The OHI Awards of Excellence program, new and improved this year with a focus on innovation, recognizes the leaders, innovators and trailblazers shaping the future of the outdoor hospitality industry. These awards highlight outstanding achievements across park operations, environmental sustainability, education, supplier innovation, advocacy, leadership and more, celebrating the individuals and organizations driving the industry forward, according to a press release.
Each application was thoughtfully reviewed by industry peers and leaders, and the overall quality of entries was truly impressive.
The awards were announced at various events throughout OHCE 2025, with the Celebrate Innovation: OHI Awards of Excellence Luncheon on Nov. 10 serving as the centerpiece for recognizing many of this year’s honorees.
OHI’s 2025 Awards of Excellence Winners (listed in order of announcement):
Trailblazer Award: Barb Krumm, CPO, OHC
Above and Beyond Award: Joe Moore, CPO, OHC
Outdoor Hospitality Industry Leadership Award: Mike Harrison
Plan-It Green Environmental Innovator of the Year – Small/Medium: River’s End Campground, Tybee Island, Ga.
Plan-It Green Environmental Innovator of the Year – Large/Mega: Lakewood Camping Resort, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Supplier Innovator of the Year – Small Business: App My Community
Supplier Innovator of the Year – Large Business: CRR Hospitality
Herb Strauss Educational Impact Award: Mark Maciha, Ed.D.
Park Innovator of the Year – Corporate Small (1–100 sites): Sugarloaf Key RV Resort & Cottages, Summerland Key, Fla.
Park Innovator of the Year – Corporate Medium (101–250 sites): Leelanau Pines Campground, Cedar, Mich.
Park Innovator of the Year – Corporate Large (251–500 sites): Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, Glen, N.H.
Park Innovator of the Year – Corporate Mega (>500 sites): Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels, Texas
Park Portfolio Innovator of the Year – Corporate Portfolio: LCRA Parks
Park Innovator of the Year – Independent Small (1–100 sites): Anvil Campground, Williamsburg, Va.
Park Innovator of the Year – Independent Medium (101–250 sites): Yogi Bear Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes, Pittsfield, Ill.
Park Innovator of the Year – Independent Large (251–500 sites): Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, Foxboro, Mass.
Stan Martin Memorial Award: Jim Button, OHE
“It’s truly inspiring to see the dedication and innovation our members bring to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry,” said David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer. “These awards celebrate the people and parks who are setting new standards and making a real difference for guests and communities alike. We’re so proud to honor their achievements and share their stories with the entire industry.”
Awards are spread throughout key points at OHCE this year, not just at our awards luncheon, spreading out the celebration all week long. The Trailblazer Award and the Above & Beyond Award were given at the Opening General Session on Monday morning. On Wednesday, OHI will celebrate the Unity Through Generosity award at the Annual Meeting, and the new Jeff Sims Advocacy In Action Award will be presented at the advocacy panel Wednesday afternoon.
The Awards of Excellence highlight the innovation, leadership, and dedication that propel the Outdoor Hospitality Industry forward. Congratulations to all winners for their achievements and contributions to advancing excellence across the sector, noted the release.
To learn more about OHI’s Awards of Excellence program and to prepare for applying next year, visit ohi.org/awards.
