CMAA Connecticut Chapter – 2026 Regional Workshop Recap – Advancing Excellence in Club Leadership
Club Leadership Alliance – CMAA Connecticut Chapter Regional Workshop Recap
The 2026 CMAACT Regional Workshop, held March 1–2 at the Mohegan Sun Resort, brought together club management professionals and industry leaders for two days of education, collaboration, and meaningful connection. Club Leadership Alliance (CLA) was proud to provide the educational programming for the event, bringing together expertise from KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, Club Benchmarking, and McMahon Group.
The education centered on four essential characteristics of high-performing clubs: Informed Leadership, Strategic Stewardship, Empowered Management and Team, and a Compelling Member Experience. Through a series of collaborative sessions, attendees explored how these principles work together to strengthen club leadership, organizational performance, and the overall member experience.
Opening Reception and Connection
The workshop began Sunday evening with a Welcome Reception at the Vista Lounge. The evening provided an opportunity for attendees, presenters, and industry partners to connect before Monday’s educational program.
Session One: Informed Leadership
Moderated by Tom Wallace, Kurt Kuebler, Ray Cronin, and Frank Vain led the first educational session focused on Informed Leadership.
The session explored the importance of informed, thoughtful leadership in today’s increasingly complex private club environment. Effective club leaders must understand their organization, membership, financial position, governance structure, and broader industry landscape to make sound decisions and successfully guide their clubs forward.
Session Two: Strategic Stewardship
Kurt Kuebler, Chris Barron, and Frank Vain continued the morning with a discussion centered on Strategic Stewardship.
The session emphasized the responsibility club leaders share in protecting the long-term health and sustainability of their organizations. Strategic stewardship requires balancing current member expectations with future needs while maintaining alignment among club leadership, management, resources, and long-range priorities.
Session Three: Empowered Management and Team
Following lunch, Kevin Vitale, Chris Barron, and Christian Coulter led a session on Empowered Management and Team.
Discussion focused on the importance of creating an environment in which management teams have the clarity, resources, accountability, and support necessary to perform at a high level. Strong clubs invest in their people, develop future leaders, establish clear expectations, and foster cultures built around collaboration and shared organizational goals.
Session Four: Compelling Member Experience
The final CLA educational session brought together Kevin Vitale, Ray Cronin, and Christian Coulter to explore the Compelling Member Experience.
At the heart of every successful private club is the ability to understand and consistently respond to the evolving needs of its membership. The session reinforced the importance of viewing the member experience holistically—from service and amenities to programming, communication, culture, and the meaningful connections that create a lasting sense of belonging.
Together, the four sessions demonstrated the interconnected nature of successful club leadership: informed leaders provide thoughtful direction; strategic stewardship positions the organization for the future; empowered teams bring the vision to life; and the result is a compelling experience that strengthens member engagement and the Club community.
Keynote Speaker
Following the CLA educational program, the workshop continued with remarks and the introduction of keynote speaker Scott Greenberg, who concluded the afternoon’s educational programming.
Continuing the Conversation
CLA extends its sincere appreciation to the CMAA Connecticut Chapter for the opportunity to provide education for this year’s Regional Workshop and to the club professionals, industry partners, volunteers, and presenters who contributed to its success.
The 2026 CMAACT Regional Workshop reinforced the tremendous value of bringing club leaders together to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and learn from the collective expertise of the industry. CLA remains committed to providing education and resources that strengthen leadership, governance, management, and the member experience throughout the private club community.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations and creating additional opportunities to advance excellence in club leadership. Until next time!
Low Country Symposium 2025 Recap: A Remarkable Gathering of Club Leaders
Low Country Symposium 2025 Recap: A Remarkable Gathering of Club Leaders
The 2025 Lowcountry Symposium, held on January 27-28, brought together 100 club leaders, general managers, and industry experts for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing. Hosted at the prestigious Colleton River Club and Berkeley Hall Club, this year’s symposium delivered engaging panels, breakout discussions, and opportunities to exchange best practices in club management.
