Press Release Archives | KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

Next Level Powered by KK&W Launches Specialized Industry Job Board & Career Community

Connecting emerging talent with meaningful club career opportunities while giving club leaders the tools to recruit, engage, and hire with confidence.

August, 2026

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.”

For club leaders, the launch of Next Level provides a dedicated platform to promote opportunities, connect with emerging talent, and begin building stronger talent pipelines. For candidates, it offers access to career opportunities, professional connections, and an industry-specific community focused on growth and advancement. A purpose-built Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for clubs is planned as part of a future release.

Unlike generic recruiting platforms, Next Level Powered by KK&W focuses exclusively on connecting clubs with professionals who understand the value of hospitality, service excellence, and member experience. The platform helps clubs attract candidates for operational and mid-level leadership roles critical to daily success and long-term growth.

“The foundation of a successful private club lies in its people,” said Betsy Gregory, Head of Job Board & ATS. “Every hire has the potential to elevate service standards, strengthen club culture, and enhance member satisfaction. By connecting clubs with promising hospitality professionals early in their careers, we’re helping organizations build stronger teams today while investing in the future of the industry.”

With the launch of the online community, Next Level Powered by KK&W also creates new opportunities for networking, career exploration, and professional development, helping emerging talent discover pathways into one of hospitality’s most rewarding sectors.

As clubs continue navigating a competitive labor market, Next Level Powered by KK&W provides a dedicated platform that connects top-tier talent with top-tier opportunities, helping private clubs build stronger teams, elevate member experiences, and support a more sustainable future for the industry.

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About Next Level Powered by KK&W:

Next Level addresses a critical staffing need in the private club industry by offering a specialized job board connecting future industry leaders with operational and mid-level roles that shape the premier hospitality experience, and a purpose-built ATS for HR teams and General Managers.

About KK&W:

When you work with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, you can expect an experience that will be centered around the well-being of their clients, the candidates they place, and the industry they love. Founded in 1996, their process involves merging more than 500 years of combined expertise with a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ needs. They are an award-winning executive search and consulting firm and a trusted partner dedicated to the success of the organizations they work with.

Next Level Powered by KK&W Launches Specialized Industry Job Board & Career Communityjaclyn2026-08-25T22:26:18+00:00

Expert Panel to Address Talent, Leadership and Retention Challenges at European Conference on Club Management

EXPERT PANEL TO TACKLE TALENT, LEADERSHIP AND RETENTION CHALLENGES AT EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON CLUB MANAGEMENT

As clubs across the world continue to navigate evolving workforce expectations, talent shortages, and changing generational dynamics, the European Conference on Club Management 2026 will feature a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion exploring one of the industry’s most pressing topics: people strategy.

Entitled “People Strategy That Works: Leading, Hiring & Retaining Across Generations in Clubs & Resorts,” the panel will be facilitated by Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting at KK&W, one of the leading executive search and consulting firms serving the global club industry.

The session will bring together an experienced panel of industry leaders and talent experts to discuss how clubs can attract, develop, and retain exceptional people in an increasingly competitive employment landscape.

Bringing together perspectives from executive recruitment, club operations, human resources, and leadership development, the panel will feature:

Tom Wallace, Managing Partner at KK&W, who brings extensive experience in talent development and executive search across many of the premier clubs in the United States.
John Blanch, General Manager of Loch Lomond Golf Club, whose distinguished international career includes leadership roles at Wentworth Club and senior management positions across Asia.
Scott Semple, Director of People at St Andrews Links Trust, who leads the organisation’s people strategy, recruitment, and talent development functions.
Nick Taylor, Managing Director of GreyCircle and leadership development specialist, who works with leading clubs and organisations to strengthen culture, engagement, and leadership effectiveness.

As clubs continue to face labour challenges and increasing expectations from both employees and members, the panel will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies that delegates can take back to their own organisations.

Torbjorn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, said:

“People remain the most important asset in any club, and finding, developing, and retaining talented individuals has become one of the defining leadership challenges of our time. This panel brings together a unique combination of expertise and perspectives from across the industry, and I am confident delegates will leave with valuable insights that can be applied immediately within their clubs.”

Registration for the European Conference on Club Management 2026 is open. For more information visit https://cvent.me/3xvB4Z.

For more information please contact:

Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, Managing Partner
(412) 670-2021 | tom@kkandw.com | www.kkandw.com| @kkw_update

Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting
+44 (0) 7903 035312 | michael.herd@kkandw.com | www.kkandw.com | @kkw_update

MEDIA CONTACT
Debbie Goddard, Marketing & Events Manager
Club Management Association of Europe
debbie.goddard@cmaeurope.org
Tel | +44 (0) 2476 692359 | Mob | +44 (0) 7900 604814

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Expert Panel to Address Talent, Leadership and Retention Challenges at European Conference on Club ManagementRoxanne2026-06-09T16:22:32+00:00

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – William E. (Bill) Langley, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE continues to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to their team to better serve their Clients and Industry Leaders. The firm is proud to welcome William E. (Bill) Langley, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow as a Search & Consulting Executive, KK&W and Senior Advisor, PCGA.

