REFLECTING ON MY JOURNEY:
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
How a passion for technology shaped my path.
By Allen Evans, F542563, Director, Information Technology
Since 2023, Allen has driven over 44,000 miles and traveled to more than 20 states in the family’s 2019 Thor Aria motorhome, named Destiny, while towing Scarlet, their 2022 Chevy Silverado.
I’ve always believed technology should make life easier, not more complicated. That mindset has guided me throughout my career. Now, as director of Information Technology at Family RV Association, my role isn’t just about technology; it’s also about people. I want technology to feel like an ally, not an obstacle.
My career spans over 40 years, from my previous role as a technology strategist at Microsoft, a decade as a corporate IT consultant, and years as a business owner, plus being a military veteran. What I learned was simple: Technology only works when people feel confident using it. My experiences taught me that success isn’t measured by up-time alone; it’s measured by trust and usability.
At FRVA, I’m honored to lead the IT Department toward the cloud, help optimize Microsoft 365, and support a management system that truly works for our staff and members. These aren’t just upgrades; they’re steps toward making our organization more agile and secure. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and practicality, and I love seeing the lightbulb moment when someone realizes tech can make their job easier.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s next — artificial intelligence, automation, and smarter systems that help us serve our members better. For me, IT isn’t just about technology. It’s about progress, people, and creating solutions that make a real difference.
FRVA: A FOUNDATION OF SERVICE AND GROWTH
My journey with FRVA began in 2023 when my wife and I purchased our motorhome. We found a local chapter and after a year, I was elected chapter president. My time in that role has been extremely rewarding, and I encourage everyone to lean in and participate.
As my involvement deepened, I was elected as Vice President, Region 2 in the Rocky Mountain Area, where I still serve today. Here I collaborate with a talented board, working on initiatives that bridge chapters and foster regional unity through our Community Hub and area rally. This exposure helped me appreciate the diversity and strength of our community. During our area rally, I coordinated training sessions, promoting the importance of clear communication and adaptable leadership.
Earlier this year, I was honored to serve at the national level. My work with national committees, most notably with the FRVA Convention Committee and the Association Management System Committee, has challenged and inspired me. Organizing conventions is no small feat — there are logistics, programming, technology, and hospitality to balance. It’s a real test of collaboration, and every event has been a testament to the collective effort of dedicated FRVA staff and members.
CONVENTION | RALLY WORK: BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER
Some of my most rewarding moments have come from the RMMA rallies and international conventions. I’ve been involved in everything from setting up registration systems to troubleshooting live presentations. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the energy and creativity of our members and reinforced my belief in the power of technology to bring people together. Seeing attendees connect, learn, and grow at these events is incredibly fulfilling.
The IT Department from left to right: Ian Scheeler, Joshua Bentley, Allen Evans, Jason Wrenn, Brock Erdman, and Noah Wilson.
IT DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: EMPOWERING MEMBERS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
In my role, I see IT as more than just a support function: It’s an enabler of our mission. Here’s a quick overview of our department’s key functions:
- Association Management System (AMS): The AMS is the backbone of our operations. It securely manages member data, tracks participation, streamlines event registration, and supports communications. Our goal is to make every member interaction, whether joining FRVA or signing up for a rally, simple and efficient.
- Help Desk: We serve as the first line of support for members’ technical issues. Whether it’s a password reset, access to resources, or troubleshooting a virtual meeting, our team strives to resolve issues quickly and with a personal touch. We know that technology hiccups can be frustrating, so we approach every help desk ticket with empathy and urgency.
- Ongoing IT Support: Beyond the help desk, we maintain and enhance all our digital tools and systems. This includes updating security protocols, rolling out new features, and providing training to make sure staff and members can leverage technology confidently.
- TechConnect+: TechConnect+is an exclusive FRVA member benefit designed to keep RVers connected wherever they travel. It offers flexible, no-contract mobile internet and phone plans powered by major carriers, with options like hotspot rentals; Bring Your Own Device (BYOD); and unlimited talk, text, and data. TechConnect+ also includes white-glove technical support and discounts on connectivity products, making it a complete solution for reliable internet access during RV adventures.
- Convention and Event Technology: From hybrid meeting platforms to on-site network support, we ensure that our events run smoothly, and that technology brings people together, no matter where they are.
LOOKING AHEAD: REFLECTIONS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Reflecting on my journey, I’m continually inspired by the dedication and creativity of the FRVA community. I believe our investment in technology will only become more vital as we grow. My hope is that the IT Department continues to serve as a bridge — connecting members to resources, to each other, and to new opportunities.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, from launching user-friendly systems to supporting memorable conventions. But more importantly, I’m excited about what’s next. Here’s to the future of FRVA — powered by people, supported by technology, and united in purpose.
MEET THE TEAM
Joshua Bentley | Tech Connect+ Support Specialist
Job description: I provide personalized technology support to our members. I resolve their technical issues efficiently, helping them to stay connected and confident with their tech.
Years at FRVA: 1
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Home labbing, gaming, and camping; ability to fix most tech issues (sometimes in interesting ways); hardware and DIY projects.
Brock Erdman | Software Developer
Job description: Lead software developer for FRVA. Maintains and updates the FRVA website content and develops internal and member-facing applications that help streamline operations and improve the overall member experience.
Years at FRVA: 1
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Camping at Red River Gorge in Kentucky, spending time with friends and family, and getting out on the golf course whenever the Ohio weather cooperates.
Ian Scheeler | Systems Engineer
Job description: I recently transitioned from working with TechConnect to addressing various needs throughout the IT department. My goal is to streamline processes and make them operate more smoothly.
Years at FRVA: 1
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Rock climbing, fishing, hiking, camping, photography, video games, working on older cars, playing guitar.
Noah Wilson | Software Engineer
Job description: Specialize in API development, back-end systems engineering, and building scalable membership-driven applications for FRVA.
Years at FRVA: 4
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Long-distance running, reading non-fiction books, and watching professional baseball.
Jason Wrenn | Tech Connect+ Manager
Job description: Responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of FRVA’s Tech Connect+ program. Blends technical architecture, policy analysis, and member engagement to ensure the program delivers scalable, fair, and sustainable connectivity solutions.
Years at FRVA: 4
Hobbies, talents, and special interests outside of work: Sports fanatic; will watch or play anything. Golfing, weightlifting, and playing video games.