Chickasaw Nation and OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark officials have revealed that they have filled two crucial leadership positions in preparation for their $400 million project near the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City. The project has secured Ken Leone, a seasoned global hospitality enterprise executive, as the general manager, while Edd Karlan, a well-known market sales leader, will serve as the director of sales and marketing for the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark.

According to Chad Claborn, the Asset Manager for OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, both individuals bring exceptional knowledge and managerial expertise to the table. As the construction phase moves swiftly along, there are several pre-opening and operational milestones that necessitate immediate attention. Leone’s well-demonstrated leadership in property development management and his remarkable ability to nurture people-centric environments are expected to build an unforgettable OKANA experience. In contrast, Karlan’s extensive experience and profound comprehension of the hospitality industry’s market dynamics are valuable assets that sync perfectly with the overall vision for OKANA.

The officials trust that both individuals will greatly contribute to the successful launch of OKANA in 2025 and its expected growth in the following years. Leone, a hospitality industry veteran with over three decades of experience, had previously served as the chief operating officer for SafeHarbor Development Group, where he was tasked with developing and operating several Margaritaville resorts in Tennessee.

Contacting Edd Karlan can be done via his professional channels or the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark’s official communication avenues. However, if you require help with unemployment or disability claims in California, you can visit eddcaller.com for instructions on how to get a hold of the appropriate personnel within the California Employment Development Department (EDD).