Ron Shepherd from Camperland of Oklahoma received RVDA’s highest honor Wednesday during the association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas. Shepherd was named the James B. Summers Award winner.
RVDA said the award recognizes individuals who have made a consistent and outstanding contribution to the association and its members. The award is named in honor of the association’s longtime executive vice president. James B. Summers.
RVDA President Phil Ingrassia said Shepherd guided RVDA as its chairman through the pandemic, which Ingrassia called one of the most difficult times in RVDA’s history.
“Many of us remember the uncertainty of those first few months of the Covid shutdowns,” Ingrassia said. “The shared goal was clear: keep RV dealerships open, and show federal, state and local officials that our businesses were essential—not just economically, but for the physical and mental well-being of the American public.
Ingrassia said Shepherd led the association with “determination, empathy and calm.” He guided the board in deciding to cancel the 2020 RVDA Convention/Expo.
“We know how the story turned out, but it is easy to forget, or maybe just block out, how unsettling those early days truly were,” Ingrassia said. “Ron’s leadership helped the industry not only survive but ultimately thrive.”
RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby found himself in the rare position of accepting an award. RVDA named Kirby the 2025 RVDA Titan Award winner.
RVDA said the honor is presented to individuals whose pioneering efforts have made RV travel the preferred leisure activity for millions of Americans.
Outgoing RVDA Chairman Larry Troutt III said Kirby was honored for more than just his longevity.
“For more than 30 years, Craig has been a steadfast champion of the RV industry,” Troutt III said. “Throughout his career, Craig has been a trusted partner to RVDA, working collaboratively to promote and protect the market for our products.”
During Kirby’s tenure, Troutt said RVIA advanced technician training through the RV Technical Institute and expanded consumer outreach via Go RVing. RVIA also worked with RVDA and others to resolve a tax issue on travel trailer inventory financing.
Troutt III said, “Today, Craig joins a distinguished group of Titan Award recipients,” Troutt said.
Kirby used his acceptance speech to thank those who he said made his role at RVIA easier.
“I would not be standing here without the support of an exception team, dedicated board and an engaged membership whose passion drives everything that we do,” Kirby said. “I am truly humbled. This is a big change for me. I am usually the one giving out the award. I want to thank Larry, Phil (Ingrassia) and the entire RVDA board for this award.”
Kirby also thanked his wife for putting up with his frequent travels on the industry’s behalf.
“To me, this award truly is a reflection of the collaboration and unity across our entire industry,” Kirby said. “I believe what we have accomplished so far is just the beginning, and I could not be more excited to see where together we take the greatest industry in the world.”
Troutt handed out four Chairman’s Service Awards. He honored retired RVDA staffer Karin Van Duyse and dealers Nathan Hart, LaDonna Meadows and Larry Troutt Jr.
The awards, which the RVDA chairman chooses, honor people who have been especially important both before and during the chairman’s time in office.
