KOA Promotes Chris Fairlee to Chief Operations Officer

New Campground Operations division unites KOA’s primary revenue drivers to support growth across franchise and owned campground portfolios

BILLINGS, Mont.— Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds, today announced the promotion of longtime KOA leader, Chris Fairlee, to Chief Operations Officer.

Over his 20-year tenure with KOA, Fairlee has built deep expertise across the organization’s franchise system, having led system development and franchise sales for many years. Over the past five years, his scope expanded further to include acquisitions and dispositions for KOA’s owned portfolio (OAK).

In his new role, Fairlee will oversee franchise services, OAK operations, commercial strategy, acquisitions, and franchise development, consolidating these functions under a single Campground Operations division. This structure brings KOA’s primary revenue drivers into a focused team designed to strengthen campground performance, support franchisees and operators, and enhance the guest experience across KOA’s network.

“Chris is a deeply respected leader within the outdoor hospitality industry with a proven track record of driving growth and excellence across our KOA system,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA, Inc. “For over two decades, he has helped shape our business, steward our brand, and strengthen our franchise and owned portfolio. His deep understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of our business uniquely positions him to help lead KOA into the future.”

“I’m deeply inspired by the dedication and passion of the people who make this company special,” said Chris Fairlee, Chief Operations Officer, KOA. “As I step into this new role, I’m most excited to work even more closely with our talented team to foster growth, drive innovation, and to support one another as we deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”

Fairlee earned a B.S. in Business Marketing from Montana State University – Bozeman. He also serves on the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Campground Coalition and the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) Business Forum.

###

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.