September 11, 2026
Professional Development
Lean into Leadership at the Mid-Management Conference
Time is running out to register and book your hotel for the 2026 Mid-Management Conference (MMC) in St. Louis, MO. Join CMAA October 18-21 for education designed especially for those who are not serving in the general manager/chief operating officer role.
This year, attendees will hear from speaker Angela Reed, Founder, The ABR Collective, in her session: Own Your Original: Lead Like Only You Can.
The most valuable asset a leader possesses is often the most overlooked: their unique originality. While authenticity is about being true to who you are, originality is about strategically leveraging your unique perspectives to drive influence and impact. This keynote session dives deep into the "secret sauce" that sets true leaders apart. Attendees will discover why self-awareness is the ultimate catalyst for showing up, and they will walk away with a practical roadmap to lead like only they can.
Membership and Member Benefits
Announcing the 2027 CMAA Secretary-Treasurer and Board of Director Slate
The CMAA Board of Directors has elected Jeff Isbell, CCM, CCE, the General Manager of Renaissance in Haverhill, MA, to serve as the 2027 CMAA Secretary-Treasurer. In this role, he will chair CMAA’s Audit and Budget & Finance Committees and provide oversight of CMAA’s finances. Isbell was elected by the Board during its May meeting, and his term will begin following the 2027 World Conference in Chicago, IL.
Isbell first joined CMAA in 1999 as a member of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Student Chapter and became a Professional member in 2001. He earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation in 2007, was admitted to CMAA’s Honor Society in 2013, and earned his Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation in 2026.
Isbell was first elected to the CMAA Board of Directors in 2023 and was re-elected in 2024. As a member of the Board, he has chaired CMAA’s Advocacy, Chapter Relations, and Professional Development Committees.
At the Chapter level, he has been active in the New England Chapter, serving as its President from 2019 to 2021. He currently serves as the Chair of the New England Chapter Foundation.
2027 Board of Director Candidates
The CMAA Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past Chair Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, has conducted its due diligence based on the strategic needs of the Association and presents the following slate of candidates for election to the 2027 National Board of Directors.
For the 2027 general election, three, three-year terms are available.
The slated candidates are:
Carlos Arraya, CCM, CGCS
Bellerive Country Club
St. Louis, MO
Rigo Headley, CCM, CCE
Almaden Golf & Country Club
San Jose, CA
Charles Johnson, CCM, CCE*
Detroit Athletic Club
Detroit, MI
*Denotes Incumbent
Voting Information
Each candidate will deliver a two-minute presentation at the 2026 Leadership/Legislative Conference. These presentations, along with their candidate platforms and résumés, will be available at cmaa.org/vote.
Online voting will open in December and continue through the start of CMAA’s 2027 World Conference & Club Business Expo, taking place February 7-11, in Chicago, IL. On-site voting will be available.
With three candidates for three open positions, member participation remains essential to ratify the 2027 Board slate. Every eligible voter is strongly encouraged to cast a ballot and help ensure the Association’s members have a voice in shaping CMAA’s next 100 years.
Students: Learn from Industry Experts at the Conference Designed for Students—Registration Is Open!
Students and club management professionals from around the country are heading to Atlanta, GA, November 7-9 for the 2026 National Student Education Conference (NSEC)!
NSEC is an opportunity for student members to enhance their CMAA experience! Experience education curated specifically for students. The curriculum will focus on teaching attendees valuable life skills and club industry-specific tips and tricks throughout the weekend.
Check out the event schedule and register today!
Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the 2026 Student Chapter of the Year Winners
Huge congratulations are in order! The results are in, and we are thrilled to recognize the outstanding performance, dedication, and leadership of our 2026 Student Chapter of the Year winners.
These Student Chapters set the standard for leadership, engagement, and professional development in the club industry over the past year:
- Small Chapter Winner: University of Delaware
- Medium Chapter Winner: Niagara University
- Large Chapter Winner: Florida State University
Each winning Student Chapter earns a $1,000 World Conference Registration grant funded by The Club Foundation and will be recognized at both the 2026 National Student Education Conference (NSEC) in Atlanta, GA (November 7–9) and the 2027 World Conference & Club Business Expo!
The Stakes Just Got Higher
At NSEC this November, these three exceptional Student Chapters will go head-to-head to compete for the ultimate title: 2027 Ultimate Student Chapter of the Year Champion!
Join us in celebrating their achievements and cheer them on in Atlanta as they make their pitch for the crown. Congratulations to our winning Student Chapters and their faculty advisors on an incredible year!
Have You Managed the Same Club for 25 Years?
Have you been in a management position at your club for 25 or more consecutive years? If so, we would first like to commend you on the dedication and hard work that you have committed to the industry. Secondly, we would like to extend our invitation to you to be a member of CMAA’s 25-Year Club.
Membership in the 25-Year Club is open to “any member of CMAA who shall have been the manager of the same bona fide club for 25 consecutive years.” Managers are invited to become members upon receipt of statements of eligibility from their clubs. There are no dues or admission fees; the purpose of the club is to promote special relations among its members.
With more than 80 current members, we look forward to welcoming even more inductees. New members to the 25-Year Club are recognized at each World Conference. If you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact Erica Benjamin for further information.
