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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

Club Innovation Hub Launches to Propel Industry Entrepreneurship

Club Innovation Hub Launches to Propel Entrepreneurship in the Private Club Industry
New platform from KK&W and Club Benchmarking aims to accelerate innovation, connect visionaries, and drive growth in the private club industry.

FORT MYERS, FL – May 7, 2025 – The private club industry is set to experience a transformative shift with the launch of the Club Innovation Hub, an initiative founded by industry leaders Club Benchmarking and KOPPLIN, KUEBLER & WALLACE (KK&W). This groundbreaking platform is dedicated to accelerating innovation by connecting entrepreneurs, seasoned mentors, and forward-thinking investors within the private club sector. The Club Innovation Hub aims to foster fresh thinking, innovative business models, and scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of private clubs. By leveraging the extensive expertise and networks of its founding organizations, the Hub is poised to become the epicenter of entrepreneurial activity in the industry.

Kurt Kuebler, CCM and CMAA Fellow shares, “We are proud to announce the launch of this program, promoting creative opportunities within the private club industry. This initiative empowers visionaries to partner with us in shaping the future of elite club experiences. Together, we will identify new paths of growth and excellence, ensuring our private clubs remain at the forefront of luxury and innovation.”

Inaugural Masterclass: Applications Now Open for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs operating within or adjacent to private clubs are invited to apply for the first-ever Club Innovation Hub Masterclass. This immersive program is designed to guide early-stage founders and club staff with groundbreaking ideas through a structured framework, helping them refine, validate, and scale their business models under the mentorship of industry veterans. Click here to learn more.

Mentor Opportunities: Shape the Future of the Private Club Industry

The Hub is seeking experienced club leaders, operators, consultants, and business professionals to join as mentors. Mentors will provide strategic insights, share real-world experiences, and offer critical feedback to emerging entrepreneurs, playing a pivotal role in transforming innovative concepts into impactful ventures. Click here to learn more.

Investor Engagement: Early Access to Pioneering Club Innovations

Investors with an interest in hospitality, sports, wellness, and lifestyle markets are invited to become part of the Club Innovation Hub’s Investor Directory. Members will gain exclusive early access to a curated pipeline of vetted startups and innovative concepts emerging from the private club space, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of industry advancements. Click here to learn more.

“The Club Innovation Hub represents a significant evolution in club industry development, combining the extensive expertise of Club Benchmarking and KK&W to drive innovation and excellence,” said Ray Cronin, Chairman of the Club Innovation Hub. “This initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement to connect ideas with resources, expertise, and capital, propelling the private club industry into a new era of growth and innovation.”

How to Get Involved

Applications and interest forms for entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors are now open at clubinnovationhub.com. Spots in the masterclass are limited and will be selected based on the strength and viability of the applicants’ concepts.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: info@clubinnovationhub.com

About Club Innovation Hub

The Club Innovation Hub is an entrepreneurial accelerator and community dedicated to shaping the future of the private club industry. Founded by industry leaders Club Benchmarking and Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W), the Hub empowers club professionals and innovators to launch meaningful ventures that elevate club life and operations through mentorship, education, and early-stage support.

About Club Benchmarking

Club Benchmarking is the industry’s leading provider of data analytics and business intelligence software and related services for private clubs. Since its founding in 2009, the company has been committed to serving the full spectrum of club industry stakeholders – staff, management, boards, committees, members, owners and associations. Leadership teams across the country rely on Club Benchmarking and their Financial Insight Model ™ and Key Performance Indicators recognized as the cornerstones of a common industry framework for understanding club finance.

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.

Club Innovation Hub Launches to Propel Industry EntrepreneurshipRoxanne2025-05-07T23:21:01+00:00

Private Club Governance: A Handbook Of Principles And Best Practices

The National Club Association (NCA) and Club Management Association of America (CMAA) have released the second edition of Private Club Governance: A Handbook of Principles and Best Practices. Written by a joint committee of experts—including KK&W partner Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM—this updated publication is a definitive guide to private club governance. It is designed to serve as a framework of best practices for clubs at any stage of governance development.

Created through the collaborative efforts of the NCA and CMAA joint Governance Committee, the handbook provides a comprehensive resource for professionals and volunteers engaged in club leadership. It reflects the expertise of recognized industry leaders and is intended for use by club boards, general managers/CEOs, consultants, and committees. This second edition builds upon the original 2023 publication and includes important updates from the joint Governance Committee.

“The quality of a club’s facilities and services and the fees members pay are closely linked to how well a club is governed.”
— Private Club Governance: A Handbook of Principles and Best Practices, Second Edition

Recognizing the impact of governance on all aspects of club operations, the handbook outlines a high-level framework that includes:

Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws and governance structures
Board Policies Manuals
Operating policies
Committee roles, responsibilities, and evaluations
Best practices for maintaining a board reference site

In addition to conceptual guidance, the publication offers practical tools such as sample documents, orientation outlines, committee charters, conflict of interest statements, and evaluation forms—all designed to foster effective, transparent, and strategic leadership.

