Jessi O’Daniel is the Regional General Manager of Cowabunga Vegas Waterparks in Las Vegas, Nevada, overseeing Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon on behalf of the Pyek Group. With over a decade of leadership in the attractions industry, she is recognized for her operational expertise, team-first leadership, and commitment to outstanding guest experiences. Her career began at Kentucky Kingdom, where she rose from front-line staff to become the youngest Vice President in park history, leading over 1,000 employees across key departments. In 2022, she brought that same energy and vision to Pyek Group at the Typhoon Texas Austin location, improving operations, guest satisfaction, and leadership development. A dedicated industry advocate, O’Daniel serves on IAAPA’s Waterpark Committee and formerly chaired the Global Young Professionals Committee. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders and driving innovation in the industry. She believes that great teams, clear vision, and consistent execution are the foundation of unforgettable guest experiences—and she leads every day with authenticity, purpose, and heart.
