March 6, 2026
Professional Development
Attend World Conference? Complete the Session and Event Surveys
Complete Your Education Surveys by March 7
Ensure you receive your Education Credits for each session you attended. Earn up to 20 Club Management Institute (CMI) Education Credits if you attended all available sessions.
- Using the App to complete your session evaluation surveys.
- You will find the survey on the home page.
- To access the home page of the App, select the house icon located at the bottom right of your screen.
- Surveys are organized by day and time.
- You can also complete the surveys on the Desktop Version.
All surveys must be completed within 14 days of the completion of Conference.
Share Your Feedback
Please share your thoughts on your World Conference experience so we can ensure that this event meets and exceeds expectations.
Make Your Club’s Governance Bloom in 2026
CMAA’s next Governance & Leadership Symposium on April 15 offers accessible, collaborative, virtual education for your Board of Directors and club executive. Attend from anywhere with an Internet connection. Designed for our West Coast attendees, this program will run from 9:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).
Your Board Members will leave this symposium more informed and equipped with key takeaways for improving club governance. Explore important strategic governance topics built on the principles of:
- Informed Leadership
- Strategic Stewardship
- Empowered Management and Staff
- Compelling Member Experience
These highly rated Summits are presented in partnership with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, a CMAA Executive Partner.
Membership and Member Benefits
Official 2026 Election Results: Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE, to Lead 2026 Board of Directors
The Club Management Association of America announces its official 2026 election results. Voting was conducted online in advance of and on site at the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo in Anaheim, CA; the election results were announced earlier today at the Closing Business Session.
Congratulations to the 2026 Officers and Directors!
The 2026 CMAA Board officers are:
- Chair Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Houston Country Club, Houston, TX
- Vice Chair Joseph Krenn, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, VA
- Secretary-Treasurer Casey Newman, CCM, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Lakeside Country Club, Houston, TX
- Immediate Past Chair Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, St. Clair Country Club, Upper St. Clair, PA
Four club management professionals were newly elected or re-elected as Directors are:
- Haissam Baityeh, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Chief Operating Officer, Washington Golf & Country Club, Arlington, VA, re-elected for a three-year term
- Kent Johnson, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore, MD, elected to a three-year term
- James Reisig, CCM, CCE, General Manager, The University Club, New York, NY, re-elected for a one-year term
- Kimberly Clark Warren, CCM, CCE, General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, OK, re-elected for a three-year term
The following Directors continue their service on the 2026 CMAA Board:
- Judy Higgins, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Valley Lo Club, Glenview, IL
- Jeff Isbell, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Renaissance, Haverhill, MA
- Charles Johnson, CCM, CCE, Executive Manager/CEO, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit, MI
- Rob Oosterhuis, CCM, CCE, PGA, CAM, General Manager/COO, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton, FL,
- Josh Paris, CCM, CCE, General Manager, Old Town Club, Winston-Salem, NC
President & CEO’s Perspective: 2026 State of the Association
In the semiannual State of the Association address, President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, reflects on the organization’s current standing as it enters its 99th year and outlines what lies ahead.
Chapter of the Year Winners Announced at Conference
Outstanding chapters were recognized during CMAA’s World Conference & Club Business Expo in Anaheim, CA. The Chapter of the Year (COY) competition honors chapters that demonstrate exceptional achievement, engagement, and overall performance. With many Chapters vying for top recognition, the competition was especially tight across all size categories. Top honors were awarded to:
Small Chapters:
First Place: Oregon Chapter
Second Place: Nebraska Chapter
Third Place: New York State Chapter
Medium Chapters:
First Place: Georgia Chapter
Second Place: Wisconsin Badger Chapter
Third Place: Greater Cleveland Chapter
Large Chapters:
First Place: Metropolitan Chapter
Second Place: Florida Chapter
Third Place: New Jersey Chapter
Congratulations to these Chapters on this time-honored achievement. To reward the winning Chapters’ efforts, each first-place Chapter is eligible to receive a $3,000 Education Grant; second-place Chapters are eligible to receive $2,000 Education Grant; and third-place Chapters are eligible to receive a $1,000 Education Grant, all sponsored by The Club Foundation.