Day One: Colleton River Club
The Symposium commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from Colleton River Club, Chief Operating Officer, Robert Sereci, setting the stage for two days of collaboration and learning. Attendees were introduced to the history of the Club Leadership Alliance (CLA) and a statistical overview of club performance metrics in the region.
Session One: High-Performing Clubs & Best Practices
Moderated by John Schultz, this session featured a distinguished panel including Kurt Kuebler, Frank Vain, and Wray Crippin. Discussions centered around:
- Informed Leadership
- Strategic Stewardship
- Empowered Management and Staff
- Creating a Compelling Member Experience
Attendees gained valuable insights into what makes a high-performing club and the strategies that drive success.
Session Two: The Power of the Low Country
A key highlight was the interactive breakout discussions, where board members and general managers engaged in deep-dive conversations on regional challenges and opportunities. Facilitated by industry experts, these sessions fostered dynamic exchanges and allowed participants to compare and contrast in conversation.
The day concluded with a social hour and a networking reception — a perfect setting for continuing conversations in a relaxed environment.
Day Two: Berkeley Hall Club
Financial Comparisons and Strategic Planning
The second day kicked off with a financial deep dive led by Jim Butler, Wray Crippin, and Mike Benner. Attendees examined financial benchmarks and economic trends affecting clubs in the Low Country.
Leadership and Succession Planning
Frank Vain and Jim Butler guided the discussion on best practices for leadership succession, a critical component of sustainable club governance. Strategies for identifying and nurturing future leaders were shared, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and processes.
Session Five: The Power of the Low Country – Breakout Discussions
Attendees once again engaged in breakout discussions, sharing perspectives on governance, membership experience, and operational excellence. These smaller, focused sessions allowed for meaningful exchanges and actionable takeaways.
Closing and Key Takeaways
A sincere thank-you was extended to the host clubs for their exceptional hospitality, and attendees departed with fresh insights and renewed connections.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Low Country Symposium was a resounding success, reinforcing the power of collaboration and shared learning in the private club industry. We look forward to building on these discussions and continuing to elevate the standards of club leadership in the years to come! Stay tuned for future events and ongoing conversations within CLA. Until next time!
Zach Platek Named Director of Interim Management Solutions for Club Leadership Alliance
December 19, 2024 – The Club Leadership Alliance (CLA), a trusted resource for club leaders and boards seeking innovative leadership solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Zach Platek as Director of Interim Management Solutions. In this role, Platek will oversee the current CLA Interim Management Solutions for private clubs and lifestyle communities nationwide.
Platek brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the private club industry. Through his strategic thinking and ability to drive organizational success, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering strong leadership and operational efficiency in his previous general manager and interim roles. His expertise will be instrumental in CLA’s mission to support clubs during transitional periods with tailored, high-quality management solutions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zach Platek to the Club Leadership Alliance team,” said Dan Miles, Interim CEO of CLA. “His deep understanding of club operations and dedication to excellence make him the ideal leader to oversee our Interim Management Solutions. “We are confident that Zach will further strengthen our ability to serve private clubs and uphold their traditions and positive club culture, while navigating change.”
The Interim Management Solutions division of CLA is designed to address the unique challenges clubs face when undergoing leadership transitions. Under Platek’s guidance, the program will continue to provide expert interim general managers, clubhouse managers, CFOs, superintendents and directors of golf who ensure smooth operations and preserve the club’s culture during times of change.
“I am looking forward to move into this role at CLA and lead such an essential program for clubs enduring change,” said Platek. “Private clubs hold a special place in their communities, and I am committed to helping them thrive during periods of transition. I look forward to working closely with our team and client clubs.”
Platek’s appointment emphasizes CLA’s dedication to setting the standard for leadership solutions in the private club industry. With his leadership, CLA is well-positioned to their mission to rally club leaders around best practices.
For more information about the Club Leadership Alliance and its services, please visit www.clubleaderhsipalliance.com or contact Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.
