March 14, 2025

Congratulations to the Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair Winners

The 2025 Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair showcased a remarkable display of innovation and creativity, with outstanding projects emerging from both Student Members and Faculty Advisors. This year’s Best in Show winners demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and a deep commitment to advancing their fields and are awarded a $1,000 grant from The Club Foundation. On behalf of CMAA, we’d like to extend our congratulations to the following Student Member and Faculty submissions:

First Place Winners: Student Members

• Membership Growth & Retention Strategies: Sija Headrick, Johnson & Wales, NC, A Passport to Engagement & Growth
• Effective Onboarding & Member Involvement: Althea Simmons, Niagara University, A Good Person Leads to a Great Manager
• Career Development Resources: Miranda Dowdy, Virginia Tech, Manager in Training Panel
• Networking & Collaborative Events: Carson Liebetrau, Florida State University, World Conference Alumni Reunion
• Creative Fundraising Initiative: Ariana Adolph, Johnson & Wales, NC, Fundraising Through Alumni Connections: Food Truck Collaboration 

Best in Show: Student Members

• Creative Fundraising Initiative: Jackie Cardenas Barrera, Johnson & Wales, NC, Wildcat Parking

First Place Winners: Faculty Advisors

• Advocacy for Club Management Careers: Dr. Piyavan Sukalakamala, Johnson & Wales, NC, Shadow a Club Pro Days
• Curriculum Enhancement in Club Management: Dr. Rod Warnick, University of Massachusetts, UMass Club Management Club Management Enrichment

Best in Show: Faculty Advisors

• Research & Best Practices in Club Management: Dr. Rod Warnick, University of Massachusetts, UMass Club Case Study Book and Class Introduction—Storytelling 2024

Congratulations, again!

The Club Foundation Announces the 2025 Board of Governors

During the World Conference each year, the Club Foundation Board of Governors adds new members and says a fond farewell to others.  This coming year, the 2025 Board of Governors will be led by Chair LuAnn Giovannelli, CCM, CAM, CMAA Fellow, Bay Colony Community Association, Naples, FL; Vice Chair Todd Marsh, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, IL; Treasurer Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, NY; and Secretary Terra S.H. Waldron, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, AZ.

The Club Foundation would like to acknowledge the efforts and years of dedication of two of our Governors as they rotate off the Board - and express our sincerest thanks to them for their service:

• Nicholas LaRocca, Muirfield Village Golf Club (served for 10 years; 3 as Chair)
• Michael Seabrook, CCM, CCE, Belle Meade Country Club (served for 4 years)

The complete 2025 Board of Governors including those joining, renewing, or within their current term is:

• LuAnn Giovannelli, CCM, CAM, CMAA Fellow, Bay Colony Community Association, Naples, FL
• Todd Marsh, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, IL
• Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, NY
• Terra S.H. Waldron, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, AZ
• Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE, Houston Country Club, Houston, TX
• Blaine Burgess, CCM, CCE, Arkansas Razorback Chapter
• TJ Diagne, The Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA
• Vache Hagopian, Jonas Club Software
• Adam Harris, E-Z-GO
• Paula Kelly, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA
• Joseph Krenn, CCM, CCE, Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, VA
• Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, St. Clair Country Club, Upper St. Clair, PA
• Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE, Avalon Yacht Club, Avalon, NJ
• Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, Club Management Association of America, Alexandria, VA
• Fred Palmer, Jr., Club Car
• Susan Schenkel, CCM, CCE, Georgia Chapter
• Kelley Williams, CCM, Carolinas Chapter

The Club Foundation Board of Governors is comprised of individuals within and serving the club industry who are committed to raising funds to financially support the professional development of club managers through education, research, and outreach initiatives, to ensure the highest possible impact on the future of the industry. Their strong focus on mission-driven leadership allows the Foundation to successfully support so many in our industry through grants and scholarships.

CMAA Announces Passing of 1986 President James E. Petzing, CCM

With great regret, CMAA announces the passing of Past President James (Jim) Petzing, CCM, on January 20, 2025, at the age of 92. Jim graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY, and Cornell University's School of Hotel Management in 1955.

In 1970, he began his career in club management at the Atlanta Athletic Club where he worked for more than 20 years. Other roles included the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC.

Jim joined CMAA in 1971, earned his Certified Club Manager designation in 1981, and was inducted into the Honor Society in 1987. He was elected to the CMAA Board of Directors in 1982 and served as President in 1986. As CMAA President, he was an outspoken advocate for formal education and career training. He was an active leader of the Georgia Chapter, serving in multiple leadership roles. In 1992, he served as the president of Cornell's Hotel Society.

He was the first Chairman of The Club Foundation, originally called the Club Management Institute Foundation, with his service beginning with the Foundation’s first meeting on October 25, 1988. He served as Chairman for three years.

Jim was very active in his church, First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, FL, where he was an elder and Clerk of Session for many years.

As CMAA honor Jim’s memory, we are inspired by his enduring commitment to excellence in education and career training for the club industry. CMAA extends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to the Petzing Family during this time.