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Foley, Ala. – OWA Parks & Resort is proud to announce the arrival of Ken Leone as its new Property Manager, bringing with him decades of industry-leading experience in hospitality management, property development, and revenue optimization.
A Senior Global Hospitality Executive and United States Marine Corps Veteran, Leone has built a reputation as a transformational leader with a proven track record of designing, developing, and managing award-winning hospitality destinations. His arrival at OWA signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for the growing resort.
Ken Leone, Property Manager, OWA Parks & Resort
“We are thrilled to welcome Ken to the OWA family,” said Cody Williamson, President/CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority and a Poarch Creek Tribal Citizen. “His deep industry expertise and visionary leadership will play a key role in elevating our guest experiences at the property and driving the next phase of strategic growth for OWA.”
As an experienced hospitality professional, Leone is a value creator and change agent known for identifying unique market opportunities that drive operational excellence. He most recently served as Managing Director of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, an entertainment destination owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma City, OK, where he oversaw the property from the construction phase through to its opening in 2025. This multi-million dollar development project included a 100,000 square-foot water park, 15 restaurants and 30,000 sq. feet of meeting space. Throughout his career, he has also been instrumental in:
Leone’s strengths lie in creating service excellence environments, while his innovative approach will help support OWA’s continued mission to deliver memorable experiences for all its guests across its entertainment, lodging, and dining offerings.
“OWA represents a rare opportunity to blend innovation and guest-focused service into something truly extraordinary,” said Ken Leone. “My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place, by empowering our teams, enhancing the guest experience, and driving long-term value through strategic growth and operational excellence.”
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About OWA Parks & Resort: Award-winning OWA Parks & Resort in Coastal Alabama is owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians. OWA’s name is derived from a Creek word for “big water,” and the tropical theme of the 520-acre property was inspired by the Gulf of Mexico, minutes away via the Foley Beach Express.
At the heart of OWA is Tropic Falls, which includes a 23-ride theme park and the region’s largest indoor water park—bigger than a football field and covered by a convertible roof. Adjacent to the indoor water park and connected by a retractable wall is Big Water Bay, a 30,000 sq. ft. wave pool and Coastal Curl wave simulator. Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA. This pedestrian-only streetscape was inspired by Southern small towns and features numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The destination resort offers a full calendar of events, from Downtown OWA’s own Mardi Gras Parade to the annual Christmas tree lighting with fireworks and snowfall.
For on-site accommodations, relax at OWA’s own award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott. And for the RV traveler, Tropic Hideaway is a luxury RV resort that has everything you want, starting with its location at OWA Parks and Resort, just minutes from the Alabama beaches off the Foley Beach Express. The sites are all extra wide and feature a full complement of Wi-Fi and hook ups. Premium locations and pull-through sites are available. OWA is the place in Coastal Alabama to thrill, then chill.
