December 19, 2025
Professional Development
Featured World Conference Speaker: NFL Quarterback & Winemaker Drew Bledsoe
Wrap your day on Thursday, February 19 with the General Education Session featuring NFL Athlete and Winemaker Drew Bledsoe. During his 14-year career, he had his eyes set on a post-game plan. Upon his retirement in 2007, he returned to his hometown of Walla Walla, WA, to plant his original estate vineyard, McQueen, on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. In 2008, Bledsoe and his wife, Maura, launched Doubleback as an estate-focused winery with the goal to produce world-class cabernet sauvignon—the winery’s name a reference to his return home. His very first vintage was named a Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine of the World. To make his dream a reality, Bledsoe hired Josh McDaniels away from Figgins Family Wine Estates, who is his CEO & Director of Winemaking to this day.
Bledsoe played quarterback for Washington State University before being selected number one overall in the 1993 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. He played in four Pro Bowls, is in the Patriots Hall of Fame, and was in the top 10 overall for several QB statistics upon his retirement.
Following the session, head to CMAA’s newest event, the Club Business Expo Happiness Hour, a networking reception bringing together attendees, exhibitors, and great ideas. As a bonus, attendees can taste Doubleback’s world-class wines.
Bledsoe is one of the six featured speakers offering insights at CMAA’s World Conference & Club Business Expo in Anaheim, CA, February 17-21, 2026.
Learn more, access the schedule, and review registration options
Don’t Miss the Virtual Governance & Leadership Symposium on January 7
CMAA’s next Governance & Leadership Symposium on January 7 offers accessible, collaborative, virtual education for your Board of Directors and club executive. 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
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.
Learn more and access registration rates If improving your club governance is a 2026 priority. Registration closes on January 5.
Check out the other 2026 Symposiums, including the April 15 event, designed for our West Coast attendees.
Become a Member of CMAA’s Honor Society
Membership in CMAA’s Honor Society is open to all managers who have achieved their Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation and have met the following criteria:
- Achievement of 400 credits beyond certification with a minimum of 150 of those credits being CMAA/CMI-endorsed education programs.
- Professional membership with CMAA for a minimum of ten years
- Successful completion of BMI Tactical Leadership or BMI Strategic Leadership
For more information on Honor Society and other educational programs you can check out our website at Certification Programs.
Membership and Member Benefits
President & CEO’s Perspective: What’s Ahead for 2026?
CMAA is not slowing down as we enter our 99th year. What's ahead for 2026? Find out what's on the horizon for certification, professional development, membership research, student and faculty development, communications, technology and infrastructure, and more from President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE.
Elevate Future Leaders with On-Site Student Coaching
Get ready for a transformative learning opportunity at World Conference in Anaheim, CA! The 2026 Student Coaching Session invites students to experience the power of professional coaching firsthand, designed to help you strengthen your mindset, sharpen your leadership skills, and accelerate your personal and professional growth.
Join CMAA Coaches Kevin MacDonald and Shelley MacDougall for an engaging group coaching experience on Tuesday, February 18, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. Coaching is a proven tool for creating meaningful change, helping you explore new perspectives, identify opportunities, and build confidence in your path forward.
Whether you're preparing for internships, navigating leadership roles, or planning your future career, this session offers actionable guidance in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your spot, contact Haley Habosky. Together, let’s empower student leaders with tools, clarity, and confidence to thrive now and in the future.
Turn Opportunity Into Experience: Hire an Intern
Whether your club already employs interns or is considering an internship program for the first time, CMAA offers several valuable tools to help you recruit, connect with, and support the next generation of club leaders, no matter your club’s size or hiring needs. Now is the perfect time to get started.
Post Your Openings on the Internship Job Board
Log in to cmaa.org and select Fill Positions to post your internship opportunities. These listings are free, run for 12 weeks, and can be renewed. Be sure to select INTERN in Step 3 so your posting is easily found by student/other candidates.
Meet Future Leaders at the World Conference & Club Business Expo
Attendees are invited to participate in the Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase during the Club Business Expo on Thursday, February 19, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to connect directly with CMAA student members and engage with future club industry leaders. Reserve your space today.
