George O'Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality

Registration is now closed. If you are interested in attending the 2024 George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality please contact us here.

 

 

When

2025 TBA

Where

Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, WV

Your park is growing, and so should you. Get the tools you need to enhance your skills through a high-quality, in-person cohort program. Taught by industry experts focusing on business management principles and practices as applied to the outdoor hospitality industry. You’ll learn the competencies necessary to operate a thriving Outdoor Hospitality business.

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YEAR 2 (OHP)

  1. ANALYZING MARKETING approaches
  2. Infrastructure, conservation, and business ethics
  3. Managing principles including EMPLOYMENT LAW and TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE, and WORKING THROUGH CHALLENGING EMPLOYMENT CONVERSATIONS
  4. Year 2 will revisit Risk Management and ADA but will dive deeper into the long-term strategic impacts.
  5. CREATING A BUDGET and understanding FINANCE OPPORTUNITIES for business growth and Determining your ROE.

Earn the highest designation outdoor hospitality offers by completing year one (OHM) and year two (OHP) at the George O’Leary National School but don’t stop there. Attain the OHE (Outdoor Hospitality Executive) designation by completing a peer reviewed self-study program that you can do on your own time. Apply what you have learned to a passion project and demonstrate the knowledge you have gained by sharing with your peers.

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Meet Some of the Instructors

Kim Ayers

Kim Ayers joined Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance in 2016, focusing on providing commercial insurance for campgrounds, corn mazes, and haunts. With a wealth of industry relationships, she advocates for clients to collaborate with national and state organizations, believing in the power of unity. She is proud to serve on the board of directors for LARVC, Chamber of Haunters, and Georgia Association of RV and Campground Owners.

Marcia Galvin

Marcia Galvin is an 8th generation owner and operator at Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, MA, now in its 53rd season. As an Elementary teacher turned Human Resources professional, she manages 130 seasonal employees at her 400-site park and is actively involved in campground associations and her local Chamber board.

Paul Bosley

Paul Bosley has been the finance instructor for National School for 4 years and is a reoccurring presenter at OHCE. Paul is also the finance instructor for Woodall’s Campgrounds Magazine’s Masterclass. Paul has been selected for financing the Camp Jellystone franchisees and KOA franchisees selling their campgrounds. Paul’s company, Business Finance Depot, offers SBA and USDA loans and equipment financing for new and existing RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Larry Brownfield

Larry Brownfield, after a career in organizational management, became a full-time RVer and Work Camper with his wife, Carla, in 2005. Joining the KOA corporate team in 2008, Larry now oversees a team of KOA Franchise Development Managers, working with campground owners across North America. He has been an instructor at National School since 2014 and is a reoccurring presenter at OHCE.

Mark Maciha

Mark, with a 27-year career in the U.S. National Park Service, retired as the Chief Park Ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in 2007. Currently the Dean at Coconino Community College, he brings extensive experience in parks and recreation management and has been an instructor for the National School since its inception in 1993. He was also the first designated honorary lifetime member of OHI.

Ron Williams

Ron has been in the campground industry much longer than he would care to admit. Managing and developing properties across the country. He is currently a District Manager with Blue Water Development. Blue Water specializes in investing, developing, and managing RV resorts, campgrounds, hotels, and attractions.

Lisa Courtney

Lisa Courtney joined Camp Jellystone (CJS) in May 2019 as the company’s Franchise Sales Manager and quickly moved to the Director of Operations. With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a campground operator and a knack for industry related events and networking, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to the table. Lisa is also a graduate of National School.

Through the George O’Leary National School, OHI continues to equip recreational campground owners and leisure park operators with the most comprehensive suite of tools and connections the industry has to offer.