On June 6, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors approved a revised version of the organization’s Bylaws. This decision marks the final step in a multi-year effort to streamline the Board and enhance its leadership capabilities for the future of the RV industry.
In 2019, the Board consisted of at least 24 members, including 9 RV manufacturers, 2 park model RV manufacturers, 5 suppliers, 5 at-large members, 2 appointed members, and the Immediate Past Chair.
The large size of the Board led to difficulties in effective meeting participation and recruitment of candidates, particularly as consolidation within the RV industry continued to narrow the pool of eligible candidates. To address these challenges, the Board established a Governance Committee to revise the Bylaws and streamline the organization.
Bob Parish, vice president of Wells Fargo Capital and chair of the Governance Committee, explained the initial steps taken to reorganize the Board.
“In November 2021, we proposed a comprehensive reorganization of the Bylaws to make them easier to use and reduced the size of [the] Board to a more nimble 17 members; with 6 RV manufacturers, 1 park model RV manufacturer, 5 suppliers, 4 appointed members, and the Immediate Past Chair,” Parish said, as quoted from a News & Insights report of the RVIA.
Despite the initial changes, two significant issues emerged during the transition. Continued industry consolidation further reduced the pool of suitable candidates, and the new structure did not adequately represent the major contributors to the RV industry economy. This realization prompted the Governance Committee to draft further adjustments to the Bylaws.
The revised Bylaws, approved on June 6, establish an 18-member Board of Directors. The new structure includes 5 Standing Directors drawn from the three largest RV manufacturers based on their cumulative seal sales in the past year and the two suppliers in the highest association dues category.
Additionally, there will be 10 elected directors: 5 RV manufacturers, 1 park model RV manufacturer, and 4 suppliers. To ensure balance and inclusion, 2 Appointed Directors will be added, along with the Immediate Past Chair.
“We are confident that the new RV Industry Association Board structure that takes effect on January 1, 2025, will fairly balance and address all the interests that make up our great industry going forward,” Parish concluded.
The RV Industry Association emphasizes that this restructuring is essential for maintaining effective leadership and representation in a rapidly consolidating industry. The new Board structure aims to better represent the key stakeholders and ensure that the most significant voices in the industry are heard.
Members of the RV Industry Association are encouraged to review the 2024 edition of the Bylaws to understand the changes and their implications. This strategic restructuring reflects the Association’s commitment to leading the RV industry with a governance structure that is responsive and representative of the evolving landscape.