OWA Parks & Resort Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments

Foley, Ala. (June 2026) – OWA Parks & Resort is pleased to announce the addition of two accomplished hospitality and attractions industry leaders to its executive team: Melissa “Mel” Sells as Senior Director of Operations and Danny Lyons as General Manager of Tropic Hideaway RV Resort at OWA.

Sells joins OWA Parks & Resort with more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning the theme park, attractions, hospitality, and entertainment industries. Her extensive background includes expertise in park operations, guest experience, safety, revenue management, and team development.

Throughout her career, Sells has successfully led large-scale operations at some of the nation’s most recognized attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, Sesame Place California, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Raging Waters San Jose, and most recently CaliBunga Waterpark San Jose, where she served as General Manager, leading daily operations of the multi-million-dollar location.

“I am honored to join the OWA Parks & Resort team at such an exciting time in the destination’s growth. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences while building strong, empowered teams. OWA has established itself as a unique destination with tremendous potential, and I look forward to working alongside our team members to enhance operations, foster a culture of excellence, and create memorable moments for every guest who visits.”

In her new role, Sells will oversee park operations and guest experiences across OWA Parks & Resort, focusing on operational excellence, team member development, safety, and delivering memorable experiences for guests.

OWA Parks & Resort also welcomes Danny Lyons as Property Manager of their Tropic Hideaway RV Resort, bringing more than 27 years of hospitality leadership experience and a proven track record in resort operations, revenue growth, team development, and guest satisfaction.

Lyons began his hospitality career with Disney in food and beverage operations before transitioning into hotel and condominium management. In 2018, he expanded his expertise into the RV resort industry, where he has spent the past eight years managing full-service RV resorts and creating memorable vacation experiences for guests from across the country.

Most recently, Lyons served as Senior General Manager for Sun Outdoors in Orange Beach, Alabama, overseeing all aspects of operations for the large-scale resort property. In this role, he led staffing, budgeting, operational planning, and guest experience initiatives while achieving the company’s number-one ranking in sales growth over budget in 2024.

“Tropic Hideaway RV Resort offers a truly special experience for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. I’m excited to join the OWA team and build upon the strong foundation that has already been established. My focus will be on delivering outstanding guest experiences, supporting our team members, and ensuring every guest leaves with lasting memories and a desire to return. I look forward to helping Tropic Hideaway continue to grow as one of the region’s premier luxury RV destinations.”

As General Manager of Tropic Hideaway RV Resort, Lyons will oversee all aspects of resort operations, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction, strengthening team culture, driving operational efficiencies, and ensuring the resort continues to provide an exceptional experience for travelers exploring Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

The appointments of Sells and Lyons further strengthen OWA Parks & Resort’s leadership team as the destination continues to expand and enhance its offerings for visitors. Together, they bring more than six decades of combined experience in attractions, hospitality, resort operations, and guest service excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Mel and Danny to the OWA family. Their combined expertise in attractions, hospitality, and resort operations brings tremendous value to our organization. Mel’s extensive leadership experience within the theme park industry and Danny’s proven success in hospitality and RV resort management make them outstanding additions to our leadership team,” said Ken Leone, OWA Parks & Resort Park Manager. “As OWA Parks & Resort continues to grow, their passion for guest service, team development, and operational excellence will help us elevate the experience we provide to every guest who visits our destination.”

Their leadership will play a key role in supporting OWA’s mission of creating memorable experiences for guests while driving operational success across both the park and resort divisions.

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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.