OHI celebrated the graduation of the 2026 class of the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality following a week of in-person training at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, from February 22–26.
The program, OHI’s flagship in-person cohort, is designed to equip outdoor hospitality professionals with practical business management skills tailored to RV park and campground operations. Instruction is provided by experienced industry experts with a focus on leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance.
The 2026 class included students completing the Outdoor Hospitality Manager (OHM) Year One program and the advanced Outdoor Hospitality Professional (OHP) Year Two program. Graduates receive leadership frameworks and actionable strategies aimed at enhancing guest experience, streamlining operations, and supporting long-term growth within their organizations.
The Outdoor Hospitality Manager Year One recipients include Stephanie Batts of Prizer Point Marina & Resort LLC, Emily Bowden of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Zion, Stephanie Bryant of Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort, Alex Burkett of Alice Springs RV Park & Resort, and Madisyn Gonzales-Campos of Claremar Twin Lakes Camping Resort.
Other graduates represent properties such as Buck Hill Campground & Cabins, Douglas Forest RV Resort, Lakewood Camping Resort, Camp Riverview, and The Riviera RV Resort, among more than 30 total students.
Year Two Outdoor Hospitality Professional graduates include Rob Adams of Kershaw Creek Camp & Kayak RV Resort, Robby Ammons and Chris Brigham of Lakewood Camping Resort, Laura Brooks of The Vista at the Lake, Erik Brown of Seal Rocks RV Cove, and Ben Busbee of Columbia County Parks, Recreation, and Events.
Additional graduates come from Douglas Forest RV Resort, The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Painted Buffalo Resorts, Silver Lake Resort, and Bogue Chitto Swamp Cabins.
OHI acknowledged the contributions of its National School instructors, who volunteer their expertise to deliver the program and support professional development across the outdoor hospitality industry.
The week-long curriculum combined classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and peer networking, providing graduates with both strategic and practical skills to manage operational challenges and growth opportunities.
Featured image by OHI