Bill brings more than four decades of distinguished leadership in private club and community management, with a career defined by operational excellence, strategic vision, and transformative capital development. He has led more than $500 million in capital planning and development across premier club and residential communities throughout the southern United States.

Most recently, Bill served as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of The Club at Quail Ridge in Palm Beach County, Florida. During his tenure, he led a comprehensive $70 million transformation of the club and community, including the development of a new clubhouse, racquet sports complex, expanded fitness and lifestyle facilities, and the reimagination of 36 holes of championship golf. In addition, he oversaw governance and operations for the property owners association, multiple condominium associations, and in-house real estate operations serving nearly 1,000 residences.

Earlier in his career, Bill served as Vice President of Clubs for The Woodlands Development Company in Texas, where he led the creation and management of premier private club communities including Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside, featuring courses by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio, as well as oversight of The Woodlands Country Club’s 99 holes of golf and four clubhouses.

He also served as Managing Director of The Lodge at Sea Island, guiding the property to Five-Star and Five-Diamond distinction in its first year, and as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Colleton River Club, where he helped guide the transition to member ownership and expansion of the community.

Bill is widely respected for his ability to align boards, leadership teams, and members around a shared vision, as well as his deep expertise in capital project execution, governance, and long-range planning. A Certified Club Manager (CCM) and Certified Chief Executive (CCE), he was named a CMAA Fellow in 2024—one of the highest distinctions in the profession—and has served extensively on national and state boards and committees within the Club Management Association of America and the National Club Association.

“Bill Langley represents the very best of leadership in our industry,” said Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, Partner. “His career reflects a rare combination of large-scale development expertise, operational discipline, and the ability to lead complex club and community environments with clarity and purpose. Bill has consistently delivered transformative results while maintaining a deep commitment to member experience and team development. His perspective will be an invaluable asset to our clients and to the future leaders we are helping to identify and develop.”

Reflecting on his new role, Bill shared:

“I’m honored to join KK&W and contribute to a firm that has such a strong reputation for integrity, leadership, and impact within the private club industry. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building great teams, executing long-term vision, and enhancing the overall club and community experience. I look forward to working with clients and candidates to help shape the next generation of leadership and continue advancing excellence across the industry.”

Bill is a CMAA Fellow and longtime contributor to the Club Management Association of America, having served on the National Board as well as multiple state boards and over 20 national committees. He is also actively engaged in mentoring emerging leaders within the industry.

He can be contacted at: bill@kkandw.com. Please join us in welcoming William E. (Bill) Langley, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team.

Editor’s Note (May 2026): Bill Langley is currently serving as a Search & Consulting Executive.

About KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE
People Focused & Quality Driven. We are an experienced and award-winning search and consulting firm, specializing in the private club industry. We are committed to the success of our clients, the professionals that we place, and the industry as a whole. We improve the well-being of our clients, advance the careers of our candidates, and have fun every day. www.kkandw.com

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – William E. (Bill) Langley, CCM, CCE, CMAA FellowRoxanne2026-05-26T13:53:18+00:00

Financially Astute Clubs Announces Strategic Partnership with Industry Leaders KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking

Scottsdale, Arizona — Financially Astute Clubs announces its official launch as a premier financial leadership and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the private club industry. The firm has entered into strategic partnerships with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking to provide clubs across the country with specialized financial expertise and executive leadership support.

Financially Astute Clubs was founded to address a critical gap and growing need within the private club industry: consistent access to sophisticated financial leadership and governance expertise.

As clubs grow more financially complex and capital-intensive, many organizations lack the internal staffing resources and financial governance policy needed to sustain best-in-class financial oversight and long-term institutional stewardship.

Financially Astute Clubs provides a comprehensive suite of services, including:

Fractional CFO Services providing ongoing executive-level financial leadership to support existing club accounting teams, GM/COOs, Finance Committees, and Boards
Interim CFO Support during executive transitions and financial leadership vacancies while an executive leadership search is conducted through KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE
Executive Onboarding and Training for financial leaders placed through KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE
Comprehensive Financial Health & Stewardship Evaluations focusing on governance policy, balance sheet strength, capital funding architecture, financial discipline and accounting practices, software systems and reporting, long-range capital planning, and overall institutional stewardship.

