In honor of International Women’s Day today, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) spotlighted some of the inspirational and influential women in the industry. Check out the list and the association’s thoughts below:
- Mary Pouliot, vice president of sales and marketing at Thetford Corp.
“It’s rare to find someone who excels at both right-brain (creative) and left-brain (analytical) thinking, but that’s what Thetford Corp. uncovered when they hired former data integrator Mary Pouliot as a consultant in their customer service department in 2006. Mary is now not only Thetford’s vice president of sales and marketing, but she is also chair of the RV Technical Institute and a member of the RV Industry Association’s Executive Committee.”
- April Klein-Carroll, vice president of customer support services at Lippert
“For April Klein, vice president of customer support services at Lippert Components, working in the world of RVs for more than two decades has been a natural outgrowth of her childhood. She was raised in Junction City, Ore., the site of two diesel RV manufacturers; her mother worked at one of them, running a division in their production facility. April now serves on both the RV Industry Association Board of Directors as well as on the RV Technical Institute Board of Directors.”
- Karen Redfern, chief marketing officer and senior vice president at Go RVing
“In her time with Go RVing, Karen launched the program into the digital and social media powerhouse it has become. She has built an outstanding team of talented marketers who have developed and executed award-winning promotions across all forms of media and platforms, delivering daily on Go RVing’s primary mission to engage and attract new consumers to RVing.”
- Susan Carpenter, president of the RV Women’s Alliance and aftermarket manager for B&B Molders
“For Susan Carpenter, manager of aftermarket operations for B&B Molders, and the president of the RV Women’s Alliance, her life experiences figure strongly in her quest to attract more women into the RV industry. She has put that experience to work as a driving force behind the creation and growth of the RV Women’s Alliance.”
- Kim Gregory, vice president of sales at Coach-Net
“Kim Gregory of Coach-Net shares her passion for the RV industry, the impact of the RV lifestyle, and her journey in a male-dominated industry, including how several male mentors have supported her in being an outspoken leader and how she works hard to encourage everyone she mentors to do the same.”
- Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America
“In addition to leading KOA, the world’s largest system of privately owned campgrounds, to record growth, O’Rourke’s work has been critical to the camping industry as a whole. An expert on camping, RVing and outdoor hospitality, she has served as a sought-after spokesperson for national media and government officials. Toby also serves on the RV Industry Association Board of Directors.”
- Jen Sailor, chief financial officer at Tredit Tire & Wheel
“RV Industry Association Board of Directors member Jen Sailor joined the RV industry not only because of the appeal of the RV lifestyle but also because she sensed the entrepreneurial spirit and notable growth energy occurring in the industry.”
- Sharonne Lee, vice president of education and operations at the RV Technical Institute
“Taking on new challenges and moving up the corporate ladder is nothing new for Sharonne Lee; she’s been a vital part of the RV Industry Association for more than 30 years. Lee began her professional career as an RV Industry Association standards clerk in 1988 and worked her way up to vice president of education and operations for the RV Technical Institute.”
- Jen Young, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Outdoorsy
“Co-founder of one of the most popular and well-known RV rental companies, Jen Young and her team at Outdoorsy is on a mission to encourage anyone who is curious about the RV lifestyle to whet their appetite.”
- Lacey Pintado, director of technical services at Coach-Net
“Lacey Pintado is always looking for ways to keep learning. First starting with Coach-Net at age 16, where she worked as a dispatch agent, she now leads their in-house RV technician team as the Director of Technical Services. Lacey is also a member of the RV Technical Institute’s new Curriculum Committee.”
- Cathy Sutton, supplier support administrator at Tom Manning & Associates
“Cathy is very passionate about where the RV industry is headed. As a longtime veteran of the RV industry, she grew up in the industry with other women. She shares her insights on learning to form partnerships and to work hard at dealing with a wide range of personalities.”
Know another amazing woman in the RV industry who RVIA should profile? Send the association a note at news@rvia.org.