Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has promoted Brian Elsmore to chief information officer, effective immediately, following the planned retirement of current CIO Andy Metroka at the end of March.
The leadership change is aimed at strengthening KOA’s technology, data, and digital tools to enhance operations and guest experiences across its network of campgrounds.
Elsmore, who joined KOA nearly four years ago as director of IT Operations, most recently served as senior vice president of information systems for 16 months.
In his new role, he will oversee KOA’s systems infrastructure, data strategy, and digital initiatives, continuing the modernization of the company’s operational platforms.
“Brian is a trusted leader who brings clarity, collaboration, and a relentless drive to improve our systems and processes,” Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA, said in a press release.
“With deep expertise in systems architecture and IT operations, he has been instrumental in elevating KOA’s capabilities as technology becomes increasingly central to how we serve campers and support our campgrounds,” O’Rourke added.
Elsmore said his focus will be on enhancing the camper booking and campsite selection experience while equipping campground owners and operators with innovative digital tools.
“Our technology department has experienced remarkable growth, blending the knowledge of seasoned industry professionals with the creativity of forward-thinking visionaries. It is a privilege to lead this talented team as we shape the future of camping and continue to set new standards in outdoor hospitality technology,” he said.
Prior to joining KOA, Elsmore held leadership roles in technology and operations across multiple industries, including more than 12 years as CIO/CTO at Tower Hill Insurance Group in Florida.
He also held positions as a systems engineer, principal consultant, and operations leader at ECS Solar, Auto Club Group (now AAA Colorado), and a multinational software company. Elsmore earned a degree in Information Technology from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
Metroka, who retires after seven years at KOA, led the development of KOA’s proprietary property management system, K2, and implemented strategic advancements in data, security, and artificial intelligence.
Before joining KOA, he worked in architecture and design engineering roles for Montana State Fund, River Technologies, and Baltimore Gas and Electric, and served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
KOA, a leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years, operates over 500 franchised and owned campgrounds under the KOA brand and Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture focused on upscale outdoor experiences.