Thirty years ago, the private club landscape looked very different. Member expectations were simpler, boards were less formalized and the conversations around leadership, culture, data and strategy had not yet fully taken shape. Yet the need for exceptional leaders was as real then as it is today. In April 1996, one firm stepped forward with a belief that private clubs deserved a more thoughtful, informed and relationship-driven approach to executive search and consulting.
As Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace approaches its 30-year anniversary in 2026, the team is taking a moment to reflect with deep gratitude. What began as a vision to elevate club leadership has grown into a global partnership with clients, candidates and colleagues who have shaped not only the firm, but the entire industry. Today, KK&W is honored to celebrate three decades of progress and the people who made it possible.
FOUNDING STORY AND ORIGINAL VISION
The story begins with founder Richard M. “Dick” Kopplin, CMAA Fellow and partner, whose 35-year career as a general manager and club executive inspired a new model for how clubs selected and supported their leaders. Kopplin saw firsthand that clubs were searching for executives based on resumes rather than culture fit, organizational needs, board alignment, or long-term leadership potential. He believed the industry could do better.
“When I launched this firm in 1996, my goal was simple: elevate leadership within private clubs by elevating the process. I believed then, and still believe today, that the right leaders transform clubs, communities and lives. Thirty years later, I’m proud that our purpose has never changed, even as our reach and impact have grown.”
“Relationships in the industry were and are incredibly important to us as they built the foundation of who we are today. We have met many influential friends throughout the years but no one as loyal to our cause as Steve Boyd,” offered Nan Fisher. Steve Boyd reflected on his long-standing relationship with Dick.
“I have known Dick Kopplin for 25 years. We first met in 2001, when I was chair of the search committee for a general manager at Baltusrol Golf Club. What attracted us to Dick was his vast network of general managers and his ability to help us identify the best talent for the role. With his guidance, we were able to attract a great group of professionals and ultimately hired Kevin Vitale to be our GM/COO. Kevin just retired after an incredible 24-year career with Baltusrol. I have truly enjoyed watching KK&W grow and flourish over the last two decades.”
What started as Kopplin Search, Inc. has evolved into a comprehensive leadership and consulting firm that emphasizes integrity, expertise and process. The core values Kopplin established remain the heartbeat of the firm today.
“When I think about Dick’s career, I’m reminded how rare it is for one person to have such a lasting impact on an entire profession,” added Jeffrey Kreafle, CEO at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. “His leadership in executive search, industry education and club governance has elevated our community in ways few others ever have.
“As a mentor, Dick has guided more club leaders than almost anyone, and I count myself among the fortunate. His belief in me came well before I believed in myself, and that kind of confidence can change a career.
“As a facilitator, he has built a recruiting firm centered on lifelong learning, and has consistently given his time, insight and energy to help others master the most challenging topics in executive leadership and governance. For Dick, this work has never simply been a job. It has been a calling, and our entire industry is stronger because of it,” Kreafle added.
EVOLUTION OF THE INDUSTRY
Over three decades, the private club industry has undergone remarkable transformation. The expectations of members have broadened, competition has intensified and the definition of an exceptional club experience is more sophisticated than ever. Boards have embraced stronger governance models, data now drives decision-making and leaders must navigate everything from generational shifts to technology, labor markets, lifestyle trends and global economic uncertainty.
KK&W has been both a witness to and a driver of these changes. The firm’s board dynamics model, presented to more than 1,000 clubs and communities, has helped align boards and management teams with clearer roles, stronger communication and more effective pathways to success.
Reflecting on his relationship with KK&W over the years, Boyd added, “I have been to many of their seminars and I love the board dynamics course the best. Many board members are great golfers and incredible businesspeople that want the best for their clubs, but don’t really know about running a club. KK&W’s classes teach boards how to create a vision and be effective and successful without micromanaging the professionals they have hired to run their clubs.”
COMPANY GROWTH AND MILESTONES
From one founder to a team of more than 30 professionals serving clubs around the world, KK&W has expanded significantly in scope, reach and expertise. The firm has completed thousands of executive searches for member-owned, developer- owned, golf, yacht, athletic, city clubs and luxury hospitality organizations of all sizes and cultures.
