Shari has 25 years of experience as a campground owner/operator. Prior to owning the campground, Shari spent 10 years in the banking industry, rising to the position of Vice President. In this role, she assisted individuals, businesses, and public entities with investments and the preparation of loan proposals for bank financing.

As owner of her RV Park Shari was actively involved in all aspects of campground operations, handling tasks such as front desk management, reservations, marketing, purchasing, accounting, and general operations. Her RV park consistently received high ratings and excellent reviews. She specializes in building customer loyalty and creating an environment that encourages campers to return. Shari’s training includes obtaining an Outdoor Hospitality Executive Certificate from ARVC and graduating from the National School of Campground Management. Additionally, she has taught classes on accounting practices, financial analysis, and the preparation of loan proposals.

The Illinois Campground Association appointed Shari to the ARVC Council of Delegates in 1996, 1997, and 2000. In 1998, she was elected President of the Illinois Campground Association and served the maximum two-year term in that position. During her presidency, Shari significantly improved the operational efficiency of the association and the quality of the biannual educational conferences. She takes pride in building a positive relationship with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the licensing authority for campgrounds in Illinois. While serving as President, Shari represented the Illinois Campground Association at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism and was part of Visit Illinois, a group of tourism professionals focused on attracting visitors to the state. Shari also represented the Illinois Campground Association at CAMP, a group of association management professionals leading the state association within ARVC, where she was elected Vice President and later President. Additionally, Shari served as President of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in the community where her RV park was located.

Shari is an avid camper who lives full-time in an RV. She and her husband are members of the international volunteer camping group, Family Campers & RVers (FCRV). Founded in 1949, FCRV’s mission is to promote and enhance the experience and enjoyment of recreational family camping and RVing. Shari served as Vice President of Operations and President for five years. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Shari and her husband received The Plaque, the organization’s highest award, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award.