Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) hired Ann Emerson, a former Good Sam vice president, as the chief operating officer of KOA franchise.
Darin Uselman, who previously filled the role, will transition to oversee the company’s owned campground portfolio as chief operating officer of Owned and Operated Assets of KOA (OAK).
Emerson worked with KOA as a sales and partnership consultant for the past year. In her capacity as chief operating officer of the KOA franchise, Emerson will oversee the staff, services and programs that support the organization’s franchise operations. Emerson and her team work directly with current and prospective franchisees to ensure ongoing business success through industry-leading service and support.
Uselman will oversee the operations and development of the company’s growing portfolio of owned locations in his new position. Currently, KOA owns more than 40 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO, said the pair are the type of leaders to bring continued success to the company.
“Both have made invaluable contributions to our organization and industry through their leadership, relationship building and strategic planning,” O’Rourke said. “Their work will be critical to our ongoing success in the outdoor and travel industries.”
Emerson comes to KOA with over 30 years of experience in the camping industry. She previously was responsible for growing the Good Sam park network by directly supporting campground owners and operators. Since beginning work with KOA in 2021, Emerson made an immediate impact supporting the growth of the KOA system and its impressive portfolio of partners.
During her career, Emerson has served as an ARVC board of director, ARVC Foundation chairwoman and ARVC Business Forum chairwoman. In 2018, she won the Stan Martin Award, recognizing industry involvement, leadership, creativity and dedication.
Uselman joined KOA in 2017 to lead franchise operations. Over the past five years, KOA’s franchise business thrived under Uselman’s leadership, KOA stated, with high franchise attraction and retention rates, an expansion of services and the development of KOA’s franchise value model.
Prior to his time at KOA, Uselman worked at GE Capital as a strategic program manager and a collateral initiatives leader. Additionally, he is a PGA golf professional and spent several years in golf operations for a major homebuilder on the East Coast.
