Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently restructured and appointed two new leaders to support that reorganization and “explosive growth,” KOA said.
The company promoted Jill Currier to senior vice president of operations for the owned properties of KOA. Bill Gottwals joins the company to oversee the franchised locations as senior vice president of franchise operations.
Currently, the company has more than 40 owned locations Currier will lead. In a new role for the company, Currier will oversee a national team of campground professionals operating and growing the KOA campgrounds across North America.
According to KOA, Currier will be a pivotal leader within the organization. She has been part of KOA, Inc.’s owned portfolio operations staff for more than 15 years. During her tenure, Currier held several roles. Most recently, as regional vice president, Currier effectively navigated the diverse and dispersed organization management challenges, KOA said.
“Over a long career with KOA, Jill has proven her ability to lead teams to exceptional results,” said Darin Uselman, KOA chief operating officer. “Recently expanding my focus across the diverse brands and operations of KOA, Inc., including our franchise partners and Terramor, it was essential that a dynamic leader was tasked with overseeing our owned portfolio. Jill has been pivotal to our impressive growth as a campground owner and operator and will undoubtedly bring continued success as a premier provider of outdoor hospitality.”
In addition, to experience at KOA, Currier previously worked in operations for Minor League Baseball. She held positions at Aramark’s food service division in Chicago and Billings, Montana.
“I am honored and humbled that KOA has entrusted me to lead our owned portfolio operations,” Currier said. “I consider this company an important part of my family and a
m excited to take on this challenge and accomplish great things.”
Filling a similar role within franchise operations, Gottwals will be instrumental in more than 440 franchised campgrounds’ success, KOA said. He has extensive experience building relationships and encouraging customer satisfaction, KOA said.
Before coming to KOA, Gottwals spent over 30 years in different leadership roles in the banking and financial industry. Gottwals served as a regional vice present at U.S. Bank before becoming chief banking officer at 1st Interstate Bank.
According to Uselman, Gottwals can foster relationships, one reason why he was hired.
“The connection we have with our franchise partners is central to the success of both their business and ours,” Uselman said. “Bill has the financial expertise to help guide our franchisees and experience building meaningful relationships that ensure long-term partnerships.”
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