News Room
Matt Lambert, CCM, CAM, ECM, Named 2024 Club Executive of the Year
Alexandria, VA—Club Management magazine has named Matt Lambert, Certified Club Manager (CCM), Community Association Manager (CAM), ECM, the 2024 Club Executive of the Year. He currently serves as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Lambert has more than 24 years of experience in the club industry. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, he entered the world of hospitality, concentrating on the restaurant sector. In 2000, Lambert joined the club industry as the Director of Food and Beverage at The Polo Club of Boca Raton in Boca Raton, FL. After three successful years, Lambert accepted a position as the Clubhouse Manager at The Country Club at Mirasol. His first challenge was the opening of the club and hosting the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. In 2005, he was promoted to the role of General Manager/COO.
Mentee Eduard Cristal, the Club’s Assistant General Manager, explains Lambert’s impact as his mentor, “One of Matt Lambert's most remarkable qualities is his approachability and openness. He fosters an environment where I feel comfortable sharing my aspirations and uncertainties. This safe space has allowed me to explore new ideas, tackle complex problems, and gain confidence in my abilities. Matt Lambert consistently offers constructive feedback, celebrating my achievements while challenging me to push beyond my comfort zone.”
Club President Bruce Dubinsky highlighted how Lambert has created a supportive culture for the club’s employee team, “Matt’s emphasis on teamwork, continuous improvement, and personalized service has not only benefited the Club's operations but has also contributed to the personal and professional growth of the staff.”
Lambert is active with the Florida Chapter of CMAA, where he has served as its 2014-2015 President and Board Member. Florida Chapter Past President Stephen LoGiudice, CCM, explains, “He has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership. Additionally, during his tenure as vice chair of the Florida Chapter Golf Tournament committee, he played a pivotal role in helping to raise more than $10 million for various causes since the tournament's inception. This remarkable achievement underscores his dedication to making a positive impact.”
Lambert joined the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) in 2002. He earned his CCM designation in 2008, and admission to the CMAA Honor Society in 2020. He remains committed to professional development for himself and his club’s team. Lambert is a frequent CMAA speaker and contributor, most recently sharing his professional expertise through the work of the Capital Improvements Handbook.
Annually, Club Management recognizes outstanding professionalism and club leadership with the Club Executive of the Year Award. Created in 1985 and originally known as the Club Manager of the Year, the award was re-titled in 2008 to mirror the evolution of the profession. This prestigious honor is presented to a club management professional who embodies professionalism within their club and community—embracing mentoring, creating a supportive club culture, and impacting their local CMAA Chapter through sustained engagement. Nominations are accepted in the fall, and selections are made by a diverse committee of club management professionals.
Lambert will be featured in the January/February 2025 issue of Club Management magazine, profiled in a forthcoming edition of the Let’s Talk Club Management podcast, and honored in person at the 2025 CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL.
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with more than 7,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 40 professional chapters and 40 current and prospective student chapters. Learn more at cmaa.org.
About Club Management Magazine
Club Management is the official magazine of CMAA and embraces the objectives of the Association—to provide state-of-the-art educational programs; to represent its members to allied associations, club members, and the broader public; and provide information and resources that increase member performance and career potential. Published bimonthly, Club Management features timely, educational, and informative content. Learn more.