Claire Skinner, who began her RV industry career working in advertising and public relations and ended it as the chairman and CEO of Coachmen RV, died March 23 at the age of 69.
Her obituary in the Elkhart Truth said she died after a courageous battle with cancer.
Skinner was the daughter of Tom Corson, one of four co-founders of Coachmen Industries. The company was launched in 1964 when Skinner was 10 and sold to Forest River in 2008.
Skinner attended Notre Dame Law School and practiced at the McKenna, Storer, Rowe, White, and Farrug firm in Chicago before working for the family’s RV manufacturing company. At Coachmen, she was the company’s vice president of advertising and public relations, vice president and general manager and president. She served on the Coachmen Industries board of directors from 1993 until her retirement in 2006. In 1997, Skinner was named company CEO.
Skinner’s industry work extended to RVIA, where she served as RVIA chairman from 2003-2004. Skinner was the first, and so far only, woman to serve as RVIA chairman.
She was an executive committee member from 1997-2006. In 1997 she received RVIA’s National Legislative Award. In 2005, she received the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award, RVIA’s highest honor, presented to individuals within the RV industry who set themselves apart by outstanding service.
Skinner chaired RVIA’s Public and Legislative Affairs Committee. The association said she provided invaluable strategic leadership in the first RV-specific franchise law and the first motorhome-specific lemon law.
RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby said her contributions and commitment to the industry were remarkable.
“Her vision and leadership spanned decades, from her years on the board to her time as the first woman chair of the RV Industry Association,” Kirby said. “Claire’s strategic thinking was instrumental in securing the very first RV-specific franchise law and the first lemon law specifically for motorhomes. These legislative achievements continue to have a significant positive impact on our industry today. Claire’s tireless efforts and groundbreaking leadership truly paved the way for future generations of women and all leaders in the RV industry.”
The former Claire Corson married James Skinner in June 1986.
“Claire Skinner’s departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her,” Skinner’s obituary said. “Her spirit of generosity, integrity, and unwavering dedication to making a difference will always be remembered.
The family held private services. In lieu of flowers, Skinner asked for memorial contributions to be given to Interlochen Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643, in her memory.