Strengthen Your Program with the Verified Internship Program (VIP)
Because every club is unique in size, culture, and operations, students often enter internships with varying expectations. The Verified Internship Program (VIP) helps align expectations among students, faculty, and club leaders—while highlighting the value and scope of a career in the club industry. Start by reviewing VIP At-A-Glance, then consider enrolling your club.
Contact Karen Woodie with any questions.
Giving Tuesday 2025 Generates Record Contributions
Giving Tuesday 2025 was a resounding success thanks to our extraordinary Chapter leaders who pushed forward the annual Chapter Challenge. Each year, we set goals for our Chapters and celebrate the top three achieving the highest percentage above their goal. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
- First Place—Georgia Chapter at 322 percent of goal
- Second Place—Greater Michigan Chapter at 237 percent of goal
- Third Place—Tennessee Volunteer Chapter at 227 percent of goal
- Highest Dollars Raised—Florida Chapter with $4,876.34 in contributions
An additional six Chapters achieved at least 100 percent of their goal: Florida, Greater Illinois, Oregon, Wisconsin Badger, Alabama, and Nebraska.
Together, we raised a record-breaking $38,864, fueling scholarships and grants in the coming year. Participation was also outstanding, with 306 contributions, a 40%+ increase over last year.
Congratulations to all those who won prizes during the prize hour by donating $25 or more! And many thanks to our extraordinary friends at some of our favorite companies who made it such a fun day:
Prize Hour Winners
9:00 a.m. – Caffe Umbria:
Daniel Brown, Spouting Rock Beach Association
Jamie Fair, Erie Club
Tina Lutzi-Regler, CCM, CCE, The Elkridge Club
11:00 a.m. – SNAP Wellness:
Chad Schultenover, CCM, CCE, Meridian Hills Country Club
David Sheppard, CCM, Atlanta Athletic Club
Chris Collins, Champaign Country Club
12:00 noon – Island Grove Wine:
Frederick J. Fletcher, CCM, CCE, Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago
Kari Miller, Ozaukee Country Club
Stefan Sperlich, Green Tree Country Club
2:00 p.m. – Ready Care:
Ernest LaRocca, Jr., CCM, CCE, Bay Waveland Yacht Club
Christopher McAllister, National Arts Club
Dan McQuay, CCM, Eastport Yacht Club
4:00 p.m. – FORE Craft Cocktails
Kevin J. Ehlert, CCM, FMP
John P. Grigsby, CCM, Dothan Country Club
Michael Seabrook, CCM, CCE, and Teri Seabrook, Belle Meade Country Club
5:00 p.m. – RAK Porcelain:
Frenel Vertus, Bocaire Country Club
Ian Campbell, CCM, Old Chatham Golf Club
Rosemary Panno, New Jersey CMA
6:00 p.m. – Fajita Butler:
Sandro Arce, Piedmont Driving Club
Anthony James Papa, Desert Mountain Club
Kelley J. Williams, CCM
Conference Registration Awardees (random drawing):
Finally, congratulations to those who won free registrations to either the World Conference & Club Business Expo or the Leadership/Legislative Conference.
- Jeffrey J. Campione, CCM, CCE, Sunset Hills Country Club
- Carl Granberg, CCM, CCE, Town & Country Club
Features
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Featured Discussion: Public Performance License |
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Resources
CMAA Research: Highlights from 2025
Happy holidays! It has been a busy year for CMAA Research. Below are a few of the highlights:
- Compensation and Benefits Report—July 2025 (login to CMAA Connect after clicking link to access)
- 2025 Club Leaders’ Perspectives Report—June 2025 (login to CMAA Connect after clicking link to access)
- Research Topics Survey Results—August 2025 (login to CMAA Connect after clicking link to access). Faculty can now apply for research grants to fund topics that will help the private club industry.
- Finance and Operations Report (in draft phase but should be released by the end of the year with a webinar following it in January 2026)
CMAA and The Club Foundation Launch Travel Stipends to Empower Member Participation at 2026 National Golf Day
Annually, National Golf Day unites the golf and club industry on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Advocates convene to educate members of Congress and their staff members about the industry and the impact of notable legislative and regulatory issues. The event is organized by the American Golf Industry Coalition, of which CMAA is a proud founding member.
To encourage and enable more diverse member participation, CMAA, with funding from The Club Foundation, has created a travel stipend to help defray the cost of attendance. CMAA members can apply for a National Golf Day travel stipend applicable to cover the cost of travel and accommodations (up to $1,500).
