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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

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Kevin P. Vitale, CCM

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking continue to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to their teams to better serve their Clients and Industry Leaders. Both firms are thrilled to welcome Kevin P. Vitale, CCM as a Strategic Advisor, Search & Consulting Executive.

Kevin brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership in private club management, most notably as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. A historic and highly regarded property, Baltusrol Golf Club is designated a National Historic Landmark and is perennially ranked as one of the top private clubs in the world.

While at Baltusrol, Kevin led all facets of operations for the dual championship golf facility, which has hosted 19 major championships, including seven U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships. Under his leadership, the Club completed more than $130 million in capital improvements, including the full restoration of both golf courses by architect Gil Hanse and the development of new performance and fitness centers, practice facilities, and member dining venues. Throughout his leadership tenure, the Club has achieved significant financial growth and maintained a reputation for operational excellence, all without member assessments.

Kevin’s reputation as a principled and strategic leader, deeply committed to member value and professional development, has earned him recognition throughout the private club industry. He has served on the National Club Association Board (including as Chair), the Platinum Clubs of America Advisory Board, and the National Executive of the Year Committee, and has partnered extensively with the USGA and PGA of America in the planning and execution of major championships.

“Kevin Vitale is an extraordinary addition to both KK&W and Club Benchmarking,” shared Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow, Partner. “His long-standing leadership at one of the most recognized and respected clubs in the country, combined with his strategic acumen, operational expertise, and authentic approach to mentorship, perfectly align with the values and mission of our organizations. His insight and experience will bring tremendous value to our clients, candidates, and the industry as a whole.”

Kevin will share his time with Club Benchmarking, the industry leader in data, research, and business intelligence solutions for private clubs and KK&W, the industry leader in executive search, human asset management and governance education. In this dual role, he will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives that empower clubs through data-driven insights to strengthen their mission, optimize operations, and elevate the member experience.

Ray Cronin, Founder of Club Benchmarking, added, “Kevin’s leadership and performance at Baltusrol have set a standard that few in the industry can match. His understanding of the financial, strategic, and cultural dynamics that drive club excellence will be an incredible resource to the KK&W and Club Benchmarking alliance, and to all of the clubs our firms serve.”

Reflecting on his new role, Kevin shared, “I’m honored to join the KK&W and Club Benchmarking teams and contribute to their longstanding tradition of excellence. With a career centered on leadership, operations, and the member experience, I’m eager to apply that perspective to both executive search, identifying and developing the next generation of industry leaders, and strategic business planning that leverages data to drive operational excellence and sustained financial health.”

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Stonehill College and earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).

He can be contacted at: kevin@kkandw.com or kvitale@clubbenchmarking.com. Please join us in welcoming Kevin Vitale, CCM to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking teams.

About Club Benchmarking
We deliver the fact-based, actionable insight you need to make informed decisions through a suite of tools and services built specifically for private clubs. Everything we do is grounded in data and research and we serve the full spectrum of club industry stakeholders – club staff, general managers, boards, committees, members, owners and industry constituents including associations. www.clubbenchmarking.com

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Kevin P. Vitale, CCMRoxanne2025-12-02T18:28:43+00:00

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Expands International Team in Australia and New Zealand

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL TEAM IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Scottsdale, Arizona – August 18, 2025

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE (KK&W), the club industry’s premier executive search and consulting firm, is proud to announce the continued growth of its international team with the addition of Emily McCarvill and Tim Nelson. This strategic expansion strengthens KK&W’s presence in Australia and New Zealand, enhancing its ability to serve clubs and hospitality organizations throughout the region.

Emily McCarvill has deep roots in the private club industry throughout New Zealand and Australia. As the owner of a successful club marketing and communications agency, she has worked with some of the region’s most prestigious clubs, including Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Kingston Heath Golf Club, and Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. Emily brings a proven track record in leadership placement, club positioning, member engagement, and strategic growth.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside a firm as deeply respected as KK&W,” said McCarvill. “I’m passionate about helping clubs in New Zealand find forward-thinking leaders who understand the balance between tradition and innovation. Together, we’ll help shape the next chapter of club leadership in the region.”

Tim Nelson joins KK&W to support the firm’s growth across Australia, bringing over two decades of search and consulting experience. Based in Australia, Tim will partner closely with Emily McCarvill, who leads executive search efforts in New Zealand. Together, they will collaborate with Michael Herd, KK&W’s Head of International Search & Consulting, based in the United Kingdom.

“I am excited to join KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and lead the expansion of the business to Australia,” said Nelson. “The opportunity to combine my search and consulting experience with the number one global brand and team in the private club industry is second to none. I look forward to bringing my expertise, passion for service, and commitment to excellence to support the unique people challenges faced by clubs in Australia.”

“This announcement reflects the demand we’re seeing from clubs in Australia and New Zealand for a higher caliber of leadership support and our commitment to meet that need,” said Michael Herd. “I’m thrilled to work alongside Emily and Tim as we bring KK&W’s proven processes and standards to these important markets.”

KK&W Partners Richard M. Kopplin, CMAA Fellow, Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow, and Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, agree, “Adding Emily and Tim to our international team marks an important step in our growth journey. They embody our firm’s values of integrity, relevance, and excellence, and bring the kind of deep industry experience that makes a difference. With their support, we are even better equipped to serve clubs and candidates across the globe.”

With this expansion, KK&W continues its mission to deliver unmatched executive search and consulting services tailored to the unique needs of private clubs worldwide. The firm’s international division now provides an even broader spectrum of expertise, insight, and service to help clubs achieve long-term success through strategic leadership.

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

About KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE
People Focused, Quality Driven. 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. Their process has been perfected since 1996 and involves merging more than 500 years of combined expertise with a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ needs. Their Board Dynamics/Model has been presented to over 1000 private clubs and communities. They are an award-winning executive search and consulting firm and a trusted partner dedicated to the success of the organizations they work with.

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KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Expands International Team in Australia and New ZealandRoxanne2025-08-21T18:40:44+00:00

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