Craig Kirby, president and CEO of the RV Industry Association (RVIA), was honored with the RV Dealer Association’s (RVDA) Titan Award on Wednesday, November 12, recognizing his decades-long contributions to the RV industry. The award celebrates individuals whose leadership and vision have helped make RV travel a preferred leisure activity for millions of Americans.
Craig Kirby has served the RV sector for more than 30 years, beginning as RVIA’s general counsel and senior vice president of government affairs. He now leads the association as its president and CEO.
The Titan Award was presented by RVDA Chair Larry Trout III, who highlighted Kirby’s enduring partnership with the association and his impact on the broader RV market.
“For more than 30 years, Craig has been a steadfast champion of the RV industry — first as the RV Industry Association’s General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, and now as President of the Association,” Trout said.
Trout cited Kirby’s leadership across multiple initiatives, including technician training through the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), consumer outreach via Go RVing, and advocacy on government affairs issues such as tax fairness for travel trailer inventory financing.
“Throughout his career, Craig has been a trusted partner to RVDA, working collaboratively to promote and protect the market for our products. His leadership has consistently reflected a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape and the needs of our industry,” Trout continued, as reported by a News and Insights report of RVIA on November 12.
Kirby expressed gratitude while accepting the award, acknowledging his colleagues, the RVDA board, and the association’s membership.
“Wow, I am truly humbled,” Kirby said. “This award is a reflection of the collaboration and unity across our entire industry. Together, we have accomplished so much.”
He singled out the contributions of his wife, Lori, and recognized the ongoing importance of industry-wide initiatives.
“From Go RVing to RVTI to major government affairs successes like the dealer floorplan financing bill, and through our Emerging Leaders Coalition, we are ensuring that this unity and strength will continue for generations to come,” Kirby said.
Kirby emphasized the competitive pressures facing the RV industry from alternative leisure sectors such as AirBNB, cruise lines, and hotels.
The Titan Award has been presented to a select group of industry leaders whose work has had lasting influence. Previous recipients include Dan Pearson, Sherman Goldenberg, Duane Spader, and Pete Liegl.