March 28, 2025
Professional Development
Got New Board Members This Spring? Upcoming April 16 Virtual Education
Add new perspectives for your club’s elected leader(s) with CMAA’s Governance & Leadership Symposiums. Available virtually on Wednesday, April 16, these one-day symposiums bring together the GM/CEO/COO and their club’s elected leaders for cooperative education. Attend from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Explore important strategic governance topics built on the principles of:
- Informed Leadership
- Strategic Stewardship
- Empowered Management and Staff
- Compelling Member Experience
Additionally, sessions will feature relevant information on best practices, impactful trends, and legislation and regulation impacting club operations.
Your Board Members will leave this symposium more informed and equipped with key takeaways for improving club governance. These highly rated Summits are presented in partnership with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, a CMAA Executive Partner.
Registration closes on April 14.
Membership and Member Benefits
President & CEO’s Perspective: Managing Anxieties
What are the ways you can build resilience in the face of challenges? President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, explores five ways to manage your anxieties in today's chaotic pace of change.
Call to Serve: CMAA Board of Directors
Board service offers you the opportunity to:
- Shape the future of the club management industry
- Enhance CMAA’s value to members and the industry
- Guide discussions on key opportunities and challenges facing club leaders
- Collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow volunteer leaders
CMAA’s Nominating Committee has identified qualifications criteria as well as several desired attributes that are part of the selection process for new and incumbent Board members. Interested members should consult the CMAA website for specific information or contact Kim Pasquale regarding particulars or questions.
Nominations for Board service are due by May 31. No self-nominations please. Thank you for your commitment to CMAA and the profession!
Congratulations to the 2025 Idea Fair Winners
More than 300 entries were entered in the 2025 Idea Fair held in conjunction with the World Conference & Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL, in February. Managers shared their ideas in 16 different categories ranging from Club Events/Experiences to Community Impact and Sustainability. We would like to congratulate the following CMAA members who took home first-place ribbons in their respective categories:
- Club Events/Experiences: Justin Kies, Champions Run, Omaha, NE
- Holiday Programs: Ken Kosak, Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton, FL
- Youth Programs/Events: Kasey Romano, River Oaks Country Club, Houston, TX
- Club Culture & Staff Development: Katie Bodchon, The Club at Admirals Cove, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Safety Programs & Risk Management: Colby Mitchell, Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, TN
- Club Communications: Ryan Bender, CCM, The Country Club of Virginia, Richmond, VA
- Membership Development: Kent Johnson, CCM, CCE, Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore, MD
- Governance & Committee Leadership: Dave Porter, CCM, Greystone Golf & Country Club, Birmingham, AL
- Renovation Programs: Patrick King, CCM, CCE, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA
- Sports & Recreation: Alexandra Masel, Cosmos Club, Washington, DC
- Fitness, Health, & Wellness: Brittany West, Carmel Country Club, Charlotte, NC
- Culinary & Beverage Concepts: Joe Smith, CCM, Countryside Golf & Country Club, Naples, FL
- Cost-/Time-Saving Concepts: Phil Kiester, CCM, The Country Club of Virginia, Richmond, VA
- Community Impact & Sustainability:(TIE) Matt Guzik, CCM, CCE, Tara Iti Golf Club, Mangawhai, New Zealand & Nicholas Peet, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit, MI
- Internships & Mentorships: Rechelle Leal, Houston Racquet, Houston, TX
- Breakthrough Ideas: Kyle Hillhouse, Boca Woods Country Club, Boca Raton, FL
Overall Award Winners:
- Chairman’s Award: Janet Fletcher, Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, AZ
- The Showstopper Award: Damon Spiriti, Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, PA
- Most Innovative Award Winner: Bri Brookins, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit, MI
Congratulations once again to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated in 2025 and helped to make the Idea Fair another huge success for CMAA. All entries can be accessed on CMAA’s website. Go steal an idea today!
Review The Club Foundation Scholarship Calendar
The scholarship and grant application season at The Club Foundation begins with the first deadline for the Joe Perdue Scholarship on June 1 and the final deadline of the year is in December. The Club Foundation portfolio has grown over the last two years, with the most recent program added in 2025. For more information about each scholarship and grant, please visit The Club Foundation Apply page!
- Joe Perdue Scholarship June 1
- Student Chapter Grant June 1
- Faculty Research Grant August 1
- Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship August 1
- (NEW 2025) DeLozier Family Scholarship October 1
- James B. Singerling Scholarship October 1
- (NEW 2024) Warren Arseneaux Scholarship October 1
- Willmoore H. Kendall Scholarship November 1
- LaRocca Family Executive Scholarship November 1
- (NEW 2024) Chapter Workshop Grant December 15
Did you know? The Club Foundation accepts donations throughout the year and there are a variety of ways to donate.
- Donating now: donate online as a one-time gift or as a subscription donation that recurs on a weekly or monthly basis. You can also text CLUBS to 41444.
Donating through Planned Giving: visit The Club Foundation support page to explore donating through your estate, brokerage account, IRA, trust, or life insurance policy. Do you have a Donor Advised Fund? Let your fund sponsor know The Club Foundation’s EIN is 52-1642692.
Emery Family Fund Endowed to Support The Club Foundation
Donald P. Emery, CCM, CCE, has initiated the Emery Family Fund at The Club Foundation. The fund is named the Emery Family Fund in honor of his mother Jean and his deceased father Howard, who taught him the value of lifting others through service, deeds, and philanthropic giving.