Impressive accomplishments were abundant—all CMAA members should be proud of the level of excellence that exists within the Association’s Chapter system.
Celebrating Excellence: Student Chapters and Faculty Shine at World Conference & Club Business Expo
With the World Conference recently concluded in Anaheim, CA, we are thrilled to spotlight the exceptional innovation and creativity displayed by our members. This year’s Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair showcased the best strategies for growth, career development, and industry advocacy within the club management field.
Shark Tank Award Program Highlight
A special congratulations goes to our Shark Tank Winners from the University of Houston: Sam Banhan and Cole Tyner. Their winning project, "Ask Milo," stood out for its ingenuity and potential impact on the industry. We also recognize our talented finalists from the University of North Texas with ClubIQ and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with Membership Uncovered for their impressive contributions.
Student Chapter Idea Fair Winners
Our Student Chapters continue to drive engagement through creative initiatives. This year’s category winners include:
- Best in Show: Johnson & Wales University, RI – Career Opportunities Map (Kiley Kennedy)
- Membership Growth & Retention: Florida State University – Rewards for Engagement and Participation (Dailany Echeverria)
- Effective Onboarding: Florida State University – Club Tour Bonding Activities (Dailany Echeverria)
- Career Development: Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte – Student Networking Etiquette Dinner (Cara Martino)
- Networking & Collaborative Events: Florida State University – Student Organization Fair (Dailany Echeverria)
- Creative Fundraising: University of Massachusetts – Planting Seeds Early: A Workforce-Based Fundraising Initiative (Kendall Famularo)
Faculty Idea Fair Winners
We also celebrate our faculty members who are shaping the future of club management education:
- Best in Show: Mandy Ulicney (Kent State University) – CMAA Design Challenge
- Advocacy for Club Management Careers: Rod Warnick (University of Massachusetts) – Management in Motion & Advocating for the Future
- Experiential Learning & Industry Partnerships: Rod Warnick (University of Massachusetts)
2025 Student Chapters of the Year
Finally, we honor the chapters that have shown outstanding dedication throughout the year:
- Small Chapter: University of Delaware
- Medium Chapter: Niagara University
- Large Chapter: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Announcing the 2026 Club Foundation 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 2026 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 three of our Governors as they rotate off the Board - and express our sincerest thanks to them for their service:
- Blaine Burgess, CCM, CCE, Arkansas Razorback Chapter
- Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE, Avalon Yacht Club, Avalon, NJ
- Kelley Williams, CCM, Forsyth Country Club, Winston-Salem, NC
The complete 2026 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
- TJ Diagne, The Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA
- Donald Emery, CCM, CCE, Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, FL
- 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, Clair Country Club, Upper St. Clair, PA
- Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, Club Management Association of America, Alexandria, VA
- Casey Newman, CCM, Lakeside Country Club, Houston, TX
- Fred Palmer, Jr., Club Car
- Susan Schenkel, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow, Bear Lake Reserve, Tuckasegee, NC
- Desi Speh, CCM, The Desert Highlands Association, Scottsdale, AZ
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.
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Resources
Your Guide to Capital Improvements
The CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for club decision-makers embarking on capital improvement projects. By adopting a strategic and collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders, ensuring robust financial planning, and adhering to regulatory requirements, clubs can successfully navigate the complexities of capital improvements.
The Handbook delves into common pitfalls such as lack of strategy and leadership, unanticipated costs, and inexperienced project management. Emphasizing the necessity of time, patience, and strategic planning, this Handbook aims to equip club decision-makers with the knowledge required to make informed choices, ensuring each capital improvement project contributes to the club’s long-term success and reputation.
This extensive resource emphasizes the significance of building high-performing project management teams and engaging various stakeholders, including club members, throughout the journey. Available exclusively to CMAA members, the Handbook was created from the best practices and procedures explored at CMAA's Capital Improvements Symposium.
Learn more and download the resource
Trends and News
New Proposed Independent Contractor Rule Announced
The Department of Labor has proposed a new rule governing how to classify individuals as employees or independent contractors. This rule will officially rescind the 2024 rule and reinstate a modified version of the 2021 Independent Contractor rule. It would also expand the applicability of this definition for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA).