OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Oklahoma City’s newest entertainment and hospitality destination, is proud to announce the appointment of Gerson Velasquez as Managing Director. Bringing more than two decades of leadership across the nation’s top resorts, hotels, and attractions, Velasquez will oversee all facets of operations, ensuring a continued commitment to excellence across the property’s resort, waterpark, retail, and dining experiences.
“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at OKANA during such an exciting time,” said Gerson Velasquez, Managing Director of OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. “I’ve watched OKANA come to life from afar and was immediately inspired by the vision behind the property and the growth it has brought to Oklahoma City. As The Boardwalk nears completion with Bullseye, its final entity, preparing to open, it is incredibly rewarding to see the full vision of the resort come to life. I look forward to building upon this momentum for the property’s next chapter of success and continuing to elevate the guest experience for families and travelers alike.”
Velasquez joins OKANA following his tenure at Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas, where he was part of the opening team and played a pivotal role in achieving record guest satisfaction, team engagement, and financial performance. His oversight spanned multiple divisions, including the resort’s 25 food and beverage outlets, retail, accommodations, spa, and expansive indoor waterpark.
Prior to Kalahari, Velasquez spent nearly 20 years leading operations at major Houston hospitality and entertainment landmarks such as Hilton Americas–Houston, Reliant Stadium, and Minute Maid Park. Throughout his career, he has held executive positions including General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Director of Food & Beverage, and Director of Operations, earning recognition for his collaborative leadership style and results-driven approach.
A graduate of Central American University in San Salvador with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Velasquez began his hospitality career at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, managing high-profile events including the 1993 U.S. Open Golf Championship and President George H.W. Bush’s 80th birthday celebration, attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries from around the world.
At OKANA, Velasquez will lead all resort operations, driving the guest experience across the property’s 390,000-square-foot complex from the four-star resort and indoor waterpark to its signature dining concepts and meetings and events spaces.
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