The second edition will continue to serve as a cornerstone of club industry education and is available to members of both associations. NCA members can access the handbook here. CMAA members can access it here.

For more information, contact:

Kim Fernandez, CAE, at NCA – fernandez@nationalclub.org
Melissa Low, CAE, at CMAA – melissa.low@cmaa.org

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Private Club Governance: A Handbook Of Principles And Best PracticesRoxanne2025-04-14T21:36:52+00:00

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and GreyCircle Forge Strategic Partnership

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE INTERNATIONAL AND GreyCircle FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

March 18, 2025 – KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE International (KK&W International), the globally-renowned executive search and consulting firm, has established a strategic alliance with GreyCircle Group Ltd, the learning and development solutions consultancy led by distinguished Executive Coach, Nick Taylor. This partnership will elevate KK&W International’s executive search process through GreyCircle’s expertise in personality profiling and comprehensive candidate preparation and support, while also enriching a collaborative platform for delivering innovative education and training programmes to the club industry.

This partnership marks a significant evolution in club industry career development, combining KK&W International’s extensive search and consulting expertise with GreyCircle’s acclaimed executive coaching and leadership development programmes. Through GreyCircle’s implementation of personality profiling during the search process, clubs will gain deeper insights into candidates’ behaviour traits, leadership styles and cultural “fit.” The collaboration extends beyond placement, with GreyCircle providing comprehensive interview preparation for candidates and structured onboarding support to ensure successful integration into new roles.

Michael Herd, Head of International Search & Consulting at KK&W International, commented: “Our partnership with GreyCircle represents a natural progression in our mission to elevate industry standards. As we expand into new regions, this alliance will enable us to offer clients enhanced services going beyond traditional executive search.”

The partnership leverages GreyCircle’s expertise in executive coaching, team development, and personality profiling with KK&W’s established search and consulting services. Nick Taylor’s straightforward, practical approach to leadership development will complement KK&W International’s comprehensive industry knowledge, creating a holistic support system for club professionals.

“We’re bringing together two organisations that share a deep commitment to professional excellence in the club industry,” said Nick Taylor, Founder of GreyCircle. “By combining our strengths, we can offer club professionals unparalleled support throughout their career journey, from initial placement to ongoing development and leadership training.”

The collaboration will focus on the key areas of executive coaching, leadership development programmes, and educational initiatives. Both organisations will work together to deliver impactful solutions that address the evolving needs of club industry professionals and organisations.

This partnership comes at a time when KK&W International is set to strengthen its position as a market leader in global club search and consulting, with plans to expand its presence across multiple regions in the coming year. The addition of GreyCircle’s expertise will further strengthen the firm’s ability to serve its international client base with comprehensive professional development solutions.

For further information, please contact:

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

Nick Taylor, Managing Director of GreyCircle Group Ltd
+44 (0) 7740 356975 | nick@greycircle.co.uk | www.greycircle.co.uk | @GreyCircle™ on
LinkedIn | @greycirclegroup on Instagram

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KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and GreyCircle Forge Strategic PartnershipRoxanne2025-03-17T18:23:15+00:00

Private Club Executive Leader Of The Year – 2024

Damon J. DiOrio, CCM, CCE has been recognized as the 2024 KK&W Summit Executive Leader of the Year. A dynamic and accomplished industry leader, DiOrio is one of the few club executives in the world to lead two of the top ten platinum clubs in North America, Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, AZ and Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, NC. He is known for his strategic vision, leadership skills, and commitment to positive change in the club management industry, all of which encourage executive leadership at a higher level. DiOrio was joined by industry peers in early October during the 2024 KK&W Summit, hosted at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ to accept his award.

“As KK&W Partners we were unanimous in our selection of Damon as our Executive Leader at a Higher Level. Damon consistently encourages his team to imagine and achieve their goals with his leadership and clear vision. His ability to foster creativity and empower individuals is truly exceptional. Damon is a visionary leader who is focused on developing people, innovation, core values, strengthening his teams, and strengthening our industry as a whole. This is a great recognition to celebrate his achievements and recognize his impact. His performance is an inspiration to us all and he is one of the best mentors in the business!” agreed Dick Kopplin, Kurt Kuebler, and Tom Wallace.

Starting as a young man in his family-owned Rhode Island restaurant, DiOrio has dedicated his entire career to hospitality. Along the way, he has frequently spoken to numerous Fortune 500 companies on the winning ways of building dynamic teams and award-winning cultures dedicated to customer service excellence.