Financially Astute Clubs will also administer the private club industry’s only trademarked program, recognizing clubs that demonstrate exceptional financial health, governance, and institutional stewardship. The program establishes measurable standards for financial discipline, transparency, member education, and long-term capital planning, providing clubs with both internal accountability and external recognition of best-in-class financial leadership. Through earned merit and proven financial health metrics, a small number of best-in-class clubs will qualify to earn distinction as a Financially Astute Club and can proudly utilize the recognition on membership communications and marketing materials and may provide current and prospective members with a comprehensive report proving best-in-class financial stewardship.

The firm is led by two of the most experienced financial executives in the private club industry:

Jeff Dekruif, CCM, CHAE, PGA Associate – CEO of Financially Astute Clubs, has served in senior financial and COO/CFO executive leadership roles at several prestigious private clubs and residential communities throughout the United States. Dekruif currently serves on the Global Board of Directors for Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), a leading international organization supporting financial leadership across the hospitality industry.

Nick Gerstner, CCM, CFE – COO of Financially Astute Clubs, is a highly respected club financial executive known for his operational leadership and financial governance expertise, focused on member communication and governance strategies to improve financial health and drivers of sustained success. Gerstner has served in executive level financial roles for several premier private clubs in Arizona and previously served in corporate senior financial leadership roles for the world’s largest golf and club management firm.

Both Dekruif and Gerstner are among fewer than 30 private club Chief Financial Officers in the United States who also hold the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation from the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). In addition to their executive experience, both leaders contribute regularly to industry education through seminars, national and regional conference education for HFTP, CMAA, PGA of America, and Business Management Institute (BMI) workshops for the CMAA.

“Private clubs today are managing increasingly complex financial operations, capital projects, and governance expectations,” said Dekruif. “Financially Astute Clubs was created to ensure that clubs have access to the highest level of financial leadership and stewardship—whether through fractional CFO support, interim leadership during critical staffing transitions, or comprehensive financial evaluations providing the leadership framework and operational support.”

“As private clubs continue to evolve, the need for sophisticated financial leadership has never been greater,” said Gerstner. “Financially Astute Clubs is committed to helping clubs build lasting institutional strength through disciplined financial stewardship, member education and transparency, and strategic financial planning.”

A cornerstone of the firm’s strategy is its partnership with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, widely recognized as the private club industry’s leading executive search and consulting firm. KK&W has placed hundreds of senior financial executives in clubs nationwide, and the firm provides governance, leadership, and operational consulting services to many of the country’s most prestigious private clubs.

Tom Wallace, partner of KK&W said, “Private clubs are more complex than ever, and the need for strong, consistent financial leadership has never been greater. Financially Astute Clubs is filling a critical gap by bringing true executive-level financial expertise to clubs when and how they need it most. At KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, we see this as a natural extension of strong governance and leadership and a meaningful way to further support the executives we place, ensuring they have the financial partnership and infrastructure to succeed from day one. Combined with Club Benchmarking, this collaboration creates a powerful platform to help clubs make better decisions and build long-term financial strength.”

Through this strategic collaboration, Financially Astute Clubs will provide interim financial leadership and structured onboarding support for KK&W’s CFO placements, ensuring that clubs maintain financial continuity during executive searches and leadership transitions.

In addition, the firm’s collaboration with Club Benchmarking will enhance clubs’ ability to leverage financial data, benchmarking insights, and best practices to drive stronger governance, establish relevant financial KPIs, and provide support for long-term capital planning services.

Club Benchmarking CEO Jim Butler said the launch of Financially Astute Clubs is a natural extension of CB’s long-standing commitment to the industry and collaboration with KK&W. “Our teams share a passion for developing tools and services that drive continuous improvement and elevate professional standards in the private club industry. Both Jeff DeKruif and Nick Gerstner have earned their reputations as powerhouse club CFOs, and we are thrilled to support their work, from interim and fractional CFO services to financial analysis and advisory services.”

Financially Astute Clubs will utilize and promote a full suite of Club Benchmarking services through the VISTA benchmarking platform including COMPASS capital planning, Strategic Monthly Dashboard, Compensation and Benefits Benchmarking, and Viewpoints member, employee and board surveys.

Financially Astute Clubs is currently working with clubs nationwide and is rapidly expanding its CFO consulting team to support the growing demand for high level financial leadership within the private club industry.

For more information, visit:

www.financiallyastuteclubs.com
www.kkandw.com
www.clubbenchmarking.com

About KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE (KK&W)

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE is an award-winning executive search and consulting firm specializing in the private club and hospitality industry. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and long-standing industry support, KK&W offers comprehensive services including executive search, governance guidance and development, and operational consulting.

Financially Astute Clubs Announces Strategic Partnership with Industry Leaders KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club BenchmarkingRoxanne2026-04-23T21:59:12+00:00

Next Level Powered by KK&W Welcomes Betsy Gregory as Head of Job Board and ATS

Next Level Powered by KK&W is pleased to announce the appointment of Betsy Gregory as Head of the Next Level Job Board and Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Betsy is an industry veteran bringing more than 20 years of private club leadership experience, further strengthening Next Level’s commitment to advancing talent acquisition and people-first leadership within the private club industry.

