Kimberly Miles, the former president and CEO of the Vacation Rental Management Association, has resigned from her position. The VRMA Board Chair confirmed her departure but did not provide details about the specifics of her resignation. Miles had been with the association since July 2021 and her exit has sparked speculation and theories about what led to her decision to step down. The association is now in transition and the board will need to decide the next steps for its leadership.
The Vacation Rental Management Association is a prominent organization in the U.S. that advocates for property managers, vendors, and industry stakeholders. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the association hosts multiple vacation rental conferences throughout the year. Miles joined VRMA after nearly two decades with the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Critics of the association have long pointed out that it has failed to keep up with industry trends and capitalize on various opportunities. Some changes were made under Miles’ leadership, such as introducing a membership category for individual hosts.
The management structure of the VRMA has also come under scrutiny, with an outside management company, SmithBucklin, exerting significant influence over the association. The relationship between VRMA’s CEO and the board has been questioned, with some former board members and industry insiders criticizing the way the organization is run. Attendees at VRMA conferences have also raised concerns about disorganization, overspending, and low attendance at some events. There is a perception that VRMA has fallen behind in providing value to its members as new competitors have emerged in the industry.
Former board members have raised issues about Kimberly Miles’ leadership during her tenure at VRMA. They claim that there was a lack of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the organization’s bylaws. Some board members allegedly disregarded rules and operated in a secretive manner, leading to internal conflicts and dysfunction within the association. While Miles has been blamed for some mismanagement, critics argue that the SmithBucklin executive committee also played a significant role in directing the organization’s decisions. There is a call for greater accountability and transparency in the governance of VRMA moving forward.
The departure of Kimberly Miles has highlighted deeper issues within the Vacation Rental Management Association, particularly regarding its leadership and management practices. Critics argue that changes are needed to address the organization’s shortcomings and ensure its effectiveness in serving its members. The VRMA board now faces the challenge of reevaluating its structure, leadership, and overall direction to regain trust and credibility within the industry. Moving forward, the association will need to implement reforms to address the concerns raised by former board members, industry stakeholders, and members to ensure its long-term success and relevance in the vacation rental sector.
