RVIA has hired Kennedy Solomon as its new manager of state affairs.
Solomon will collaborate with industry stakeholders, educate lawmakers about industry issues and work with association members to advocate for legislation nationwide.
Solomon said, “As a policy enthusiast, the best part of my role is learning the key legislative issues and regulations that will impact the RV industry as a whole.”
Solomon said the RV industry is meaningful because it provides individuals with access to the outdoors.
“I am passionate about some of the key issues that the RV industry touches on,” Solomon said. “It gives people the ability to explore and create memories with their family and their friends. RVs also give people the ability to travel and experience the outdoors in unconventional ways, and spending time outdoors provides meaningful physical and mental health benefits.”
Solomon said bipartisan support for outdoor recreation is another aspect he values.
“The outdoors brings people together, regardless of their political ideology,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps foster unity so consumers can continue creating memories and enjoying the outdoors.”
Solomon is originally from the San Francisco Bay area. He moved to Washington, D.C., shortly after and graduated from George Mason University’s Schar School of Public Policy and Government with a master’s in public policy.
Solomon began his career in politics during graduate school, interning for Rep. Lacy Clay Jr. (D-Missouri). Soon after graduating from George Mason, Solomon returned to California, where he interned for State Assemblymember Bill Quirk.
“I gained a fundamental understanding of how state governments move faster than Congress,” Solomon said. “For instance, a bill could be introduced in January, and then by June, it is implemented into law. I like the pace. That is what essentially sparked my interest in state government affairs.”
Solomon worked in local government with Oakland’s Health and Human Services Department, managing programs related to homelessness, hunger and housing. During the pandemic, he shifted his career toward state government affairs and advocacy.
He then served in government affairs roles in the healthcare and technology sectors, respectively, before becoming interested in the RV industry.
