CMAA Announces 2015 Officers and Board of Directors

The Club Managers Association of America is pleased to announce its 2015 Officers and Board of Directors. CMAA members had the opportunity to cast their ballots online in advance of or in-person at the 88th World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo in San Antonio, TX. The election results were announced at the event’s Awards and Conference Finale on Thursday, March 12.

The 2015 CMAA Officers are:

• President Tony D’Errico, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Westwood Country Club, St. Louis, MO;

• Vice President Jill R. Philmon, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Ballantyne Country Club, Charlotte, NC;

• Secretary – Treasurer Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE, Chief Operating Officer of Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY; and

• Immediate Past President Damon J. DiOrio, CCM, CCE, Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte, NC.

Newly elected or re-elected as Directors are:

• Brian R. Kroh, CCM, General Manager of John’s Island Club, Vero Beach, FL (Elected to a Three-Year Term);

• William E. Langley, CCM, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Quail Ridge Country Club, Boynton Beach, FL (Re-elected to a Three-Year Term);

• Todd D. Marsh, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, IL (Re-elected to a Two-Year Term); and

• Christina A. Toups, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Ridglea Country Club, Fort Worth, TX (Elected to a Three-Year Term).

Directors continuing to serve on the CMAA Board include:

• Mark A. Bado, MCM, CCE, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of The Kansas City Country Club, Mission Hills, KS;

• Robert J. "Bobby" Crifasi, CCM, CCE, CPA, General Manager of New Orleans Country Club, New Orleans, LA;

• Peter C. Davies, CCM, General Manager of Moraine Country Club, Kettering, OH;

• Randall J. Ruder, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck, NY; and

• Richard D. Spurlin, CCM, CCE, General Manager of Eugene Country Club, Eugene, OR.

The CMAA Board of Directors unanimously launched the 2027 Club Professional Initiative. The program is designed to ensure that the specialized competencies of club management professionals meet these changes by focusing on the necessary skills for continued success. This initiative coincides with CMAA’s centennial year and is focused on developing new skills, beginning in 2015 with changes to CMAA’s Business Management Institute V program, and continuing with new educational programs and initiatives.

The 2027 Club Professional Initiative will include the following components:

• A group of club and industry thought leaders focused on designing and developing the competencies of club managers and club leadership of the future. Competency areas to be considered will include organization sustainability; business analytics; member behavior; data analytics for decision making; and brand management.
• Development of new education programs to be delivered by CMAA and its Chapters, including the expansion of CMAA University.
• An increased focus on how professional competencies are achieved, including a potential for an executive-level Master’s program and other executive level education.
• Consideration and desire to involve industry partners and sponsors as part of the development efforts for this initiative.

“It is CMAA’s primary mission to ensure our members are well-equipped to lead clubs not only today, but going forward,” outgoing CMAA President Damon DiOrio, CCM, CCE, said. “What a great way to honor the centennial of CMAA by ensuring that club executives are aptly prepared for the business world we will face in the Association’s next 100 years!”

CMAA will initially create a think-tank style concept around this initiative and will engage individuals within and outside of the club industry. CMAA hopes to broaden this effort by engaging other related organizations, universities and business partners as part of this initiative. These and other allies, like The Club Foundation, will be vital in bringing the 2027 Club Professional Initiative to fruition.

“I am extremely excited the CMAA Board has taken action on an initiative like this,” said incoming CMAA President Tony D’Errico, CCM, CCE. “Contemplation of a Master’s level program in club management is a priority for consideration during my upcoming year.”

George Carroll, CCM, CCE, has been named Chief Executive Officer of The Club Foundation, following approval by its Board of Governors. In this role, Carroll will oversee and further the foundation’s efforts to raise funds to financially support the professional development of club managers through education, training and research initiatives.

In 1998, Carroll joined The Club Foundation’s Board of Governors, and served as its Chairman in 2003 and 2004. Additionally, he has served as Chair of Corporate Giving for The Club Foundation.

“George has been at the forefront of The Club Foundation’s growth, whether he was chairing a committee or serving as its Chairman. George has committed his career to furthering others within our industry,” said Club Foundation Chairman, Jay DiPietro, CCM.

Carroll retired from his position as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., at the end of 2013. Carroll has been a member of CMAA since 1979 and served on the CMAA Board of Directors from 1988 to 1998. During his time on CMAA’s Board, Carroll served as Secretary-Treasurer in 1994, Vice President in 1995 and National President in 1996. In addition to his service on the National Board, Carroll sat on several committees, including the Conference Planning Task Force and the Strategic Planning Committee. He earned his CCM designation in 1984.