Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) hired Eric Rathburn as vice president of real estate development of the Owned and Operated Assets of KOA (OAK) and Emily Cross as in-house legal counsel.
Rathburn will lead the overall strategy for the owned campground portfolio of KOA, including real estate development project managers. His responsibilities also include guiding property/land acquisition, entitlements, land planning, architectural and design decisions, construction, property redevelopment, and all other aspects of development.
Rathburn brings 20 years of experience in corporate real estate, construction and engineering to the OAK team. In previous roles at Duke Energy, he developed and executed large multi-year capital budgets and managed a team of real estate project managers responsible for the construction, renovation and redevelopment of company real estate assets.
“Eric joining the team has a direct impact on the success of our growing campground portfolio,” said Darin Uselman, chief operations officer for Kampgrounds of America, Inc.—OAK. “Over the past few years, we have expanded aggressively, and for that growth to continue while focusing on delivering the best experience in outdoor hospitality, his expertise is critical.”
In a new role for KOA, as general counsel, Cross will ensure that the company maintains legal compliance and manages risk and safety in its operations as a corporation and its owned campground properties.
Cross’ work includes legal duties, working with contracts, governance and intellectual property. She is also the contact point for external attorneys and law firms.
Cross brings extensive experience to KOA, having practiced commercial litigation in tLos Angeles and Montana. She also worked as a clerk in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
“With our continued and projected growth, Emily’s expertise will be critical,” said Chris Scheer, chief financial officer of KOA, “She brings a wealth of knowledge in a commercial capacity that will help move our company forward in a responsible and ethical way.”
