Marquesha “Mo” Odom is one of the most recognizable and trusted faces at Oak Hammock. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a team member who does not know her, and for good reason. As Oak Hammock’s benefits and payroll specialist, she plays a vital role in supporting the team members who serve our residents every day.

If you’ve ever had a question about benefits, payroll, leave requests or employee resources, chances are you’ve worked with Odom. Known for her responsiveness, organization and genuine care for others, she has become a trusted resource for employees across the community.

A North Central Florida native, Odom was born in Palatka and spent her early years in Crescent City before moving to Gainesville during middle school. She graduated from Buchholz High School and has deep roots in the local community. Family remains at the center of her life. She is the proud mother of two children: her son, Que, who recently graduated from Eastside High School and is pursuing training in electrical, HVAC and refrigeration services, and her daughter, Aubrey Rose, an energetic sixth grader who enjoys swimming and expressing her creativity through hair and nails.

What makes Odom’s story especially meaningful is her journey at Oak Hammock. Over the past 15 years, she has grown through a variety of roles, gaining firsthand knowledge of the community and the people who make it special. She began her career in Dining Services before spending eight months at Treats & Treasures. She later joined the Human Resources and Accounting team as an accounts payable coordinator before transitioning to payroll and benefits administration in 2020. In 2025 she joined the Human Resources team as their benefits & payroll specialist.

When asked what she enjoys most about her job, her answer is immediate: the people. “The people here are like family to me,” she says.

Odom is well respected by her peers and Administration. As Oak Hammock CFO Andrew Davey said, “Simply put, Mo is an invaluable member of the Oak Hammock family. Her commitment, professionalism and genuine care for others help ensure employees feel supported so they can focus on providing exceptional service to residents. We are grateful for her 15 years of service and the positive impact she continues to make every day.”

Recently, Odom reflected on her position at Oak Hammock:

What are your job responsibilities?

Today, I manage payroll and benefits while assisting team members with leave requests, workers’ compensation matters, Family and Medical Leave Act requests, insurance benefits, timekeeping and the WeCare employee recognition program. My role requires exceptional attention to detail, and I take great pride in ensuring employees receive accurate information, timely support and the resources they need to succeed.

I am known for and am proud of my organizational skills, compassion and positive attitude.

How do you apply the WeCare values to what you do?

The WeCare values we are all encouraged to follow are welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic.

I feel I embody the Oak Hammock’s We Care values every day. I am known for being welcoming, dependable and responsive, making it a priority to communicate clearly and follow through on every request.

One experience that stands out involved helping an employee whose family was facing the loss of health insurance after a spouse lost a job. By guiding the team member through the enrollment process and helping them maintain coverage, I was able to ease a stressful situation during a difficult time. Knowing I made a meaningful difference for that team member left a lasting impression on me.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling and exploring new destinations. I have a passion for flying and have enjoyed visiting locations across the Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Bahamas. Family adventures often include trips to water parks such as Volcano Bay and Aquatica, along with special outings with my mother and sisters.

Many people know me as “Mo,” but few know how I got the nickname. Early in my career, while working in dining services at another facility, I signed menu orders with my initials, M.O. Before long, coworkers began calling me Mo, and the name stuck. Family members, however, still know me by another nickname: “KeKe.”

Looking ahead, I hope to continue learning, growing professionally and supporting the Oak Hammock team with the same dedication I have demonstrated throughout her career.

Above all, I credit my faith and family as my greatest priorities.

“Since joining our team, Mo has made a meaningful and lasting impact through her thoughtful support of team members in leave management, benefits administration, the Team Member Helping Hands program and scholarship requests. She approaches her work with exceptional attention to detail and a high level of organization, bringing clarity and confidence to even the most complex processes. Equally important, her prompt communication and reliable follow-through reflect a genuine commitment to the people she supports. Mo’s presence strengthens our team, and we are sincerely grateful for the consistency, professionalism and care she brings to her work every day.” – Christine D’Alessio, VP of people (human resources)