The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has finalized its slate of candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors, naming eight nominees vying for four open seats—two representing RV manufacturers and two representing suppliers.
Voting will take place throughout September, with results announced by the end of the month.
The Board of Directors is the association’s top governing body, responsible for establishing strategy and policy across key areas including industry standards, marketing, education, government affairs, statistical reporting, and fiscal oversight.
Newly elected members will begin their three-year terms on January 1, 2026.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on July 31, each RVIA-member company is allowed one vote, which must be submitted by its designated representative. Further details on the voting process will be provided in the coming weeks.
Nominees from the RV manufacturing segment include Ryan Elias of Triple E Recreational Vehicles/Leisure Travel Vans, Jeffrey C. Hunter of Storyteller Overland, and Brett Randall of Aliner. All three candidates bring years of experience in executive leadership and a history of involvement with RVIA.
Elias has served on the association’s Board of Directors since 2016 and currently holds the roles of vice chair and chair of the Emerging Leaders Coalition. His industry involvement spans multiple committees, including audit, investment, and strategic planning, and he also serves on the Board of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Hunter, who founded Storyteller Overland in 2018, has also led the company’s growth into a multifaceted brand offering adventure vans and accessories. Storyteller debuted its MODE Adventure Van line at the RVX event in 2019, and the company has been a member of the Association since 2018.
Randall, CEO of Aliner, joined the board in 2018 and now serves as treasurer. His committee leadership includes chairing the Audit and Investment Committees and contributing to government affairs and strategic planning efforts. He has also served in leadership roles with nonprofit and entrepreneurial organizations in Pennsylvania.
Supplier seat nominees include Matt Carboneau of Wesco Distribution, Brent Diver of Ranger Distribution, Craig Floyd of Intellitec Products, Akbar Ghous of Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Mike Hesse of Blue Ox. Each brings a diverse background in sales, marketing, standards development, and community involvement.
Carboneau has held leadership roles in RV-related sales since the 1990s and has served six years on the association’s board. He has participated in Advocacy Day and contributed to committee efforts around governance, awards, and supplier engagement.
Diver, a co-founder of Ranger Distribution, currently chairs the Electrical Technical Subcommittee and serves on multiple other standards-related groups. He is also actively engaged in community service and sits on the boards of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition and Elcona Country Club.
Floyd, with nearly four decades in the RV industry, has held senior roles at several OEMs and suppliers. He previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018 and has chaired and contributed to multiple committees focused on standards and supplier issues.
Ghous, currently leading sales and marketing at Freightliner Custom Chassis, represents the luxury diesel Class A and Super C motorhome segments. His broader industry experience includes nearly two decades with Daimler Truck North America and ongoing community outreach through Al Mustafa USA and Autism Strong Foundation.
Hesse, owner and CEO of Blue Ox, has been active in board and committee service since 2018. Under his leadership, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and he remains engaged in policy advocacy and youth development through the Hesse Foundation and other ventures.