Capt. Jake Iversen, President
Joined Watermark in 2017
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
Impossible to choose just one! From walking tours to charter boat cruises and everything in between, Watermark brings history, culture, and fun to the Chesapeake area. Each of Watermark’s products is unique, distinct, and supports our brand essence statement.
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
I started out as a captain on the iconic Harbor Queen before becoming General Manager of Vessel Activities in 2017. In 2022, my wife Laura and I purchased the tour and charter boat business as new owners, and I became President.
What is your favorite Watermark memory?
My favorite memory dates back to age ten. As a fourth-grader on a school field trip, I was in my element aboard a Watermark vessel, learning about the history of the Naval Academy and Annapolis. I’ve been a fan ever since!
Ginny Mininger, Director of Vessel Operations
Joined Watermark in 2011
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
City Lights Cruise! It’s such a magical way to see the city of Baltimore, and there’s great music.
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
One time I planked for 2 minutes. I also managed operations in Baltimore, then Annapolis, and now I am responsible for the operations in both locations.
What is your favorite Watermark memory?
Seeing our Captain pull Harbor Queen into City Dock on a rainy day with 250 kids doing the Harlem Shake. Somehow, even on rainy days we all still have a blast.
Chip Johnson, Comptroller
Joined Watermark in the 1980s
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
I really like them all. From the 40- & 90-minute tours to the Day on the Bay Cruise, or a private charter down the Severn River. I have worked on all of them.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a dishwasher at Country Kitchen in Casper, Wyoming. Needless to say, I don’t like doing the dishes.
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
There are so many things to do in the area, I think one of my favorites is going to the beach with friends!
Alex Knoll, Director of Sales & Marketing
Joined Watermark in 2020
What was your first job?
My first job was as a paperboy in Springfield, Illinois. I woke up at 5:00 each morning and walked a couple miles up and down my neighborhood delivering 200-plus copies of the State Journal-Register. It taught me responsibility, punctuality and customer service.
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
I love learning the history surrounding Chesapeake Bay … the fact that Maryland tobacco financed the Revolution; that Annapolis’ capitol is the only active capitol to also be the U.S. capitol; that when Capt. John Smith first sailed the Bay oyster reefs so large they were a navigation hazard.
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I’d like to switch with one of the captains. But for the sake of any passengers, I’d settle for being mate. When I was younger, I worked several years as mate on a crab boat and loved it. All but the worst days on the water are better than any on land.
Jamie Foster, Director of Guide Operations
Joined Watermark in 2016
What was your first job?
I scooped ice cream in rural Michigan in an old, converted railroad car called the Caboose.
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
I have to pick two. I really enjoy riding the Harbor Queen but also love our public walking tours! As a history lover, I enjoy walking the streets and hearing the stories of the past. The history comes alive as you make the connections from the things you are seeing and experiencing with stories and information shared by the guides.
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
I have been a tour guide since 2016 and still enjoy giving a tour when I can.
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
I love being with family and friends as well as hiking the different trails and parks around the area.
Gabriella Shewfelt, Marketing Manager
Joined Watermark in 2020
What was your first job?
I got my first job the summer before my senior year of high school at Great Harvest Bread Company in Annapolis. I kneaded, sliced, and bagged bread and ran the cash register. Of course, my favorite job duty was taste-testing!
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
I love to walk around downtown Annapolis with a City Dock chai latte in hand.
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I’d trade jobs with our walking tour guides. Their love of history is so inspiring!
Aaron Hull, Operations Manager
Joined Watermark in 2021
What was your first job?
When I graduated from the Naval Academy in 2016, my first job was as a Student Aviator! I attended flight school for the Navy in Texas and had a blast.
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
I love cruising around Annapolis on my Hobie Power Skiff and love to kiteboard on days that it’s windy. You can also catch me flying single-engine planes out over the Eastern Shore on the weekends!
Why did you first want to work at Watermark?
Annapolis has always felt like home to me, and Watermark is such an important part of the culture and history of this town. When the position became available I couldn’t wait to start working on the water again!
Skylar Taylor, Operations Manager
Joined Watermark in 2019
What was your first job?
My first job was at Watermark. I started when I was 16.
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
Absolutely! I’ve done crewing, sold tickets, maintenance, inventory, administrative assistant, and now I’m an Operations Manager.
What is your favorite Watermark Product and why?
My favorite Watermark product is the 90-minute cruise to the Bay Bridges. The fun facts that the narration shares about the bridge are mind-boggling, and the view from below the two spans is stunning.
Jo McCarthy, Office Manager
Joined Watermark in 2018
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
Day on the Bay to St Michaels is my favorite. I love the boat ride to and from St Michaels. It is very relaxing and enjoyable.
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
Boating with my family and friends and enjoying the many views of the Chesapeake Bay.
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I would trade jobs for one day with the boat crew. I think being on the water and mingling with passengers is fun .
What was your first job?
My first job was Assistant Portfolio Manager for Merrill Lynch.
Capt. Alex King, Company Security Officer
Joined Watermark in 2021
What was your first job?
My first job ever was as a lifeguard at a local Swim Club in my hometown of Cherry Hill, NJ. My first “real job” was on a boat as a deckhand on the Riverlink Ferry that connects Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia to the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey!
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
I like to walk around the waterfront and check out dockside bars and restaurants. There’s live music at a lot of places, and a few establishments are right in marinas, so we get to watch both professional and amateur captains get on and off the docks, which can sometimes make for an entertaining happy hour!
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
My favorite Watermark product I’ve been a part of so far is the 90-minute tour. The 90s are a nice change of pace from the hustle of the 40-minute tours and give us a chance to see more of the features of the area that we don’t get to see every day, such as an up-close look at the Chesapeake Bay Bridges and the Thomas Point Lighthouse.