DiOrio has been recognized with every honor accorded to the very best in the profession, including the National Honor Society of the Club Managers Association of America, Club Manager of the Year for North and South Carolina, and National Club Executive of the Year. From serving on the USGA SE Green Section Committee to being recognized by the United States Professional Tennis Association for Club Manager of the Year in the Southeast, DiOrio’s vast leadership skills are well known in private club management. In 2022, DiOrio was inducted as a CMAA Fellow by the Club Managers Association of America.

(From left to right: Dick Kopplin, Damon DiOrio, Tom Wallace and Kurt Kuebler)

When asked about his philosophy and advice for other CEOs in the private club industry, he outlined:

“We’re in the business of forging positive, impactful, and lasting memories in the lives of our members and our teams, and as such, we do extraordinary things to achieve this vision. The most important role I have is developing and inspiring our team to achieve goals that they didn’t think they were capable of, and this starts by forging a safe, positive, and energized culture that enables everyone to thrive in their role.

As leaders, shaping our brand and making sure we are a best-in-class employer who values and invests in the people who make our club special will always be my highest priority. I am keenly focused on being an active listener as our best operating ideas come from our staff. We may make mistakes, but we’ll never make mistakes without a general level of care and a keen understanding of how our decisions impact our staff, and they have confidence in that. I feel indebted for having the opportunity to work for my team, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

Having received his BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1991, DiOrio began his career at Charlotte Country Club in 1990 as a service team member to support college tuition. Under his 26-year direction as general manager, the club hosted several national championships for the United States Golf Association including the 2000 US Men’s Senior Amateur Championship and the 2010 US Women’s Amateur Championship. He remains active in CMAA and served on the National Board of Directors and as a past president at both the local and national levels.

DiOrio and his wife Kim have three adult daughters. In addition to his work in the private club industry, he has served on the Board of Trustees and as Vice President of the North Carolina Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, receiving the National Chairman’s Citation Award for Exceptional Leadership, Service and Fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. As a two-time leukemia survivor, DiOrio is a frequent mentor to cancer patients, providing hope and encouragement to those impacted by cancer.

(From left to right: Damon DiOrio and 2022 recipient Greg Wolf, CCM, CCE, General Manager/COO at Scioto Country Club)

Private Club Executive Leader Of The Year – 2024Roxanne2024-10-16T16:50:11+00:00

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

For nearly 30 years, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE has continued to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to our team to better serve our Clients and Industry Leaders. We would like to officially welcome Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM as a Search and Consulting Executive. Brad is a distinguished professional in community association management with extensive expertise in managing large-scale property owners’ associations, condominium associations and homeowner associations.

With a career spanning several decades, Brad has honed his skills in overseeing some of the most prestigious communities in the country. Brad is one of the few to hold the PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager) designation which the highest recognition available nationwide for those who specialize in community association management. In addition, Brad also holds the AMS (Association Management Specialist) and CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations), while also being an LCAM (Licensed Community Association Manager) in the state of Florida.

He is also active in Community Associations Institute (CAI) local chapters and the national level.

Brad shared, “I am truly excited to join KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and contribute to their esteemed legacy in executive search and consulting. The opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team and leverage my experience in managing community associations aligns perfectly with my passion for excellence and service. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the table and collaborating on innovative solutions that will continue to enhance the communities we serve.”

His notable experience includes managing Boca West, one of the largest and most renowned country club communities in the United States. In addition to his work at Boca West, Brad has a proven track record in managing various condominium and homeowner associations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale community association management.

“Brad Baecht is a fantastic addition to the KK&W team. He is an ambitious, operational focused business development expert, one in complete alignment with our core values. His experience in creating strategic alliances as a progress-driven planner, streamlining operational processes for residential communities and implementing training programs will significantly add to our resources as a team. Through his network, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support our community association search roles. We’re excited to partner with Brad, and add to the success of our clients and professionals we place,” expressed the Partners.

Most recently, Brad served as a Regional Vice President with KW Property Management & Consulting, leading business development strategies and operational processes for communities throughout Florida. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in ensuring the successful operation and growth of these communities. He continues to support Ray Engineering, Inc. as a Business Development Executive.

A decorated military veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Brad’s service has instilled a strong sense of discipline and dedication, qualities that have greatly contributed to his success in the field of community management. His commitment to excellence is matched only by his passion for serving the communities he managed.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Brad enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family, pursuits that reflect his appreciation for diverse experiences and meaningful connections.

Brad can be contacted at: brad@kkandw.com or (703) 727-0964. Please join us in welcoming Brad Baecht to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team.

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE specializes in GM/COO, CEO, Assistant General Manager/Clubhouse Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Executive Chef, Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy, Director of Tennis/Director of Racquets, Fitness and Wellness Director, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Controller, HR Director, Membership and Marketing Director Searches, Activities Directors and Directors of Recreation and Consulting Services for Private, Resort and Developer – Owned Properties, Clubs and Communities as well as Senior Living Communities and Property Owners Associations.

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Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAMRoxanne2024-10-02T14:00:03+00:00

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