Shane Devenish, the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) executive director the past eight years, is stepping aside. CCRVC appointed Cara Csizmadia as its new president and Devenish will help support Csizmadia as she steps into the role, CCRVC said.
Devenish and Csizmadia have worked together since 2019, CCRVC said. The council said Devenish’s guidance, experience, knowledge and support were vital to preparing Csizmadia for this shift. CCRVC said Devenish will remain a key team member moving forward.
“CCRVC and its board of directors wish to extend heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Shane for his tireless efforts to advocate for members, help grow the provincial associations, facilitate strong strategic goals, and so much more,” Csizmadia said. “His impact as executive director has carried the association through various challenges, brought opportunities for growth and evolution and built a strong foundation for the future. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have him as a role model and mentor.”
Csizmadia joined the CCRVC staff in 2019, serving as member services director and supporting the team in various events, strategies and projects. Before joining the staff, Csizmadia was an active CCRVC Board of Directors member, and chaired the Parks and Campground Owners’ Association of Alberta.
Before joining CCRVC, Csizmadia owned and operated a 200-site RV park in Alberta from 2007 to 2019.
“Her understanding of our industry is unparalleled, and her passion for camping and the outdoors shines through in everything she does,” said Ellie Abucay-Giammattolo, CCRVC chairperson. “We are excited to see how Cara will steer the CCRVC and serve our members in her new capacity.”
Devenish said Csizmadia’s background helped her fully understand the industry’s challenges.
“(She) is the perfect individual to lead the Canadian Camping and RV Council into the future,” Devenish said. “It has been a real pleasure getting to know Cara and working with her for the past several years, and I look forward to great things for CCRVC under her leadership.”