About Club Leadership Alliance:
The Club Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a partnership between three of the nation’s most highly regarded firms serving private clubs. Established in March 2020, CLA is comprised of partner firms KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, McMahon Group, and Club Benchmarking. With the mission to “Rally Club Leaders Around Best Practices”, CLA divisions include Strategic Governance, Interim Management Solutions, and the Experience Network – a hands-on consulting operation focused on providing private clubs with expertise that is tailored to their needs. In all aspects of their consulting and educational services, including the noted Presidents Council, CLA adheres to Core Values and Best Practices adopted by their partner firms and recognized as essential to a club’s long-term success.
Live Ready Joins Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Club Leadership Alliance
Live Ready Joins Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Club Leadership Alliance
CHARLOTTE, NC – Club Leadership Alliance (CLA), proudly announces strategic Preferred Service Provider partnership with Live Ready, a leader in cutting-edge emergency preparedness and personal safety training. This collaboration aims to empower leaders in the industry with unparalleled safety and preparedness skills, ensuring a more secure and efficient environment for members, staff and stakeholders.
Founded by Sam Rosenberg, an internationally recognized expert on personal security, Rosenberg has dedicated his life to protecting people and teaching them how to protect themselves. Serving as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and in the private sector as a close protection specialist for some of the world’s highest profile individuals, Rosenberg built Live Ready to empower individuals, families and companies with the skills and mindset elite close protection specialists use to protect public figures.
In line with the CLA core value of delivering compelling member experiences, Live Ready applies real-life security training and scenarios into the club space by identifying vulnerabilities, staff and member training, and informational inquiries for both prospective members and employees, to create the safest club environment attainable. Additionally, Live Ready offers background searches for new member applicants to help to focus on maintaining a positive club reputation and keep safety intact by knowing more about who is approved for membership, regardless of club size.
“Having been a club manager for over 30 years, Live Ready is exactly the resource all general managers should utilize to provide critical training, information and support at their clubs. The overall goal is a safe and secure club, but you don’t always know your club’s vulnerabilities until it’s too late; Live Ready can solve that,” says John Schultz, CEO of Club Leadership Alliance.
“We are excited to partner with Club Leadership Alliance to bring our expertise in safety training to leaders who shape this industry,” says Sam Rosenberg, CEO of Live Ready. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering environments where safety and leadership go hand in hand.”
About Club Leadership Alliance: Club Leadership Alliance is a premier organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to club leaders across the industry. With a mission to empower clubs to thrive and rally club leaders around best practices, CLA fosters a community of collaboration and innovation.
About Live Ready: Live Ready is the leading provider in emergency preparedness, information and personal safety training. With a mission to create safer communities, Live Ready offers a wide range of programming designed to equip individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively maintain safe environments.
For inquiries, please contact: Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.
Core Values and Best Practices are Critical for Every Club to Understand, Adopt and Implement.
Core Values and Best Practices are Critical for Every Club to Understand, Adopt and Implement.
In our second featured Boardroom Institute education video, Tom Wallace of CLA partner firm, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, discusses how core values and best practices are critical for every club to understand, adopt and implement.
To hear more on this topic or the other information available to you, visit boardroominstitute.com to learn more and request a virtual demo.
Empowering Board Members, Committee Members and Club Management with Knowledge, Strategies and Best Practices
Boardroom Institute – Empowering Board Members, Committee Members and Club Management with Knowledge, Strategies and Best Practices.
Through our partnership with Boardroom Institute, our mission is to empower board members and club leadership with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to lead their organizations with confidence, integrity, and strategic foresight. We believe that effective governance is the cornerstone of any successful club, and we are committed to fostering excellence in board leadership.
We’re delighted to share an upcoming series of Boardroom Institute videos, created specifically for Board Members, Committee Members and Club Management. In this video series, we are excited to bring you insightful and engaging content to empower you with the latest knowledge, strategies and best practices in club governance.
To kick off our series, Ray Cronin, Founder of Club Benchmarking, educates on Comprehensive Capital Planning, the cornerstone of sustainable financial success in private clubs. Within the last ten years, the dynamic shift to focusing on the Balance Sheet and Capital Ledger gave a real understanding of the financial dynamics within a private club.
