View the candidates for Area Representatives on OHI Board of Directors. Seats are up for election in Voting Areas 2, 3, 4 and 6 this year. Those elected will each serve a three-year term beginning on November 11, 2021.
Voting Area 2 Representative
Candidate: Karen Kymer
Biography: I have been in the camping industry since I was 5 years old when my parents built Kymer’s Camping Resort in Northwest New Jersey. I grew up working at Kymer’s Campground as a lifeguard and in the office/camp store. While in college, I started working at our second campground, Panther Lake Camping Resort, in Andover NJ. After graduating from Monmouth University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, I managed the park for 8 years. I then went back to college for a second business degree in Accounting while working at a local CPA firm. After preparing tax returns and audits at the CPA for 7 years, I decided to manage our third park, Delaware River Family Campground, for the past 17 years.
I have been on the New Jersey Campground Owners Association board for the past 8 years, serving as President for 3 years, and currently the Past President. While serving as NJCOA president, I was also on the NCA board as the NJCOA representative as well as being on the Executive board as Secretary.
I am currently on the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce tourism committee. I previously had a seat on our local high school board of education.
I think I have a well-rounded background in the camping industry for any years to serve as the region 2 representative on the OHI board.
Voting Area 3 Representative:
Candidate: Jeff Hoffman
Biography: I have been in the campground business for over 50 years and have owned and managed multiple parks. As President of MHD Corp we owned or managed 18 diverse properties over the business’s 80 years. I have experience in hospitality, retail, golf course management, construction and property management.
I have always been committed to serving our community and our local area. I have served on our visitor and convention bureau for 30 years, currently serving as President. I was an executive director of the Firelands area boy scouts. Past president and board member of the Erie county homebuilders. Past President and board member for Cancer Services of Erie and Huron county. I am a long-time, active member of both the Ohio Campground Owners Association (OCOA) and National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (OHI). I have regularly attended and participated in the meetings and conventions of both groups and have a great appreciation for the value that they provide.
I am a long-time member of the Ohio Campground Owners Association Board of Trustees, including Northwest District Trustee, Alternate Northwest Trustee and am currently serving as President. I have represented the OCOA in various capacities before the state government including but not limited to: testifying on ongoing campground liability legislation before the state legislature; sitting on Ohio’s Outdoor Recreation Task Force which made recommendations to the Governor on re-opening campgrounds during COVID-19 closures; and serving on the Ohio Department of Health’s Campground Rule Review Committee.
Though I have known the importance of strong state and national associations for many years, it was through my position as President of the OCOA, that I realized just how important the behind-the-scenes work is to the campground owner. Both OHI and OCOA had a big hand in getting our campgrounds open early in the pandemic and we saw the value a large group of committed owners could make.
I believe my diverse background will help move the campground industry forward by serving as a representative on the OHI national board. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Voting Area 4 Representative:
Candidate: Jon Gould
Resides: Sarasota, Florida
Family: Wife of 34 years and 3 great kids
Biography: My initial involvement in the RV Park and Campground business began in 2008 at Sun-N-Fun RV Resort in Sarasota Florida, a 5-time recipient of OHI Mega Park of the Year, working with Tim Deputy. This experience gave me great exposure to many facets of campground operations and management. Since Sun-N-Fun was an active member of OHI, I immediately saw the value that OHI brings to the table for all owners and operators.
In 2013, due to the acquisition of Sun-N-Fun, I transitioned to employment with Carefree Communities.
In 2016, due to the acquisition of Carefree Communities, I transitioned to employment with Sun Communities.
In 2017, I took a position at Summit Communities as Regional Manager in South Florida and Arizona. During my time at Summit the portfolio grew from 27 to 41 properties adding properties in both Florida and Arizona.
In December of 2020, due to the acquisition of Summit Communities, I began my time with Treehouse Communities. We are a growing, active member of OHI with many of our RV properties.
These opportunities have given me a chance to see great variety in our business and from many perspectives. I have worked for several great owners, operators, managers and have gleaned something from all of them. I believe these experiences give me good insight into our business and I look forward to representing the members of Area 4 on the OHI Board of Directors.
Voting Area 6 Representative:
Candidate: Charles Amian, CPO, OHC
Charles Amian has held the position of Operations Manager since June 1995. He began his career with Pismo Coast Village RV Resort in June 1984 in the Maintenance Department, and has held various positions within the Company, including Reservations Supervisor and Store Supervisor.
At the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds Annual Convention in March 2001, he was elected Board President and served two successful terms. At the 2002 National Association of RV Parks and Campground’s Annual Convention, he was appointed to chair the State President’s meeting. He served ten years on the CalOHI Board of Directors. Mr. Amian served four years on the CampCalifornia Marketing Board of Directors.
He served fifteen years on the Board of Trustees of REC PAC (a California Recreation Political Action Committee formed to help protect, preserve and further recreational interests in California), and served two terms as Chair. Mr. Amian is a lifetime-designated Certified Park Operator. In November of 2016, Mr. Amian was appointed to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
STATEMENT
“I have been honored to serve on the OHI Board of Directors representing the members of Voting Area 6. I look forward to continue support of our member parks and promote growth of our industry, while addressing issues which may have a negative impact to our membership and industry.”
How to vote for your OHI Board of Directors Representatives
Voting: Elections for the available seats on the OHI Board of Representatives will take place this fall. Online voting begins on August 11, 2021, which also is the day absentee ballots will be mailed. Each OHI member-campground will receive one ballot emailed to the assigned voting contact. The deadline for online ballots is October 28, 2021 and there will be caucus and in-person voting on November 10, 2021 at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo in Raleigh, N.C.
If you have any questions about these opportunities or the nominating process, please contact Susan Motley via email or call 303-681-0401.
