Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has hired Ann Emerson, former Good Sam vice president, as the chief operating officer of KOA franchise.
Darin Uselman, Emerson’s predecessor in that role, will transition to oversee the company’s owned campground portfolio as chief operating officer of Owned and Operated Assets of KOA (OAK).
In her capacity as COO of KOA franchise, Emerson will oversee the staff, services and programs that support the organization’s franchise operations. She and her staff will work directly with current and prospective franchisees to ensure their ongoing business success through industry-leading service and support. For the past year, Emerson has been working with KOA as a sales and partnership consultant.
In his new role, Uselman, who joined KOA in 2017, will transition into an executive position within OAK. As the chief operations officer of the OAK division, Uselman will oversee the operations and development of the company’s growing portfolio of owned locations. Currently, KOA owns more than 40 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
“Ann and Darin are the type of leaders that will bring continued success to KOA,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Both have made invaluable contributions to our organization and industry through their leadership, relationship building and strategic planning. Their work will be critical to our ongoing success in the outdoor and travel industries.”
With more than 30 years’ experience in the camping industry, Emerson was previously responsible for growing the Good Sam park network by directly supporting campground owners and operators. Since beginning work with KOA in 2021, Emerson made an immediate impact supporting the growth of the KOA system and its portfolio of partners.