To hear more on this topic or the other information available to you, visit boardroominstitute.com to learn more and request a virtual demo.
Club Leadership Alliance Adds Little Owl Entertainment as Preferred Service Provider
Club Leadership Alliance Adds Little Owl Entertainment as Preferred Service Provider
CHARLOTTE, NC – CHARLOTTE, NC – Club Leadership Alliance (CLA), proudly secures Preferred Service Provider relationship with Little Owl Entertainment, the premier experience and entertainment company serving the private club industry.
Founded by Nick Weir, veteran of the music industry, Little Owl Entertainment curates one-of-a-kind experiences for the club industry. In line with the CLA core value of delivering compelling member experiences, Little Owl Entertainment masterfully identifies what club members prefer in entertainment, and then builds an experience directly around the desires of the members. From singer-songwriter acoustic performances, to the largest names in music and everything in between, Little Owl Entertainment provides an experience destined to be memorable for club members.
“I have enjoyed watching the amazing programs that Nick Weir and his company Little Owl Entertainment have produced for a number of clubs” says Dick Kopplin, KOPPLIN, KUEBLER & WALLACE. “The audiences rave about the quality of the musicians and how entertained they were. Nick provides a “class act’ whenever he is engaged by a club. You can’t find a better value for your entertainment dollar than Little Owl Entertainment. Book and enjoy!”
“We are ecstatic to partner with the Club Leadership Alliance’s Preferred Service Provider network. The opportunity they have created for collaboration with masters of uniquely skilled companies in our industry is extremely exciting. We truly love what we do, in helping private club managers elevate their events into unbelievable experiences each year for their private club members and staff,” says Nick Weir, Founder and CEO of Little Owl Entertainment. “In partnering with CLA and the rockstar companies in the PSP network, we feel like we are onto something really special together that will be an incredible resource for our industry. We bring people together through the power of live music and immersive experiences in the private club space and we cannot wait to continue to grow with CLA and get creative with club leaders all over.”
About Club Leadership Alliance: Club Leadership Alliance is a premier organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to club leaders across the industry. With a mission to empower clubs to thrive and rally club leaders around best practices, CLA fosters a community of collaboration and innovation.
About Little Owl Entertainment: Rooted in Nashville, TN, Little Owl Entertainment provides a full-service entertainment experience from with their unique and exclusive show packages. They range from singer-singer shows to intimate Broadway musical performances, custom events to full-blown music festivals with some of the biggest names in music..
For inquiries, please contact: Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.
Pipeline Joins Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Club Leadership Alliance
Pipeline Joins Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Club Leadership Alliance
CHARLOTTE, NC – Club Leadership Alliance (CLA), proudly secures Preferred Service Provider relationship with industry veteran Pipeline Agency, a brand marketing agency for clubs and communities.
With decades of experience, Pipeline’s foundation is built on building a greater sense of belonging for prospective members, current members and employees. Their approach combines traditional lifestyle brand strategy and relevant marketing techniques to build brand, invigorate members, and establish a pipeline of prospective members for years to come.
“I’ve been a longtime supporter of Pipeline. They are a dynamic force in this industry in the way they formulate a brand conscious approach to all facets of club marketing.” says John Schultz, CEO of Club Leadership Alliance. Schultz says “Not only are they remarkable in their work, but the resources they provide as educational tools, from their newsletter to their podcast, solidify their stance as leaders within the industry and are what clubs need to focus on to distinguish themselves in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape”.
“We are thrilled to join the Club Leadership Alliance as a Preferred Service Provider. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey as innovators and collaborators in the evolution of clubs.” says Shannon Herschbach, Co-founder of Pipeline. “CLA’s commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our own values and mission to create meaningful connections. We are excited to collaborate with other PSPs and the extensive network of visionaries that CLA represents, to drive enhanced value to clubs everywhere.”
