Supporting Members Like Family
Get to know the Family RV Association national office staff. In this issue, Penny Gortemiller talks about the 40-plus years she’s spent assisting her extended FRVA family and the Chapter Services department’s responsibilities.
By Penny Gortemiller, Director of Chapters and Governance
I was hired on March 1, 1984, as the receptionist for the Family Motor Coach Association, or FMCA, as it was called then. As you may know, the association’s spring international convention usually takes place in March. I was an employee for all of 21 days before most of the staff left the office to work at the convention in Fort Myers, Florida. I was still new, and I had no idea that so many employees attended conventions back then. What was I supposed to do with all the calls? This occurred well before cell phones. Well, I figured it out.
Since then, I have held several other positions: mail forwarding/message service attendant, membership assistant, chapter services assistant, and director of chapter services. Chapter Services is responsible for Family RV Association’s governing documents. In 2015, I held the dual role as director of membership and director of chapter services.
During my time overseeing both departments, FRVA went through a major transformation and began accepting owners of towable RVs into the association, joining motorhome owners. This involved changing the FMCA Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution, and the Bylaws, as well as sending a mail ballot to the entire membership. We also needed to begin marketing to owners of towable RVs to encourage them to join the association.
The Chapter Services department from left to right: Danielle Powell, Dustin Tillie, and Penny Gortemiller.
I was eager to “share” those responsibilities when asked to do so. Membership and Chapter Services were split back into separate departments. This occurred in 2017.
At that time, Chapter Services was moved from the Clough Pike office in Cincinnati, Ohio, to our location on Round Bottom Road, about five miles away, where the FRVA Campground is located. Convention items are also stored in the Round Bottom Road warehouse when not being utilized. This location feels like home to me.
In August 2025, the Management Committee transferred responsibility for the FRVA Campground and FRVA Store to me. This makes sense, because we are housed in the same location.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and dog. We are avid fishermen and enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. I also enjoy watching my seven-year-old grand twins play soccer.
As a longtime employee (currently the longest-tenured at FRVA), I can tell you how important it is for us to care for our members just like family. I’ve met so many wonderful members who have made me feel like part of their lives. I’ll cherish the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met for the rest of my life. FRVA has helped shape who I am as a person.
The FRVA Chapter Services Department
The Chapter Services department supports FRVA’s 250 chapters — anything from starting a chapter to assisting chapter officers with guidance. We also facilitate the work of FRVA’s committees — handling tasks such as scheduling workshops and meetings, as well as compiling the FRVA Governing Board booklet and meeting materials.
Chapter Services responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Answering chapter and governance questions.
- Assisting with new chapter formation.
- Performing annual chapter certification.
- Coordinating chapter anniversary materials.
- Providing chapter officer guidance.
- Handling chapter EINs for banking and tax purposes.
- Assisting with chapter recruitment.
- Updating National Bylaws Amendments and Policy and Procedure Amendments.
- Preparing for Governing Board meetings.
- Assisting FRVA committees.
- Preparing committee meetings, notices, handouts, reports, and minutes.
- Working with the Governing Board.
- Assisting the Executive Board.
- FRVA Campground: Answering campground calls, changing reservations, and checking on long-term stays; keeping the campground clean; helping ensure guests enjoy their stay.
- FRVA Store: Packing and shipping store orders, managing inventory, and refreshing apparel; preparing and shipping store items to FRVA rallies and other events.
Meet The Team
Danielle Powell | Chapter Services Assistant
Job description: Provide support to chapters, areas, and national officers.
Years of service: 4
Favorite part of working at FRVA: Helping members and chapters, discussing travels, learning about RVs and RVing.
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Photography, fishing, front/back porch sitting, boating. Also love anything with wheels.
Dustin Tillie | Campground/Store Coordinator
Job description: Keep the FRVA member-only campground operating. Perform FRVA merchandise store functions, including those related to area rallies and international conventions.
Years of service: 3½
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Enjoy hiking, kayaking, anything outdoors, playing video games.