40 Under 40: Alexis Donati-Yeoman
Director of Purchasing & Operations, Nexus RV; With Company: 5 years | In Industry: 10+ years
When Alexis Donati-Yeoman stepped into her role at Nexus RV, she brought with her a unique mix of creativity, operational savvy and relentless determination.
Alexis has become a crucial leader in the company in five years, holding the position of director of purchasing and operations and also impacting product development and design. Her journey is proof that RV industry leadership can look different than it did a generation ago and that difference is exactly what’s propelling Nexus RV forward.
Interestingly, Alexis’ path to RV leadership wasn’t a straight line. A graduate of Kent State University with a degree in fashion and finance, she began her career rooted in design, a background that turned out to be a secret weapon in the RV industry.
When Nexus RV was ready to overhaul its interiors, Alexis used her keen eye for trends and textures to guide the product development team. This resulted in four new interior designs that redefined the brand and resonated with customers. In fact, RV influencer Matt Foxcroft of “Matt’s RV Reviews,” declared, “Alexis’s interior revamp at Nexus took them from worst to first in less than two years.” Those changes helped Nexus earn back-to-back No. 1 rankings in 2024 and 2025 and fueled its rise a fast-growing OEM in the Class C segment.
As head of purchasing and operations, Alexis cut shortages to improve unit completion times by 10 days per model. She reduced scrap and obsolete inventory by over 10% in four years. When the company needed to scale up quickly during the COVID-19 demand surge, Alexis kept operations steady, then steered the team through the market downturn that followed. While many OEMs struggled, Nexus RV grew its market share under her watch.
Alexis also played an integral role in launching Nexus’s third plant and towable division. In fact, she turned an empty warehouse into a fully functioning production line in under four months.
She also implemented Nexus RV’s first ERP system, which improved efficiency and gave Nexus cleaner data, accurate BOMs and faster month-end closes. Now, dealers can count on precise part numbers, detailed descriptions and reliable shipments, which has translated into record sales for the company.
Alexis serves on multiple committees within the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA), where she plays an active role in the charitable foundation, driving opportunities for women through training and leadership programs. She was chosen for this role because of her involvement in Nexus RV being awarded the 2024 Champion of Women award, an honor given to companies that showcase strong female representation in leadership.
She also sits on the board of the YWCA Young Leaders and Event Planning Council, where her fundraising efforts recently brought in over $250,000, the highest total in the organization’s history. Those funds directly support safe housing, education and job opportunities for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Alexis strives to help other women succeed. Already, over five women from her operations and purchasing teams have been promoted under her mentorship.
Her colleagues describe her as the hardest-working individual in the company, a leader who balances big-picture strategy with hands-on execution.
From 5S trainee at 16, to operations manager, to director of two major departments, Alexis’ career has been a steady climb built on grit and vision. Today, she stands out as one of the youngest directors in the RV industry, influencing her company and the industry as a whole.
Alexis’ advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
Every industry — including RVs — is navigating disruption, whether from technology, supply chain challenges or shifting customer expectations. Flexibility and resilience will set you apart.
What it means to Alexis to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being recognized as a 40 Under 40 in the RV industry is more than an honor, it’s a reflection of the passion, commitment and innovation I strive to bring every day. It represents the opportunity to contribute to an industry I deeply believe in, while also helping shape its future. This recognition motivates me to keep pushing for growth, collaboration and inclusivity, and to mentor the next generation of leaders who will carry the RV industry forward. It’s both a milestone and a responsibility, and I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic community.