Critical milestones include:
• Expanding consulting services to become a benchmark resource for governance, operations and strategic leadership
• Forming the Club Leadership Alliance with Club Benchmarking and the McMahon Group
• Developing specialized search practices in agronomy, food & beverage, finance, human resources, racquets and more
• Earning BoardRoom magazine’s “Best Search Firm of the Year” recognition every year since 2006.
“As the general manager at the Bay Head Yacht Club in Bay Head, NJ, I have been working closely with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace for many years,” said Holly Bilotti. “When assisting us with our hiring needs, they have been extremely diligent, professional and effective. The firm has been responsible for several of our hiring decisions throughout the years, all of which have greatly benefited the club. The professionals at KK&W are adept at understanding the requirements of each position as well as what we look for in our employees.”
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SUCCESS
The strength of KK&W has always come from its people. Alongside Dick, partners Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow and Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM have played essential roles in shaping the firm’s philosophy, team and national influence.
Kuebler emphasizes the relational core of the work:
“Our greatest achievement isn’t the number of searches completed. It’s the number of relationships built. Clubs trust us with their culture, their people and their future. That trust is a privilege, and it guides every decision we make.”
“For 30 years, Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace has been a driving force in strengthening leadership throughout the private club industry,” said Brett Morris, ECM, CMAA Fellow, CIA Fellow, GM/COO at The Club at Admirals Cove in Jupiter, FL.
“Their expertise in executive search and their deep understanding of board and management dynamics have helped clubs identify exceptional leaders and foster productive governance. By helping align vision, strategy and leadership, they have played an important role in building strong cultures and resilient organizations that continue to elevate the standards of our industry.”
INDUSTRY IMPACT AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
KK&W’s influence extends far beyond recruiting. Its partners are among the most sought-after speakers and educators in the global club community, presenting at CMAA World Conference, regional chapters, national associations and international leadership forums. The firm’s professional development efforts, which include board retreats, management workshops, culture assessments and governance training, have become staples within the industry.
Marnie Duke Mitze, vice president board of directors, co-chair general manager search committee, Marrakesh Community Association and Country Club offered this:
“Equally impressive was the 90-day follow up board retreat where we learned best practices, reviewed our first 90 days with the new general manager and more. It speaks volumes for KK&W to show such commitment to the success of your new placement and to the continuing education and leadership of our board of directors. We thank you.”
An enthusiastic attendee of one of Tom’s seminars remarked:
“I just wanted to thank you once again for an AMAZING seminar! The engagement and information you provided us today was premium! I’m so grateful there are professionals like yourself and your colleagues at KK&W that dedicate time to giving back. I thoroughly enjoyed today’s session and just wanted to thank you.”
LOOKING AHEAD: THE NEXT 30 YEARS
As KK&W enters its fourth decade, the firm remains focused on the future: emerging technologies, evolving member expectations, new models of club leadership and a global landscape that will shape how clubs operate.
Tom reflects on the journey ahead:
“The next generation of club leaders will face challenges we haven’t seen before. What inspires me is knowing that KK&W will continue to guide that evolution with integrity, insight and a genuine commitment to helping clubs thrive.”
The foundation remains the same. Strong relationships, integrity, curiosity and a deep commitment to helping clubs and leaders succeed.
Congratulations to John Fornaro and his team at BoardRoom magazine for 30 years of providing the excellent platform for which we all, in the industry, could share our thoughts and ideas. Thank you.
“Dick was my first client 30 years ago,” said John Fornaro, president, CEO and publisher of BoardRoom magazine. “He supported BoardRoom when others thought the subject line “board orientation and education” was unnecessary. Dick is my friend and a mentor and I have enjoyed growing our respective firms in parallel pursuit of excellence!”
CLOSING REFLECTION
KK&W’s 30-year milestone is a celebration of the clubs, leaders, boards, candidates and partners who have placed their trust in the firm. Together, they have shaped a stronger, more professional and more vibrant club community.
Exceptional leadership creates exceptional clubs. Here’s to the next 30 years of partnership, progress and people.
THE BOARDROOM MAGAZINE – April 2026
Richard M. Kopplin, CMAA Fellow, Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow and Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM and the principals with KOPPLIN KUEBLER and WALLACE.