate sales professionals in today’s competitive market,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “We are confident that adding Maria to the Long & Foster leadership team will result in the synergy on which our agents thrive. This is how our company has continued to help local buyers and sellers meet their homeownership goals for the past 45 years.”

Marinelli is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. She currently lives in Margate, N.J.