40 Under 40: Samantha Rocci
Director, Federal Affairs; RV Industry Association; With company: 10 Years | In industry: 10 Years
Since joining the RV Industry Association (RVIA) in 2016, Samantha Rocci has established herself as a trusted legislative advocate and policy expert on Capitol Hill. Over a decade of service, Samantha has steadily advanced through the ranks at RVIA — moving from research analyst to legal and policy analyst, manager, senior manager and, ultimately, director of federal affairs, where she now manages a wide-ranging agenda supporting more than 400 member companies.
Samantha has been instrumental in guiding the industry through dynamic policy shifts, particularly during periods of tariff volatility, where she serves as the primary resource for members seeking clear guidance. Her work led to key legislative victories, including playing a primary support role in overturning the de minimis exemption that negatively impacted the aftermarket segment. Additionally, she was instrumental in securing a major legislative fix through the passage of the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, resolving a long-standing tax deduction inequity for dealer partners.
“Sam is highly respected in the RV industry,” her nominator says. “She has a talent for managing complex legislative landscapes and building key relationships on Capitol Hill that deliver effective advocacy campaigns. As director of federal affairs she supports an extremely dynamic government affairs program. The last 18 months have seen extreme whiplash on the tariff front. Sam is the ‘go-to’ person for members seeking clear, timely and solid direction.
“The vastness of the Federal government affairs agenda is stunning. Her leadership keeps it well prioritized, communicated and successful.”
Her work encompasses writing regulatory filings for agencies like the USTR and Department of Commerce, managing renewal efforts for the Generalized System of Preferences, developing public communication strategies and serving as the primary staff liaison for the Congressional RV Caucuses.
A native of Maine, Samantha has fully embraced life in Washington, D.C. Outside of her legislative work, she has become the go-to local expert on all things D.C. for colleagues and RVIA members visiting the nation’s capital.
Samantha’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
My advice is to lean into connecting with others in this industry. Being selected for the 40 Under 40 class this year is extra special for me because it also marks my 10th year in this industry. In that time, I’ve learned so much from so many people here — we’re full of not only smart, driven individuals, but some of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve met. Learn from them, become friends with them and don’t just focus on your own success. The rest will follow.
What it means to Samantha to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
To me, this feels like truly being welcomed into an industry I entered as a complete outsider ten years ago. There are people in this industry with 30, 40, even 50 years of experience, and their knowledge and dedication still humble me — but this recognition makes me feel like I’ve found a real place here. So much of that is thanks to the people who welcomed me in, answered my endless questions and helped me learn this industry from the ground up. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine.
