Meet David Gardner, RVIA’s New Manager of Federal Affairs – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Government Affairs staff are the industry experts for our members, state legislators, regulators, and RV industry stakeholders, according to an RVIA News & Insights report. Their federal affairs team champions the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follows relevant legislation and policies. To assist with these advocacy efforts, the Government Affairs department recently onboarded a new Manager of Federal Affairs, David Gardner.
Originally from Massachusetts, David graduated from American University in 2021 before working as Committee Staff for the Senate Committee on Environment Public Works. He later also gained experience working for the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, where he focused on public lands and outdoor recreation issues.
“I dove into a ton of unique topics,” David said of his time working for the Committees. “I worked with many of the same legislative issues I’m focusing on now— outdoor recreation and public lands’ issues. It’s the ‘fun portfolio’ because it’s about being outside.”
In David’s new role as the Association’s Manager of Federal Affairs, he champions the RV industry’s legislative priorities with decision makers on Capitol Hill and with the Biden administration: “It’s about awareness. Sometimes people don’t know what they don’t know. It’s important for us to share the RV industry’s advocacy priorities with legislators, as well as how the industry benefits their constituents.”
Since joining the team, David’s favorite part of his new role has been meeting Association staff and connecting with new faces on Capitol Hill. “Everyone at the RV Industry Association has been so friendly and helpful,” he says. “Also, a big part of government affairs is introducing yourself to folks on the Hill and letting them know you’re here as both an advocate and as a resource for their questions. The Hill has people from all different walks of life, and I enjoy meeting them.”
When considering how the RV industry is meaningful to his own life, David expresses his passion for adventuring: “I love to be outdoors, and RVs are the gateway to that. They’re a central part of exploring and seeing new parts of the country. Especially with my background, that’s super meaningful to me.”