Betsy is widely respected across the private club sector, with experience spanning human resources, operations, recruiting, and organizational development. Most recently, she served nearly ten years as Head of People and Culture at Congressional Country Club, where she was a member of the executive team and led enterprise-wide HR strategy, talent development, and culture initiatives. Her prior roles include Recruiting Manager at Congressional Country Club, Human Resources Manager at Bethesda Country Club, and multiple food and beverage leadership positions at Bethesda Country Club and Rhode Island Country Club.

“Betsy’s depth of experience and emotional intelligence make her an exceptional addition to the Next Level team,” said Tom Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, KK&W Partner. “Her leadership will play a critical role in the continued evolution of the Next Level Job Board and ATS as a premier resource for clubs and job seekers alike.”

In addition to her work with Next Level, Betsy is the Founder of Unbridled Courage Consulting, where she partners with organizations on strategic HR leadership and culture transformation. Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, where she was recognized as Student Leader of the Year. She is actively involved in the Private Club HR Professional Community as well as numerous leadership and community initiatives.

“I’m excited to work with the team at KK&W to bring the vision of Next Level to life,” Betsy shared. “We’re building a first-of-its-kind recruitment platform for the club industry, combining innovative technology with a deep commitment to developing and supporting emerging and transitioning talent. Next Level will strengthen our community of club professionals while delivering technology that truly works for clubs. I’m honored to lead this initiative alongside the exceptional KK&W team.”

Betsy can be reached at betsy@nextlevelkkw.com.

About Next Level
Next Level addresses a critical staffing need in the private club industry by offering a specialized job board connecting future industry leaders with operational and mid-level roles that shape the premier hospitality experience, and a purpose-built ATS for HR teams and General Managers.

About KK&W
When you work with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, you can expect an experience that will be centered around the well-being of their clients, the candidates they place, and the industry they love. Founded in 1996, their process involves merging more than 500 years of combined expertise with a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ needs. They are an award-winning executive search and consulting firm and a trusted partner dedicated to the success of the organizations they work with.

Next Level Powered by KK&W Welcomes Betsy Gregory as Head of Job Board and ATSRoxanne2026-02-12T15:05:30+00:00

Marcie Mills Named 2025 BoardRoom Educator of the Year

We are proud to share that Marcie Mills, Search & Consulting Executive with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, has been honored by BoardRoom magazine as a 2025 Gary Player Award recipient, earning recognition as Educator of the Year through the publication’s prestigious Excellence in Achievement Awards.

This annual awards program is the only one in the private club industry dedicated to recognizing the exceptional work of business partners, consultants, and leaders who elevate club operations and strengthen the member experience. Hundreds of applications are reviewed each year through a time-intensive evaluation process that BoardRoom fully funds to ensure meaningful and unbiased recognition of true industry impact.

“Each of you stands out as a leader in your category,” said John Fornaro, publisher of BoardRoom magazine. “This recognition reflects your accomplishments, innovation and forward-thinking approach. Every year, leaders and experts from across the industry identify companies that raise the bar for private club operations. Your work continues to make a measurable difference.”

That sentiment was echoed by Heather Arias de Cordoba, editor and co-publisher of BoardRoom: “Your expertise consistently elevates the private club industry. You help clubs address real challenges with practical, measurable outcomes. Each of you brings clarity, insight and direction to an industry that relies on steady, informed leadership.”

For Marcie, this award holds special meaning.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized by BoardRoom magazine as a Gary Player Award recipient for Educator of the Year. This honor fuels my deep commitment to support, mentor, and elevate the club management community that I care so passionately about. I’m proud to continue the legacy of leadership and service exemplified by my colleagues and Firm partners.”

The Excellence in Achievement Awards will be formally presented during the CMAA World Conference in February 2026, and winners, including Marcie, will be featured in the November/December 2025 issue of BoardRoom with an additional profile appearing in the March/April 2026 issue.

As BoardRoom approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, this recognition further underscores the publication’s ongoing commitment to honoring professionals who improve club operations, strengthen leadership, and elevate the industry as a whole. This recognition reflects Marcie’s continued commitment to elevating club leadership, education, and the member experience across the private club industry. Click to read the full feature here.

THE BOARDROOM MAGAZINE – November 2025

Marcie Mills is a search and consulting executive with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. She can be contacted at: marcie@kkandw.com or 833-KKW-HIRE (559-4473) ext. 719.

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Marcie Mills Named 2025 BoardRoom Educator of the YearRoxanne2026-06-25T20:54:04+00:00

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