Apply Now for Four Upcoming Club Foundation Scholarships
There are four Club Foundation scholarship applications due on October 1. Each scholarship supports professionals in our industry, and they are all included in one application that allows for streamlining of your application materials. Each application will need a separate essay specific to individual programs, but other information can be uploaded just once to support multiple applications.
Find the scholarships below that match your professional goals:
- DeLozier Family Scholarship: Established in 2025 to support emerging leaders who are individuals underrepresented in the club industry.
- John and Andrea Dorman Scholarship: Established in 2025 to support emerging leaders working toward their Certified Club Manager (CCM) credential.
- Sharon and Jay DiPietro Scholarship: Established in 2026 to support emerging leaders working toward their Certified Club Manager (CCM) credential.
- Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship: Established in 2013 to support both emerging and established female leaders.
Future deadlines to note:
- Warren Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship: Deadline is October 6.
- James B. Singerling Scholarship: Deadline is November 1.
- LaRocca Family Executive Scholarship: Deadline is November 1.
- Chapter Workshop Grant: Deadline is December 15.
These programs are made possible through donations from generous individuals just like you. The Club Foundation is deeply grateful to you for your support. Interested in learning more about supporting the Foundation or more about scholarship and grants available through the Foundation, please contact us.
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Resources
2025 Compensation and Benefits Report Executive Summary is Now Available
CMAA has released the 2025 Compensation and Benefits Report. Based on confidential surveys completed by more than 575 clubs in spring 2026, the report includes detailed analysis of key compensation and benefits data from the club management industry to participants.
All members may access the Executive Summary online through CMAA Connect in the Best Practices Exchange Community Library in the CMAA Annual Reports folder. Participants have received their complimentary copy of the report in a separate message but please reach out if your club participated and has not yet received their complimentary copy.
This report is a collaboration with Club Benchmarking, a CMAA Executive Partner. If you have any questions, please contact Amilcar Davy, CMAA’s Director of Research, or Bryan LaBlue, Club Benchmarking’s Senior Director of Research and Innovation.
Mark Your Calendars for September 29: National Coffee Day!
Coffee continues to be a daily ritual for Americans—and for clubs, it’s an opportunity to elevate the member experience through thoughtful beverage offerings. As National Coffee Day approaches, new insights from the National Coffee Association (NCA) shed light on how consumer preferences are evolving and where consistency still matters most.
Medium Roast Still Reigns Supreme
When it comes to roast preference, medium roast remains the clear favorite. According to the NCA’s National Coffee Data Trends, Spring 2025, 63 percent of consumers prefer medium roast coffee, making it the most broadly appealing option across all age groups and regions in the US. Its balanced flavor profile continues to resonate with a wide range of palates.
Dark roast follows at 35 percent, with stronger appeal among consumers ages 25–49 and those over 60. Light roast, while less dominant at 12 percent, skews younger, appealing more to consumers under 40. Interestingly, younger consumers ages 18–24 are also more likely to be unsure of which roast they’re drinking, highlighting an opportunity for education and guided experiences.
Customization Is the Norm; Not the Exception
Coffee personalization is no longer a niche preference. Over 45 percent of coffee drinkers use both sweeteners and whiteners, while others opt for one or the other. Only 16 percent of consumers drink coffee without additives, reinforcing the importance of offering flexible customization options.
Hot Coffee Leads, But Cold Still Matters
Despite the rise of cold coffee, hot coffee continues to dominate. While cold coffee consumption dips slightly during winter months, demand remains steady year-round, suggesting that variety, not seasonality alone, drives choice.
For clubs, these insights reinforce a simple truth: delivering quality, consistency, and choices are key. Offering a well-rounded coffee program, one that includes familiar favorites alongside newer formats, helps meet members where they are, today and tomorrow. Learn more about coffee offerings for your Club from CMAA Strategic Partner Royal Cup Coffee and Tea.
Source: National Coffee Association, National Coffee Data Trends, Spring and Fall Edition 2025
Escoffier Culinary Training Courses Available on CMAA’s Club Resource Center
Calling all ACF Chefs and those striving to be! Boost your skills with ACF-approved online learning! CMAA’s CRC hosts 23 culinary courses from Escoffier Global—earn continuing education hours in culinary, plant-based cooking, baking & pastry, holistic wellness, and more.
These courses include:
- Culinary Essentials
- Baking and Pastry courses
- Cooking for Holistic Wellness
- Plant-based courses
- Introduction to the Kitchen
The CRC subscription brings you a broad scope of online interactive training courses for all your club’s staff. Start learning today! Contact Bob Gould for a full CRC course list or more information.
Trends and News
Next Level Powered by KK&W Announces Launch of Comprehensive Talent Acquisition Platform
Next Level Powered by KK&W today announced the launch of a new job board and online community, a comprehensive talent acquisition platform designed specifically for the private club industry. The solution addresses one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: connecting clubs with the emerging leaders who will shape exceptional member experiences for years to come.
The long-term success of private clubs depends on the professionals who deliver excellence every day, and Next Level Powered by KK&W was built to help clubs strengthen that foundation.
“We believe excellence starts from the ground up,” said Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, Managing Partner. “The future of the private club industry depends on attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent. Our mission is to empower clubs with direct access to the next generation of hospitality leaders while providing a hiring experience designed around the unique needs of the private club industry.”