Care Camps has six new members joining the nonprofits’ board of directors.
Kristina Akin, Debora Hankinson, Kathy Holland, Jamie Rademacher, Jeff Rodino and David Vaughn all join the board to help lead the mission of Care Camps.
Since 1982, Care Camps has supported specialized pediatric oncology camps to ensure children on a cancer journey have the opportunity to experience the healing power of the outdoors. To date, Care Camps has raised more than $24 million to fund camps across North America serving children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The new board members bring a host of vision and experience to the organization.
- Kristina Akin is a Bristol, Tennessee, KOA franchisee, a pediatric cancer survivor and a former Care Camps participant. Akin combines the expertise of campground stewardship with her first-hand knowledge of Care Camps and what it meant to her as a young person.
- Deb Hankinson is the owner of the Alamosa/Great Sand Dune KOA Journey in Alamosa, Colorado. A strategic thinker, Hankinson lends community board experience and expertise to Care Camps. She is a retired architect and is influential in her region’s economic development corporation, and she and her husband, Les, are actively engaged with KOA.
- Kathy Holland has been in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. Her experience as a regional vice president of operations for Aimbridge Hospitality paved the way for her leadership within Kampgrounds of America. Currently, Holland is a KOA regional vice president overseeing operations of 11 Owners Association KOA campgrounds. Kathy gives insight and vision from the perspective of Care Camps’ key stakeholders.
- Jamie Rademacher is a multi-park KOA franchisee and owner of marinas in Kansas and Tennessee. She and her husband, Chris, were named KOA’s 2016 Rising Star Campground. As a former staff member of Samaritans Purse, she brings national fundraising experience with her membership on the Board. As a cancer survivor, Rademacher is passionate about the mission and vision of Care Camps.
- Jeff Rodino has more than 28 years of experience serving the recreational vehicle, marine, manufactured housing, and industrial markets. As president of Patrick Industries, Rodino drives the execution and vision of one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. His unmitigated leadership brings strategic and organizational strength to Care Camps.
- David Vaughn is a KOA franchisee and owner of the Indianapolis KOA Holiday. Has been in the campground industry for more than 18 years and, with his wife Laurie, was named KOA’s 2022 campground of the year. He is actively engaged in his community and is committed to bringing his dedication and passion for the outdoors to the mission of Care Camps.
“We extend a warm welcome to our new board members,” said Board Chair Wade Elliott. “We are grateful for their volunteered time and talents. The insight and vision of our board members and support staff enable us to impact thousands of children annually who are experiencing cancer. As we look forward to working with the new board, we want to express heartfelt thanks to board members and staff who have previously served. Each of you played a vital role in making Care Camps what it is today. We are forever thankful for your endeavors.”
