Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) named two leaders tasked with advancing the franchise and owned-campground operations. Jill Currier was promoted to senior vice president of operations for the owned properties of KOA, and Bill Gottwals was hired to oversee the franchised locations as senior vice president of franchise operations.
With over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, KOA entered 2023 “taking a unified approach to business functions and campground operations.” Currently, the company has more than 40 owned locations that Currier will lead while supporting the goals and initiatives of the larger KOA system of campgrounds.
Currier will now oversee a national team of campground professionals operating and growing KOA campground portfolio across North America.
Currier has worked for KOA for over 15 years, working in various roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as regional vice president.
“Over a long career with KOA, Jill has proven her ability to lead teams to exceptional results,” said Darin Uselman, COO of KOA. “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.”
Currier previously worked in operations for Minor League Baseball (MLB). She also held positions at Aramark’s food service division in Chicago, IL and Billings, MT.
Filling a similar role within franchise operations, Gottwals joins as KOA, Inc.’s senior vice president of franchise operations. In this position, Gottwals will oversee 440 franchised campgrounds. Before KOA, Gottwals spent over 30 years in various banking and financial industry leadership roles. Gottwals worked as a regional vice present at U.S. Bank before holding the title of chief banking officer at 1st Interstate Bank.
Uselman noted Gottwals’ ability to foster relationships in the hiring decision, “the connection we have with our franchise partners is central to the success of both their business and ours. Bill has the financial expertise to help guide our franchisees and experience building meaningful relationships that ensure long-term partnerships.”
