The annual meeting of the RV Dealer’s Association (RVDA) kicked off the second day of the Convention/Expo at the Paris Las Vegas on Wednesday, culminating with the swearing in of the new RVDA chairman for 2026: Bob Been of Blue Compass RV in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
When announcing the new Board of Delegates at the breakfast-time event, Ryan Horsey, former chairman and chair of the nominating committee, said these RVDA delegates wear many hats.
“These volunteer leaders represent single-location dealerships, multi-store operations and national dealer groups,” Horsey said. “What they all share is a deep commitment to the long-term health of the RV business — and to the mission of RVDA.”
New Roles
In addition to Been coming in as the new chairman, the following roles were sworn in:
- First Vice Chairman: Brad Bacon — Pleasureland RV Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Second Vice Chairman: Lane Bell — Bell Camper Sales, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
- Treasurer: LaDonna Meadows — Tacoma RV Center, Tacoma, Washington
- Secretary: Travis Creech — Rex & Sons RV, Wilmington, North Carolina
The additional members of the board for 2026 are:
- Immediate Past Chair: Larry Troutt III, Topper’s Camping Center, Waller, Texas
Directors:
- Michael Moix, Moix RV Super Center, Conway, Arkansas
- Jeff Myers, Myers RV Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Russ Perkins, Tri-Am RV Center, Bulls Gap, Tennessee
- Nick Lenzo, Colonial Airstream, Millstone, New Jersey
Committee Chairs:
- RV Assistance Corporation Chairman: Jeff Hirsch, Campers Inn, Jacksonville, Florida
- RV Rental Association Chairman: Scott Krenek, Krenek RV Center, Coloma, Michigan
- RV Learning Center Chairman: Jeff Pastore, Hartville RV Center, Hartville, Ohio
And RVDA President Phil Ingrassia, who serves as a nonvoting member of the board.
Chairman’s Service Awards
During the RVDA annual meeting, current Chairman Larry Trout III took time to hand out several Chairman’s Service Awards. The first went to Karin Van Duyse, executive director of the RV Learning Center who retired this year.
“She spearheaded the development of five online training courses for fixed operations professionals — those on the front lines of customer service at our dealerships,” Troutt said. “She also elevated the workshop program at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of dealer education. Karin’s work has positioned the Learning Center for long-term success, and we’re grateful for the foundation she built.”
Troutt also presented a Chairman’s Service Award to Nathan Hart of Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales.
“His counsel was invaluable, and his professionalism unmatched,” Troutt said. “Today, Nathan continues to serve RVDA as a member of the RV Assistance Corporation Board of Directors, always finding ways to give back. Nathan, thank you for your wisdom, your leadership, and your continued commitment to our association.”
And to LaDonna Meadows, formerly RVDA secretary.
“LaDonna has worked diligently on behalf of dealers nationwide — and she’ll continue that service next year as treasurer,” Troutt said. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity and care, and we’re fortunate to have her voice at the table.”
Lastly, Troutt presented a Chairman’s Service Award to his father, Larry Troutt Jr., who was recently inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
“He helped guide this association through the downturn of the late 2000s, and today, he continues to provide foundational strength to our family dealership and to me personally,” Troutt said. “His example has shaped my own journey as chairman, and I’m proud to follow in his footsteps. Dad — thank you for everything.”
Another award given out during the annual meeting went to Craig Kirby, president and CEO of the RV Industry Association. The RVDA Titan Award recognizes the pioneering efforts of individuals whose energy and vision have made RV travel the preferred leisure activity for millions of Americans, the RVDA said.
“For more than 30 years, Craig has been a steadfast champion of the RV industry — first as RVIA’s general counsel and senior vice president for government relations, and now as president of the association,” Troutt said. “Throughout his career, Craig has been a trusted partner to RVDA, working collaboratively to promote and protect the market for our products. His leadership has consistently reflected a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape and the needs of our industry.”
To close out the meeting, Phil Ingrassia, president of the RVDA, presented the James B. Summers Award — RVDA’s highest honor — to former RVDA Chairman Ron Shepherd of Camperland of Oklahoma.
Ingrassia noted that Shepherd’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic “helped the industry not only survive but ultimately thrive.”
“Beyond his role as chairman, Ron has been a driving force behind the growth of this convention, serving as a past Convention/Expo Committee Chair and helping shape it into a premier industry event,” Ingrassia said. “In Oklahoma, he’s long been a leader at the state and local level, and continues to serve on RVDA’s Board of Delegates.”
2026 Budget
Earlier during the meeting, Troutt noted that the board approved a consolidated budget of $4.5 million for 2026, encompassing the RVDA, RV Assistance Corporation (RVAC) and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
Troutt said the budget will be used to fund the following, and more:
- Advocacy efforts at both the government and industry levels.
- Strengthening RVDA’s role as a collaborative partner with manufacturers, suppliers, RV parks and campgrounds and the outdoor recreation community.
- Supporting repair event cycle time (RECT) initiatives through joint programs with RVIA.
- Expanding education through accessible online fixed operations training via the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
- Enhancing member benefits and services through RVAC.
- Continuing support for the Go RVing market expansion program.
