The National Marine Manufacturers Association named Frank Hugelmeyer, who has served as president of the RV Industry Association since 2015, to succeed Thom Dammrich as the association’s president.
“I am very excited that Frank is going to be my successor,” Dammrich told Trade Only Today. “I think he’s an excellent choice. He comes with a really strong background in outdoor recreation. Through his experience with Go RVing, he’s got show experience, government relations experience, he’s built coalitions — he’s a really great find.”
Hugelmeyer understands the importance of talking with industry members face-to-face, Dammrich said.
“He’s not going to be a guy who sits in his office,” Dammrich said. “Frank has spent his entire career working with consumer products companies. He has a strong consumer-centric focus and a real handle on consumer trends. He will definitely add value to NMMA.”
NMMA chairman Ben Speciale made the announcement on Friday. Hugelmeyer joins the NMMA from the RV Industry Association, where he has been president since 2015.
“He has led the RV industry with a focus on market development and strengthening of the industrywide consumer campaign, Go RVing; directed robust advocacy policy initiatives spanning the international, federal and state levels; and established broad coalitions across the outdoor recreation sector, including the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable,” said Speciale in the statement.
RVIA represents the $50 billion RV industry with a membership of 400 manufacturers and component and aftermarket suppliers that produce 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States.
Before the RVIA, Hugelmeyer was president and CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association for 14 years. He was instrumental in growing the trade group's focus on advocacy, consumer trends, business innovation and B2B education.
“Frank brings extensive experience and expertise in outdoor recreation and association management to NMMA, making him the ideal growth-minded leader for the recreational boating industry,” Speciale said. “We look forward to his leadership and strategic vision as he guides our industry through ever-changing economic and political landscapes.”
After a transition period beginning in July, Hugelmeyer will take over the president’s position on Oct. 1. Here is the full announcement.
Dammrich hasn’t decided what he will do moving forward.
“I’ve got a lot of ideas, but I don’t have any plans,” he said. “I’m working too hard for NMMA to figure that out, but once I get some time, I will figure it out. As I said to the [American Boating Congress] crowd in D.C., I’ve only got a few months, but I’ll be sprinting all the way to the finish line.”