The 18th annual National Golf Day will be held in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, May 6. Events will begin on May 5 at 12:00 noon. Learn more about the schedule.
Join professionals from across the industry, including the 2026 CMAA National Board of Directors and the Advocacy Committee, in this important opportunity to make your voice heard on issues impacting our industry.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply. Apply for consideration by January 30. Selections and notifications will be made no later than March 1.
Culinary Training Courses Available on CMAA’s Club Resource Center
CMAA’s Club Resource Center (CRC) course line up now includes 23 Auguste Escoffier culinary training courses for your staff. These include:
- Culinary Essentials
- Baking and Pastry courses
- Cooking for Holistic Wellness
- Plant-based courses
- Introduction to the Kitchen
- Many more
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 introduction to the benefits of a subscription for your club and a full CRC course list.
Trends and News
Bryan Harrison Awarded Inaugural DeLozier Family Scholarship
The Club Foundation announces the 2025 recipient of the inaugural DeLozier Family Scholarship. This award provides the recipient support for a variety of professional development opportunities plus career support from the DeLozier Group. This year’s inaugural awardee is Bryan Harrison, CCM, who currently serves as General Manager of the New Albany Country Club in New Albany, OH.
The DeLozier Family initiated this scholarship to support the advancement and career development of individuals who are underrepresented in the club management profession. The club industry is a family affair for the DeLoziers, and they have been deeply rooted in the industry for decades. In gratitude for an industry that has enriched their lives, they created the DeLozier Family Scholarship Fund in 2024.
Patrick DeLozier, CCM, shares “Our industry thrives because of individuals with a genuine heart for hospitality, the determination to grow, and the diverse perspectives that strengthen our profession. That spirit is what inspires our family’s commitment to supporting emerging leaders through this scholarship. The future of hospitality rests in the hands of those willing to serve, learn, and lead with purpose. We are honored to help make that future more accessible for passionate professionals from all backgrounds, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to see this inaugural award come to life.” Read more about the fund.
To donate to The Club Foundation, directly to the DeLozier Family Fund, or to apply for scholarships, please visit clubfoundation.org.
Remembering Phil Newman
RSM shares the passing of partner, Phil Newman, on December 4, 2025. Phil was not only a respected leader in the firm and the private club industry, but also a mentor and friend to so many—a true gentleman whose integrity, dedication, and warmth touched everyone who had the privilege to collaborate with him.
Phil devoted more than three decades to serving the private club community, helping shape strategies, and resolving complex challenges with empathy and expertise. After growing up in Shrigley, Ireland, Phil attended the University of Birmingham for his Bachelor of Commerce in accounting. He graduated in 1990, starting his 35-year career working for PKF in September of that year. While he moved back and forth between the US and Ireland for several years, he permanently moved to Florida in 2006 to work for RSM (formerly McGladrey). He specialized in audit and focused on hospitality, including clubs, hotels, and resorts. Phil was a CPA in Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
He was the face of the CMAA/RSM partnership and a frequent speaker and contributor at CMAA World Conferences and other events. His legacy at RSM and within the club industry will live on through the trusted relationships he built and the outstanding club practice he helped create.
CMAA extends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Phil’s wife, Tammy Tassitano—RSM’s National Director of Club Services—and their family and the RSM Club Services team.
National Alliance for Accessible Golf Announces Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (Alliance) announces the establishment of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame to recognize individuals with a distinguished history of leading efforts to bring golfers with disabilities into the game of golf. Entrance into the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame will be based on “Service and commitment to the creation of pathways into the game of golf for individuals with disabilities.” This includes individuals, organizations and, of course, golfers who have gone above and beyond over an extended period of time to create opportunities for those with all abilities to access, learn, and play golf; the therapeutic, health and wellness value of which is well known.
The Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame will be web-based and accept nominations from around the world beginning January 1, 2026. The National Alliance, a leading golf industry education, advocacy and resource center, will serve as administrators of the Adaptive Golf Hall of Fame.
Golf Drives $2 Billion Economic Impact across Missouri
According to a new study conducted by Buffalo Groupe, golf generated an astounding $2.1 billion economic impact in 2023, the most recent year with complete data. This total reflects the sport’s wide-ranging influence, encompassing course operations, tourism, real estate, retail and charitable giving.