Voting has opened for the 2026 RV Industry Association (RVIA) Board of Directors, with members casting ballots to fill four seats on the governing body.
The election began today, Sept. 2, and will run through Sept. 22. Results are scheduled to be announced to candidates on Sept. 23, with new board members set to begin three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2026.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, the RVIA Board of Directors is the highest authority within the association’s organizational structure. It oversees policies and strategies tied to standards, marketing, government affairs, education, statistical reporting and the association’s finances.
Ballots will be submitted by the official representative of each member company. Representatives will receive email instructions on how to complete the online voting process.
According to association bylaws, voting is limited to designated company representatives. Associate and manufacturer representatives do not hold voting privileges.
Eight candidates are seeking election this year. The race includes two open seats for RV manufacturers and two open seats for suppliers.
The Board of Directors plays a central role in shaping the association’s response to key industry issues, from federal and state policy engagement to the development of technical standards and education programs.
Three candidates are seeking election to the manufacturer seats. Ryan Elias, president and general manager of Triple E Recreational Vehicles/Leisure Travel Vans, has served on the RVIA Board since 2016 and is currently vice chair. He has chaired multiple committees and is active with Canadian manufacturers and exporters.
Jeffrey Hunter, founder and CEO of Storyteller Overland, launched the company in 2018 and introduced the MODE Adventure Van at RVIA’s RVX event in 2019. Brett Randall, president and CEO of Aliner, has also served on the RVIA Board since 2018, where he is treasurer and chair of the audit and investment committees.
On the supplier side, Matt Carboneau of Wesco Distribution has been on the RVIA Board for six years and has contributed to Governance, Government Affairs, and Supplier Committees.
Brent Diver, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Ranger Distribution, chairs the Electrical Technical Subcommittee and has served in multiple industry technical groups since 2011. Craig Floyd, vice president of sales and marketing at Intellitec Products, also previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018 and has chaired supplier, membership, and technical committees.
Also running are Akbar Ghous, vice president of sales, aftermarket service, and marketing at Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., who leads sales and marketing strategies and sits on RVIA’s board; and Mike Hesse, CEO of Blue Ox, who has expanded the company’s portfolio since 2016 and served on the RVIA Board from 2018 to 2021 while remaining active on aftermarket and government affairs committees.