The RV Industry Association (RVIA) welcomed Kennedy Solomon as its new manager of state affairs. RVIA’s Government Affairs staff are industry experts for the association’s members, state legislators, regulators and RV industry stakeholders. Its federal and state affairs teams champion the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follow relevant legislation and policies.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, California, Solomon obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University. He moved to the Washington, D.C., area shortly after, where he graduated from George Mason University’s Schar School of Public Policy and Government with his master’s in public policy. “That’s what got me interested in advocacy work,” Solomon said.
Solomon began his career in politics during graduate school, interning for Representative Lacy Clay Jr (D-MO), during which time he gained more exposure to federal issues.
Soon after graduating from George Mason University, Solomon returned to California, where he interned for State Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-CA). “I gained a fundamental understanding of how state governments move faster than Congress,” Solomon explained. “For instance, a bill could be introduced in January, and then by June, it’s implemented into law.”
“I like the pace,” Solomon added. “That’s what essentially sparked my interest in state government affairs.”
Solomon also worked in local government with the City of Oakland’s Health and Human Services Department, managing programs related to homelessness, hunger and housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he shifted his career toward state government affairs and advocacy.
“I wanted a new direction in my career,” Solomon explained. He then served in government affairs roles in the healthcare and technology sectors, respectively, before becoming interested in the RV industry.
In his current role as manager of state affairs, Solomon collaborates with industry stakeholders, educates lawmakers about industry issues and works with RV Industry Association members to advocate for legislation nationwide that will help the RV industry continue to grow and thrive.
“As a policy enthusiast, the best part of my role is learning the key legislative issues and regulations that will impact the RV industry as a whole,” he said.
For Solomon, the RV industry is meaningful because it allows individuals to easily access the outdoors and its many resulting benefits. “I’m passionate about some of the key issues that the RV industry touches on,” he said. “It gives people the ability to explore and create memories with their family and their friends. RVs also give people the ability to travel and experience the outdoors in unconventional ways, and spending time outdoors provides meaningful physical and mental health benefits. I’m happy to be a part of that!”
Solomon added that bipartisan support for outdoor recreation is another aspect he values: “The outdoors brings people together, regardless of their political ideology. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that helps foster unity so consumers can continue creating memories and enjoying the outdoors.”
