The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Laura Taylor in our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

For many people, a campground is a place they visit for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. For Laura Taylor, General Manager of the Mystic KOA, it has become a way of life, a career, and a community she proudly calls home.

Born and raised in Westfield, New Jersey, Laura spent her childhood summers traveling with her family to beloved coastal destinations like the Jersey Shore and Cape Cod. Along the way, Mystic often became a memorable stop. Little did she know that years later, this charming community would become the place where she would put down roots and build an entirely new chapter of her life.

Before joining the camping and hospitality industry, Laura spent nearly three decades working as a paralegal. While she enjoyed her career, she was ready for something different. That opportunity came when she discovered the world of RV travel in 2016.

"When I found out that you could get paid to work and live in a campground, I said, 'Sign me up!'" Laura recalls. "Who wouldn't want to do that?"

In 2019, Laura began her journey with Kampgrounds of America (KOA) as a front desk guest services representative at the Bar Harbor KOA in Maine. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for hospitality, she steadily advanced through the organization.

In March of 2020, Laura arrived at the Mystic KOA as Assistant General Manager. After leaving briefly in 2022 for additional training opportunities within the KOA system, she returned to Mystic in January 2023 as General Manager, a role she proudly holds today.

Looking back on her journey, Laura credits KOA and the camping industry with opening doors she never imagined.

"Workamping and traveling allowed me to see everything that Kampgrounds of America has to offer," she says. "It really brought me to where I am today. I feel like I am home with KOA and the Mystic KOA."

That sense of home extends far beyond the campground itself. Since arriving in the area in 2020, Laura has embraced both the campground community and the greater Mystic community. She quickly became involved with the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, where she found not only professional connections but meaningful friendships.

"This area is so amazing," Laura says. "I've met so many great people here and through the Chamber. I felt so welcomed when I first got involved, and I love being able to give back to the community."

One of the ways Laura gives back is through her role as a Mystic Chamber Membership Ambassador. She is a familiar face at Chamber events, always eager to welcome newcomers, make introductions, and help others feel connected. She is also a dedicated volunteer at the Chamber's annual Party of 12!

Laura credits much of her inspiration to the people around her, including her staff, friends, family, and fellow community members. Among those who have made a lasting impact is Kelly Kretchman, owner of Rum Tropic Distillery and fellow Chamber Ambassador.

"Kelly has been a great friend and a great inspiration," Laura shares.

As General Manager of the Mystic KOA, Laura takes tremendous pride in the experience her team creates for campers from across the country. She believes that memorable vacations are built on genuine hospitality and meaningful connections.

"I love being out in the campground and talking to our campers," she says.

That personal approach has helped foster trust and loyalty among guests, many of whom return year after year. Laura is especially proud of the work her team has done to make the Mystic KOA a place where families can create lifelong memories.

"I'm really proud of all the work that my team has done in making the campground a great place to camp, helping families make wonderful memories, and seeing our campers keep coming back."

While Laura's professional path may have taken an unexpected turn from the legal field to campground management, service has always been a consistent theme throughout her life.

Something many people may not know is that Laura served five years in the United States Army. She began her military career as a truck driver before reenlisting and training as a court reporter. Her court reporting education took place at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, where she trained alongside members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

Her adventurous spirit extends beyond her military service and career. Laura is also an avid motorcycle rider and loves spending as much time outdoors as possible.

When she isn't working, she enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her beloved rescue animals: two dogs, Jaeger and Saki, and two cats, Dippy and Katja.

"They help keep me happy and healthy," she says with a smile.

When asked what makes this area feel like home, Laura's answer is simple.

"Community."

Whether it's the campers who return season after season, the friendships she's built through the Chamber, or the dedicated staff she works alongside each day, Laura has found a sense of belonging in Mystic that continues to inspire her.

Being recognized through the Community Proud series is something she views with humility and gratitude.

"It's such an honor to be recognized by the Chamber and to know that what I'm doing is making a difference."

Laura Taylor's story is a reminder that sometimes life's most rewarding paths are the ones we never planned to take. Through her leadership, service, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences for others, she has become an important part of the fabric of the Greater Mystic community.