Chapter Digest
April 2026
News for CMAA Leaders
In this issue:
Featured Strategy
Changes Ahead for The Club Foundation Scholarships
During the recent World Conference, members of our Club Foundation Allocation Committee came together to reflect on what has truly been a remarkable year. This dedicated group of anonymous volunteers generously contributes countless hours annually to evaluate scholarship applications, and this past year brought both growth and new challenges. Not only were two new scholarship programs introduced, but the number of applications received has doubled; it’s an exciting testament to the increasing reach and impact of our mission.
With two additional scholarship programs on the horizon (set to be announced in the coming months) the committee had much to discuss. Conversations were both thoughtful and forward-thinking, focusing on how best to serve applicants and members while also identifying opportunities to streamline the evaluation process.
As a result of these discussions, The Club Foundation will be adjusting deadlines across several scholarships. You may have already noticed that currently most of our scholarships are listed on the website with Application Due Dates of “TBD” as we finalize the most effective and efficient calendar schedule. Once confirmed, updated deadlines will be shared through usual channels. Since these deadlines have historically followed consistent date patterns for several years, we encourage all applicants and Chapters to be on the lookout for notification of those upcoming changes.
Our continued growth is something to celebrate. While it brings an increased urgency to raise the funds necessary to sustain and expand our programs, it also demonstrates that we are fulfilling our mission more fully than ever, providing meaningful support to members.
Since 1988, The Club Foundation has awarded more than $8.5 million in scholarships and grants. This achievement could not be possible without the generous support of individuals, Chapters, and companies whose contributions have been so critical to our success.
It is an exciting time for The Club Foundation. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of industry professionals who strive every day for excellence.
Chapter Idea Fair Winner
Congratulations to the Upper Midwest Chapter, which won first place in the 2025 Chapter Idea Fair for its idea in the “Student & Faculty Outreach” category. See how they support their local Student Chapter by developing curriculum for the fall semester.
Students are encouraged to critically analyze current industry trends, participate in collaborative projects, and reflect on the evolving expectations of club members and stakeholders.
Chapter Spotlight
We want to hear what your Chapter is doing! Recently hold a fundraiser? Exciting event? Share your Chapter good news via email to goodnews@cmaa.org and you could be featured in an upcoming edition!
- May 31: 2027 National Board of Directors Nominations Due
- Ongoing: Submit Your Chapter Photos and Announcements to goodnews@cmaa.org
New Member Totals
The New Member Recruitment Contest provides encouragement for CMAA Chapters to increase, maintain, and preserve their membership. This annual contest awards grants to Chapters (in size categories small, medium and large) that surpass, achieve, or are closest to reaching their set membership recruitment goals.
Chapter Management Resources
All Officers
The 2026 Leadership/Legislative Conference (LLC) will be held September 14-16, in Detroit, MI. LLC unites aspiring, current, and sustaining CMAA leaders. Enrich your personal and professional development with interactive programs and sessions, informative speakers and presentations, and engaging networking experiences. Be a part of CMAA’s centennial celebration kick-off at this exciting event!
Chairs
Advocacy/Legislative Chair: Leaning into Employee Safety in the Club Industry
From evolving member expectations to advancements in technology and operations, a lot has changed in the club industry over the past 20 years. Yet, amid all that progress, one constant has remained: the critical importance of maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. No matter how the industry shifts, the well-being of our teams continues to be the foundation of every successful club.
Career Services Chair: Look to CMAA's Job Boards to Help with Staffing Needs
If your chapter's clubs have open positions, look at what CMAA's website has to offer: Four job boards, from entry-level to the top.
- Internships: Generally seasonal, but open year round. Add one or more opportunities at a club. This listing is free and runs for 12 weeks.
- Entry-Level Jobs: Hourly jobs in all departments of a club. This listing is free and runs for six weeks.
- Mid-Management Career Opportunities: Across all departments of a club, those positions that help staff to gain experience. This listing is open to all and has associated fees to post for six weeks.
- Managerial Openings List: Top tier positions on a member-only page. List where your job will be seen! Member login required, has associated fees and runs for six weeks.
If you have questions about any of these listing opportunities, contact Karen Woodie.
Communications/Public Relations Chair: Showing Your Association Pride with the CMAA Logo
All current CMAA members and Chapters are eligible to use CMAA’s logo. Any member of the Association in good standing may use the phrase “member of CMAA” or use any logo, emblem, insignia, or phrase indicative of membership as approved by the Board of Directors.
Please note the use of the CMAA logo for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. For complete style and brand guidelines and sample usage, please refer to CMAA’s Style Guide.
Remind your fellow Chapter members to show their professional pride by downloading the logo artwork and adding it to their business card or email signature. Visit CMAA’s website to access the artwork.
For logo questions, please contact Melissa Low, CAE, Vice President, Communications and Advocacy, at 703-739-9500 ext. 286
Membership Chair: Use the Chapter Officer Resource Page
Make sure you check out the “Membership Chairman” section on the Chapter Officer Resource Page. You will find roles and responsibilities and tips to support you in your position.
Professional Development Chair: Cybersecurity Staff Training Courses Available on CMAA’s Club Resource Center
CMAA’s Club Resource Center (CRC) course line-up offers five cybersecurity training courses for you and your staff. They include:
- Cybersecurity Overview
- Workplace Security Basics 2.0
- Cybersecurity - Staying Safe Online 3.0
- Social Engineering 2.0
- Introduction to Ransomware 2.0
The CRC subscription brings you a broad scope of online interactive training courses for all your club’s staff. Contact Bob Gould for a full CRC course list or more information.
Research Chair: Compensation and Benefits Survey Open
The 2026 Compensation & Benefits Survey is now open. Get the data you need for informed decision making and support this important research initiative benefiting club management professionals throughout the industry. All CMAA members submitting complete data will receive:
- A complimentary copy of the 2026 Compensation & Benefits Report for their club, and
- An invitation to an in-depth webinar exploring the results (date TBA).
- Participation is mandatory for complimentary copy – the report is not for sale.
Get the resources you need to create a competitive compensation strategy for your club's team!
These 60 minutes of your time will help with advancing the private club industry. As private club professionals, we all know how important compensation and benefits data can be. The goal of the survey is to focus on gathering valuable compensation and benefits information that will help educate the private club industry. This report will help current and future private club managers navigate any discussions to help strengthen their team and support conversations regarding salary and benefits at the club.
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 Senior Director of Research and Innovation, at 774-571-8427.
Student Chapter Liaison: Looking Ahead: Building Your Leadership Team
As we move into the spring semester, ensuring a smooth transition for your Student Chapter’s leadership is vital for continued success.
Please encourage your Student Chapter to use the link below to submit their newly elected Student Chapter officers for the upcoming term. Keeping this information current ensures chapters remain in good standing and receive all relevant CMAA communications.