During last week’s RVs Move America Week, the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award was presented to Toby O’Rourke, president & CEO of Kampgrounds of America (KOA).
This award recognizes an individual who continuously strives to encourage the multiple constituencies of the RV industry to work collectively for the growth and betterment of the industry.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” said O’Rourke. “Throughout my time at KOA, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside other industry leaders who recognize that our success is interconnected. That spirit of collaboration has helped introduce more people to the outdoors and has made us all stronger and more resilient. I am incredibly optimistic about the future of RVing and camping. At a time when meaningful connection is more important than ever, there is no better way to bring people together than through shared experiences in the outdoors, and I look forward to continue working with partners in the industry to strengthen the customer journey and inspire the next generation of campers and RVers.”
The award was presented by RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby, who highlighted O’Rourke’s extensive collaboration efforts between the RV industry, campground community, and outdoor hospitality leaders. “The fact that this is the first time this award has been presented to someone from the campground segment is a testament to how Toby consistently looks for ways to align organizations around shared goals and shared opportunities, strengthen the connection between how people camp and how they experience the RV lifestyle,” Kirby said.
O’Rourke was also recognized for KOA’s impressive contributions to outdoor recreation research. “Through Toby’s leadership, KOA has also provided one of the industry’s most valuable resources — the North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report,” Kirby stated. “By making this research freely available, Toby and her team have helped all of us better understand campers, travel trends, and the evolving outdoor consumer. That willingness to share insights for the benefit of the entire industry reflects exactly what this award stands for.”
Additionally, on a personal level, O’Rourke was commended for her collaborative nature and positive attitude. Whether serving on the RV Industry Association Board or working alongside partners across the outdoor recreation space, she has earned tremendous respect for her ability to unite people and move the industry forward together.
