Jackie Comandini may be new to the OHI team, but she’s no stranger to building strong relationships. As the new Manager of Member Experience – Business Development, Jackie brings a warm, people-first approach to everything she does. From welcoming new members into the fold to learning what makes each business tick, she’s excited to dive in and start making meaningful connections across the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Her journey into relationship-driven work began early, at the front desk of her local YMCA, where she greeted members alongside her mom. That early experience sparked a lifelong interest in community building, eventually leading Jackie to roles in sales, nonprofit leadership, and membership engagement, all of which now fuel her approach at OHI.
“My professional journey started at a young age when I would go to work with my mom at the local YMCA and help greet members at the front desk,” she recalls. “I loved meeting and getting to know all of the different families and people from all walks of life that would come in weekly. I realized then that I have a knack for building relationships.”
That early spark led Jackie to pursue a degree in social science, diving deep into the ways people interact and grow alongside each other. From there, she sought roles that centered around connection, most recently spending eight years with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) , where she focused on growing membership and strengthening volunteer engagement.
“My time at GSOFCT, and in other member-facing roles, taught me that it’s all about meeting people where they are… in business and in life,” she says. “Each of our members is unique. My job is to get to know them and their goals so that we can best serve them with the support of the OHI community.”
A lifelong Connecticut resident, Jackie says her roots (and her cat) keep her grounded. Her experiences in Hartford and throughout New England gave her a strong sense of the importance of local community and belonging. And now, she’s bringing that mindset to outdoor hospitality.
“OHI’s core value of community really spoke to me,” she says. “It’s important to me that our members know they’re part of something bigger, something that’s making impactful strides in this industry.”
As she steps into her new role, Jackie’s focus is clear: listening, learning, and lifting others up.
“The key to any sales role is listening,” she explains. “I should only be speaking 30% of the time, the other 70% belongs to the member. I want to know how they got into the business, what their successes and challenges have been, and what their goals are. That way, I can offer opportunities that truly serve them.”
She’s especially looking forward to OHCE®2025. “It grants me the unique opportunity to meet a majority of our supplier members in person and learn even more about them and their businesses.”
Jackie has a clear vision for what she hopes to accomplish at OHI—and it goes beyond booth sales and sponsorships.
“One of my goals is to build out more opportunities for this community to come together for support, education, and networking,” she says. “I’m excited to see the industry continue to grow and how OHI will move and mold to meet the future. I’m happy to be on this rollercoaster ride with such an incredible team beside me.”
When asked what milestone she’d love to achieve with a snap of her fingers, she doesn’t hesitate: “A sold-out and successful OHCE®2025, where exhibitors and attendees are having the best experience they’ve ever had, and building relationships that will shape the future success of their businesses.”
And when she’s not busy strengthening the OHI network? You might find her curled up in a hammock with a book or a crochet project, on a nature walk, at a dance class, or hosting a game night with friends. She’s also got her eye on some big personal adventures. “One of my bucket list destinations is Thailand,” she says. “I’d love to immerse myself in the culture and visit as many palaces, temples, museums, and beaches as possible.”
Above all, Jackie wants OHI members to know she’s here for them.
“Your passion for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry is what fuels us each and every day,” she says. “Consider me an extension of your team, and in your corner.”
And if she could share a career-inspiring lunch with anyone? “Queen Elizabeth I,” she says answers. “She was one of the greatest leaders to ever exist. I’d love to listen to her insights on leadership, feminism, and fostering peace. And I’d definitely invite William Shakespeare to the table, too.”
Welcome to the team, Jackie! We’re lucky to have you and can’t wait to see the ways you’ll help our community grow.
Ready to join OHI as a supplier? Fill our your application here.
