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FAIRFAX, Va. -- Mike Molino, president of the RV Dealers Association, announced today that he will step down after 16 years of service as the CEO of the group. The RVDA Board of Directors named Phil Ingrassia, the association’s vice president for communications, as the association’s next president effective April 2.

“Mike Molino’s impact on RVDA and the RV industry will last for years to come,” said RVDA Chairman of the Board Andy Heck, of Alpin Haus in Amsterdam, N.Y.  “He has been a strong advocate for RV dealers since he joined the association in 1988 and became the chief staff officer in 1996.  Mike was instrumental in developing a strategic direction for the organization that will shape RVDA far into the future.  We are fortunate to have an experienced successor in Phil Ingrassia, who is well qualified to manage a smooth transition of staff leadership and set the stage for continued success.”

“For more than 50 years, I have been lucky enough to have had continuous employment with only two employers, the U.S. Army and RVDA,” Molino said.  “The nature of the work in both organizations provided opportunities to work for more than 50 different bosses and with many great people. The staff at RVDA present and past stands out as the best team of colleagues that I have ever had.  I can’t thank them enough for their loyalty and support. 

"I am especially indebted to Vice President for Administration Ronnie Hepp who has been with us for 17 of my almost 24 years at RVDA and Vice President for Communications Phil Ingrassia whom I recruited 16 years ago when I became CEO," he added. "My life epitomizes the adage ‘do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.’

“It is time for someone with new energy and ideas to head the staff of RVDA.  Last year, I asked the RVDA Board of Directors to start the process of finding a new president," said Molino. "It makes me proud to know that they saw the same great value in Phil Ingrassia’s talents and skills that I enjoyed for the past 16 years.  I am delighted with their selection.  Although I plan to be active in a different type of work, I will remain available to assist RVDA President Ingrassia in any way possible for as long as he desires.”

During Molino’s years with RVDA, the association extended its leadership role in RV industry affairs through development of the association’s model dealer agreement and the Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey.  Molino was a key leader in the formation of The RVDA Education Foundation, now known as the RV Learning Center, and also a strong supporter of continuing education and certification for RV dealership employees. During Molino’s tenure, RVDA also played a key role in the formation of the Go RVing Coalition’s national advertising campaign, which is co-owned with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.  

Molino is a certified association executive and was elected to RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2006.

Ingrassia has served as RVDA’s vice president for communications since 2002 and joined the RVDA staff in 1996.  Ingrassia supervises the association's membership, industry relations, market expansion, and communications programs. He also serves as RVDA's staff liaison to the Go RVing Coalition.  He has also earned the certified association executive designation.

“I am honored that the board of directors has chosen me to help lead the next chapter in RVDA’s history,” Ingrassia said.  “Mike Molino has been an excellent mentor to me as well as to others on the staff and within the RV industry.   I look forward to working with our volunteer leaders, members, business partners, and staff to advance the RVDA and the industry.”

SOURCE: RV Dealers Association press release