For its 30th anniversary edition, BoardRoom magazine revived a special feature first published in 2014: Influential Women Leading the Future of Private Clubs. The project reflects how much the private club industry has evolved over the past decade, as clubs have become increasingly complex, experience-driven organizations serving multiple generations of members with diverse expectations.
In recognizing this year’s honorees, BoardRoom highlighted leaders whose impact extends beyond traditional operational excellence. The women selected represent a broad range of disciplines and are distinguished by their leadership, innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and commitment to shaping the future of private clubs.
Among the 30 women recognized is Nan Fisher, Administrative Manager at KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. Throughout her career, Nan has earned the respect of colleagues and industry professionals alike through her unwavering commitment to excellence, servant leadership, and dedication to helping others succeed.
Her influence extends far beyond her title, reflected in the relationships she has built, the professionals she has mentored, and the positive impact she continues to have across the private club industry.
In the following Q&A, originally published by BoardRoom magazine, Nan shares her perspectives on leadership, mentorship, industry evolution, and the opportunities ahead for private clubs.
What Defining Experience or Decision Most Shaped Your Leadership Journey, and How Does It Influence the Way You Lead Today?
Being recruited from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Phoenix by Richard Kopplin to create the concierge program at Desert Mountain was a defining moment in my career. That opportunity introduced me to the club industry on a grand scale and challenged me to build a successful program for both the development and membership.
A few years later, Dick returned to Scottsdale after establishing his new search firm and asked if I would take a “leap of faith” and join him. That became the
second defining moment of my leadership journey. Together, we set out to create not simply a search firm, but an organization committed to contributing to the betterment of the club management profession.
By 2006, we were honored by BoardRoom magazine with the Excellence in Achievement Award as “The Best Search Firm of the Year,” and we have continued
striving to uphold that standard ever since.
Today, our success continues because of visionary leaders such as Kurt Kuebler and Tom Wallace, along with an outstanding team of industry professionals and
support staff who keep everything moving forward.
What is the One Shift or Opportunity in the Private Club Industry that Excites You Most Right Now?
What excites our firm most right now are two important shifts within the private club industry. First is the growing focus on emerging talent and leadership development. Hospitality’s future depends on attracting, mentoring and retaining exceptional people, and it is encouraging to see clubs investing more intentionally in the next generation of leaders.
Second is the increased emphasis on governance and leadership alignment. From day one, our firm has believed clubs perform best when volunteer leaders and paid management operate in true partnership. More clubs are recognizing how critical that synergy is to long-term success.
Seeing clubs prioritize both people development and collaborative leadership gives us tremendous optimism for the future of the industry.
THE BOARDROOM MAGAZINE – May/June 2026
Nan Fisher has spent 38 years in the industry. She is the Administrative Manager at KOPPLIN KEUBLER & WALLACE. Nan can be reached at nan@kkandw.com, or (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 703.