BILLINGS – Pitching a tent, enjoying the great outdoors, or gathering around a campfire- all things many people associate with Kampgrounds of America.
The renowned KOA based in Billings just named Toby O’Rourke as the new CEO.
O’Rourke has been the KOA president since March of 2018 and first joined the company in 2011 as the director of digital marketing.
“I think we need to encourage more people to be outside, so I am looking forward to how KOA can play a part in that,” she said.
O’Rourke says she’s excited about the future of KOA and what she can bring to the table to answer questions facing the industry.
For example, what does camping look like in the future? And where does KOA need to pivot to stay ahead of pace?
O’Rourke says the next questions to answer are what locations should KOA be adding, and what markets they should focus on. And how to capitalize on things like glamping.
“We are actually working on a sole glamping location. So, a departure from our current business model. We are just trying new things. I think that tends to be what I bring to the table. Just trying to think out of the box,” said O’Rourke.
O’Rourke grew up in Montana and has a deeply rooted love for camping.
“It was a great place to grow up and get immersed. In a lot of ways, camping is like growing up in a small town. Everyone knows each other, and it’s a whole new experience it’s like you’re in a small town in Montana.”
Looking into the future and thinking of new innovative ideas for the outdoors O’Rourke also finds some time to jam down the slopes with the US bobsled team because Kampgrounds of America is one of the major sponsors this year.
Reporting by Zoe Zandora for MTN News