Becky Porzillo, School & Group Tour Manager
Joined Watermark in 2021
What was your first job?
My first paycheck came as an RA (Resident Assistant) in my college dormitory at Texas Woman’s University. That began my love for and career in the hospitality and travel industry.
Why did you first want to work at Watermark?
Since moving to Annapolis almost 20 years ago, I have loved the proximity to the Bay and the history of the town. A company that highlights both while embracing the importance of service to customers and employees is a perfect fit!
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
During summer, you’ll find me enjoying a day sailing on the Bay or tubing with the kids on one of its many tributaries. Come fall, I’ll be at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium enjoying time with friends and Mids cheering on the Navy football team. And any time of year, I’m enjoying the great foods of the Bay – crab, oysters, fish – at the bountiful restaurants in town.
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
It’s always great being out on the water, but there’s so much rich history in the maze of cobblestone streets in downtown. The colonial guides are a fount of knowledge, so every tour is an opportunity to learn something new.
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I’d choose to work the ticket umbrella. Our ticket agents speak with so many of Watermark’s customers – they know where they’re from and what they’re interested in learning about Annapolis. That’s great information for a sales person. Plus, they have the best office view!
Unike Brown, Retail & Merchandise Manager
Joined Watermark in 2021
What was your first job?
My first job was at a nursing home. I played bingo in the afternoons with the residents of Ginger Cove!
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my family. We love to fish. Currently sports control our lives. My daughter plays travel basketball, and my son plays soccer, so we are always on the GO!
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
As an Annapolitan, Water Taxi rides have been somewhat of a tradition in my family. If you get honor roll in school, you knew my dad and mom were going to take you to the Chart House for dinner and on a Water Taxi ride. For me, it’s a really cool tradition in our family that has been done with me and my siblings, and now my kids.
Jessie Arnold, Charter Sales Associate
Joined Watermark in 2021
What was your first job?
Throughout high school, I was an assistant coach for my local neighborhood swim team. I had so much fun getting to share a passion of mine with young kids while teaching them an important life skill!
Why did you first want to work at Watermark?
Not being from Maryland, I thought that working at Watermark would give me the chance to meet a variety of different people and get to learn more about the area I now call home. Both turned out to be true!
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
Even on my days off, you can still find me on the water. I love taking the kayaks out on the Severn, going crabbing, or hiking along one of the many walking trails around the area.
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
It is so difficult to pick just one! My top three favorite products would be a Day on the Bay cruise to St. Michaels, our Scenic Severn River 90-minute cruise, and our Watermark Whistler (in no particular order)!
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
So far at Watermark, I have worked as a ticket agent, crew, bartender, and operations assistant. That being said, I would trade places with our captains and take Harbor Queen for a spin as a captain for the day.
Suzy Elcik, Charter Sales Associate
Joined Watermark in 2008
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
I started with Watermark in 2008 as a wedding coordinator, and then I moved to the charter sales position. After that, I got my captain’s license and drove and worked on the boats for awhile. In July 2021, I returned to the sales office, where I am today.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working at the counter of the Chevy Chase/DC McDonalds when I was 15. The uniform at that time was a lime green pantsuit with a matching hat! So flattering!
What is your favorite Watermark product?
My favorite Watermark product is so hard to pick. I would say either Day of the Bay to St. Michaels or the 90-minute tour to the Chesapeake Bay Bridges.
Linda Heinz, Executive Assistant
Joined Watermark in 2017
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I would trade jobs with a Water Taxi captain to be out on the water all day and to have chance to chat with our Watermark guests.
Have you ever held any other positions at Watermark?
I started with Watermark in 2017 as the Retail/Program Manager and added the role of Special Events Manager in 2018.
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
My favorite products are our special event cruises, such as our Blue Angels cruises and our Day on the Bay to Saint Michaels, because they are a great way to connect with the Annapolis community and the Chesapeake.
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
When boating is not an option, I love exploring Annapolis on foot along one of the hidden walking trails or enjoying the beauty of downtown and Eastport. I love strolling along the quaint streets, over the draw bridge, and meeting friends for dinner or music at one of the many great local restaurants.
Genesis Foley, Tour Coordinator
Joined Watermark in 2023
What was your first job?
My first job was bussing tables, in a full tuxedo, at a German restaurant.
What is your favorite Watermark product and why?
As a history major and huge architecture enthusiast, I have to say the ArchiTrex tour. It’s a great way to learn about Annapolis’ rich and eclectic architectural history.
If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone at Watermark, who would it be and why?
I love Halloween and all things spooky, so I’d love to lead a ghost tour in October.
Outside of Watermark, what is your favorite thing to do in the Chesapeake Bay area?
In the summertime, sitting with family by the water, sharing a bucket of Natty Bohs and picking crabs is pretty hard to beat.
Tiffani Worley, Captain
Joined Watermark in 2022
What was your first job?
My first job was an animal handler at a petting zoo in Reston, VA. I spent my lunch breaks with Kramer the camel or hanging out with the kangaroo joeys. However, driving the Massey Ferguson tractor was by far my favorite activity!
Besides Watermark, what are some of your favorite things to do in the Chesapeake area?
Dog Beach with my main four-legged man, Drexel!
Why did you first want to work at Watermark?
Originally hailing from the DMV, I embarked on a water-based career that took me to the Caribbean, Michigan, and Newport Beach, California. As I found my way back home to Maryland, Watermark was the operation with the best reputation and brand. How could I not want to be a part of their team?! From Baltimore to the Eastern Shore, Watermark is rich in history, culture, and unforgettable journeys.
