Recently restructuring to approach business operations more holistically, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) announced two new leaders tasked with leading both franchise and owned campground operations. Jill Currier has been promoted to senior vice president of operations for the owned properties of KOA. And, Bill Gottwals joins the company to oversee the franchised locations as senior vice president of franchise operations.

KOA has also been announced as a double award-winning franchise in Franchise Business Review’s most recent recognition.

With over 500 locations across the United States and Canada, Kampgrounds of America entered 2023 taking a unified approach to business functions and campground operations. Currently, the company has more than 40 owned locations that Currier will lead while supporting the goals and initiatives of the larger KOA system of campgrounds.

In a new role for the company, Currier will oversee a national team of campground professionals operating and growing a robust, industry-leading portfolio of KOA campgrounds across North America.  

Currier has been a crucial part of KOA, Inc.’s owned portfolio operations staff for more than 15 years. During her tenure, Currier has held several roles and proven her ability to work strategically and cross-functionally to achieve results. Most recently, as regional vice president, Currier effectively navigated the challenges of managing a diverse and dispersed organization. 

“Over a long career in addition to her vast experience at KOA, Currier previously worked in operations for Minor League Baseball (MLB). She also held positions at Aramark’s food service division in Chicago, Illinois and Billings, Montana.

A Billings native, Currier received a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in sports and fitness management from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

Filling a similar role within franchise operations, Gottwals joins as Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s senior vice president of franchise operations. In his position, Gottwals will be instrumental in the success of more than 440 franchised campgrounds with extensive experience building relationships and encouraging customer satisfaction.

Before coming to KOA, Gottwals spent over 30 years in different leadership roles in the banking and financial industry. Gottwals served as a regional vice present at U.S. Bank before holding the title of chief banking officer at 1st Interstate Bank. 

Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, and calling Billings home since 1995, Gottwals attended Washington and Lee University in Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting.

KOA has  received two awards as a 2023 Top Recession-Proof Franchise and a Top Franchise for Women. Across both award lists of Franchise Business Review, KOA, Inc. was the only hospitality provider of any type included.

KOA’s inclusion as a Top Franchise for Women was based on a survey of over 8,100 female franchise owners. According to Franchise Business Review, women own 32% of all franchises and are, on average, more satisfied overall than men regarding franchise ownership. Companies were selected for how well the franchise meets their expectations in terms of support, work-life balance, financial opportunity and other critical areas of business ownership, according to female owners. Only 48 franchise opportunities made the final list.