Don Emery has been a member of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) for 41 years, starting in hospitality as a student member at Cornell University. He currently serves as General Manager/COO at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, FL.
Out of his caring and philanthropic spirit and love for the club industry, Don initiated this fund with a desire not only to make a difference in the club industry, but to encourage others to contribute to support all those who benefit from the Foundation’s work. The Fund is open to contributions from anyone, and those contributions can be made on The Club Foundation donation page. Learn more about Don Emery on The Club Foundation website.
The proceeds from this endowed fund generously support the Foundation where most needed.
“We are deeply grateful to Don for his generosity and for spotlighting the value of operational funding for nonprofits like the Foundation. His contribution and commitment are an inspiration to all,” said Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO, Club Management Association of America.
Students: Are You Graduating Soon? Order Your CMAA Graduation Stole
Graduating soon? Congratulations! Don’t forget to order your CMAA graduation stole. This stole is a great way to showcase your CMAA membership and pride during your graduation ceremony. Deadline: Order NO LATER than 10 business days prior to graduation. The stoles take some time to ship.
Even after graduation, you don’t have to lose your connection to CMAA. Apply for Alumnus Membership today and continue benefiting from all the resources, networking, and career-building opportunities available. As an alumnus, you’ll have access to career development tools, industry insights, and exclusive networking events, ensuring you remain engaged in club management. Contact Alanna Eckard or Sumayah Arcusa to start the process today!
Features
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Featured Discussion: Timely Email Responses: What's Your Club's Policy? |
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Featured Jobs: |
Resources
Compensation and Benefits Survey: Participate by April 1
Participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey and get the data you need for informed decision making and support this important research initiative benefitting club management professionals throughout the industry. All CMAA members submitting complete data prior to the April 1 deadline will receive:
- A complimentary copy of the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Report for their club, and
- An invitation to an in-depth webinar exploring the results (date TBA).
Get the resources you need to create a competitive compensation strategy for your club's team!
CMAA collaborates with Club Benchmarking, a CMAA Executive Partner, to power CMAA’s annual surveys.
Please Note:
- Confidentiality of all data is guaranteed. Data will only be presented in an aggregated format.
- In addition to overseeing data gathering and analysis, Club Benchmarking is committed to providing full support for survey participants. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Data Management Team.
If you have any questions, please contact Amilcar Davy, CMAA's Director of Research, at 703-739-9500, or Bryan LaBlue, Club Benchmarking’s Data Management Specialist, at 774-571-8427.
Did You Know? Clubs Are Job Creators and Economic Drivers
Did you know? In 2023, private clubs generated $32.6 billion in direct revenue, supporting 573,000 jobs, and a $17.4 billion payroll across the US. Private clubs are more than social hubs—they’re job creators and economic drivers. With 5,659 clubs nationwide, they play a pivotal role in local economies, providing flexible employment opportunities and boosting businesses in their communities. From seasonal roles to full-time careers, private clubs are fueling economic growth!
Trends and News
CMAA Announces Passing of 2010 President Allan S.U. Lum, CCM, CCE
CMAA announces the passing of Past President Allan S.U. Lum, CCM, CCE, on January 6, 2025. Allan served as the General Manager at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, HI, from 1981 to 2014. Prior to this appointment, he served as the clubhouse manager of Waialae Country Club from 1978-1981. Prior to his career in club management, he earned a BBA in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Hawaii's Travel Industry Management School and worked in the hospitality industry. He also served a four-year term in the US Air Force before obtaining an honorable discharge in 1970.
He joined CMAA in 1980. He earned his Certified Club Manager designation in 1984, achieved admission to the Honor Society in 1980, and qualified for his Certified Chief Executive designation in 2008. In 2003, he was first elected to the Board of Directors and became President in 2010, becoming the first Asian American. A cornerstone of his legacy was built on his dedication to continued education and mentoring students of the local CMAA chapter.
Allan was active in the Paradise of the Pacific (now Aloha State) Chapter, having served as its President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and in numerous other positions.
At Waialae Country Club, Allan hosted the Hawaiian Open PGA TOUR event and the Sony Open PGA TOUR event. He was a guest lecturer at the University of Hawaii. He served on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the International Food Service Executives Association.
PAR Act to Modernize Tax Code for Golf and Country Clubs Reintroduced
HR 1583, the Parity for Athletic Recreation (PAR) Act, has been reintroduced in the US House of Representatives. This legislation would amend the language (§ 144(c)(6)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) that disqualifies “any private or commercial golf course, country club” from access to various forms of disaster relief and economic stimulus programs. The legislation positions golf and the club industry on par with other hospitality businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and attractions, when it comes to disaster relief.
EPA Announces Plans to Revise WOTUS Rule
The Environment Protection Agency announced its intent to expeditiously review and revise the Waters of the US rule. The revision will focus on providing clarity for landowners while ensuring protection for navigable waters. It will begin the process by engaging stakeholders and the public through listening sessions and an open comment period.
USGA Releases Water Conservation Playbook to Golf Industry
The United States Golf Association (USGA) has released its Water Conservation Playbook to the golf industry, a comprehensive effort to provide courses with the latest tools and techniques to more effectively manage water utilization.
It focuses on nine important water conservation strategies and provides detailed information about the costs, benefits, limitations, and steps for implementing each. The digital publication, written by the USGA with 12 contributing experts, can be downloaded at usga.org/water, free of charge.