About Club Leadership Alliance: Club Leadership Alliance is a premier organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to club leaders across the industry. With a mission to empower clubs to thrive and rally club leaders around best practices, CLA fosters a community of collaboration and innovation.
About Pipeline Agency: Pipeline is a brand marketing agency built for clubs and communities. Their marketing services help membership and lifestyle communities discover and tell their best stories in a way that attracts and engages new members and residents.
For inquiries, please contact: Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.
CLA Secures Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Golf Life Navigators
CLA Secures Preferred Service Provider Partnership with Golf Life Navigators
CHARLOTTE, NC – Club Leadership Alliance (CLA) announces Preferred Service Provider partnership with Golf Life Navigators (GLN), the leading resource for discovering, planning, and ultimately securing golf memberships and real estate.
Through their innovative technology and personalized consultation services, Golf Life Navigators aligns golf enthusiasts seeking their perfect club with not only the right course but also a club environment that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.
Jim Butler of Club Benchmarking says, “We are so excited to have Jason and his team involved with CLA. One of our best practices at CLA is making data-based decisions. GLN provides a data solution to the very complex nature of matching clubs and future members together. The club business is member centric, and all clubs must have a mechanism to replace members on a consistent basis as clubs have yearly attrition. Jason’s team will help future members find the perfect fit in a club by matching their needs to the amenities and services in clubs. Brilliant!”
“We are honored and humbled to be invited into the Club Leadership Alliance Preferred Service Provider network,” says Jason Becker, CEO of Golf Life Navigators. “Most industry leaders know GLN has an environment to help connect with the right prospective member for their club and culture. However, we have in possession over 7 million data points on why people join clubs, their motivations and real estate desires. All of which are now available to boardrooms across the country via the CLA.”
About Club Leadership Alliance: Club Leadership Alliance is a premier organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to club leaders across the industry. With a mission to empower clubs to thrive and rally club leaders around best practices, CLA fosters a community of collaboration and innovation.
About Golf Life Navigators: Golf Life Navigators is the top resource to discover, experience and ultimately secure your ideal club membership and golf community home. Their search engines are free and provide instant results and connectivity to your Best-Matched Clubs – it’s like eHarmony meets Zillow for golf!
For inquiries, please contact: Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.
Second Preferred Service Provider Partnership with SUSSNER Revealed
Club Leadership Alliance Announces Preferred Service Provider Partnership with SUSSNER
CHARLOTTE, NC – Club Leadership Alliance (CLA), proudly announces Preferred Service Provider partnership with SUSSNER, a renowned agency specializing in elevating brand experiences.
SUSSNER brings to the table a wealth of expertise in brand strategy, design, and implementation. With a proven track record of transforming brands across various industries, SUSSNER is well-positioned to collaborate with CLA in crafting compelling brand experiences tailored to the unique needs of clubs.
SUSSNER offers a wide range of brand-development services, from fine-tuning a branding strategy to redesigning a club’s brand image, they help transform meaningfully from the inside out.
“SUSSNER exceeded our expectations in transforming the visual identity of Lemon Bay Golf Club through their impeccable work on the logo redesign project. Their innovative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to capturing the essence of our brand truly set them apart, making them the ideal choice for any design endeavor.” says Damon Williams, General Manager/COO of Lemon Bay Golf Club.
Derek Susser, CEO/Founder at SUSSNER added, “A club’s brand serves to curate the next generation of membership. By being strategic about their perception and their identity, each club has the opportunity to present a face and a vibe that communicates their unique community in a remarkable way.”
About Club Leadership Alliance: Club Leadership Alliance is a premier organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to club leaders across the industry. With a mission to empower clubs to thrive and rally club leaders around best practices, CLA fosters a community of collaboration and innovation.
About SUSSNER: SUSSNER helps organizations in the club world rethink their brand to conquer the hearts and minds of members. They are dedicated to pushing your brand beyond conventional boundaries in order to craft a presence that resonates with current and future generations.
For inquiries, please contact: Christy Latimore, Operations Lead, at christy@clubleadershipalliance.com.