The Wheeling Park Commission is proud to announce that President & CEO Bob Peckenpaugh has been named the 2025 West Virginia Tourism Professional of the Year by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. In addition, as part of the 2025 Almost Heaven Achievement Awards, Oglebay Park Resort received the Project of the Year Award for its comprehensive reinvention of the customer experience from renovations to rebranding.
“These honors reflect the hard work, creativity, and commitment of the entire Oglebay team,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “At Oglebay, we believe our role is bigger than hospitality, we are here to enrich lives, honor the legacy of this park, and elevate West Virginia’s reputation as a world-class destination. I am deeply grateful to my team and to the State of West Virginia for embracing our vision.”
Since joining Oglebay in 2020, Peckenpaugh has guided the park through a sweeping transformation, blending respect for Oglebay’s legacy with bold, future-focused innovation. He has led the launch of a new brand identity, digital infrastructure, and service culture training program, while overseeing reimagined guest experiences including Sarita’s Café, Trace Chophouse, Skyline Kitchen & Bar, and the newly renovated Oglebay Lodge.
Peckenpaugh also advanced sustainability initiatives such as the Grow Lab, a hydroponic farm supplying restaurants and bars across the resort, and championed the upcoming Gary E. West Pridelands lion habitat and villa experience at the Oglebay Good Zoo coming 2026. His leadership has not only stabilized Oglebay through challenging times but positioned it as a nationally recognized model for hospitality-driven community enrichment.
That same spirit of innovation earned Oglebay Park Resort the 2025 West Virginia Tourism Project of the Year, recognizing its resort-wide transformation and renewed vision for the guest experience. This ambitious project included a full resort rebrand, an advanced online booking platform, immersive new photography and storytelling, and purpose-driven placemaking across the property.
Highlights include the reimagined Oglebay Lodge, featuring a new porte cochère, the fully renovated Lakeside Wing, and an elevated arrival experience with concierge services. Signature dining and gathering spaces have also been transformed. Together, these enhancements reflect Oglebay’s mission to deliver hospitality that is both timeless and forward-looking, ensuring every guest feels a sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.
For photos of this year’s award winners, click here. When using, please credit the West Virginia Department of Tourism. For award descriptions and criteria, click here.