After nearly three decades of observing boards in action, one thing is clear: high-performing board members don’t just attend meetings, they drive progress. They’re aligned, strategic, and accountable to the club’s mission and to one another.

GMs and COOs who have great board members have invaluable partners who understand their role is strategic governance, not day-to-day management. These leaders come prepared to ask thoughtful questions and keep discussions focused on the right things. They serve as ambassadors for the club, modeling the culture and values expected of the membership while also providing the continuity and perspective needed for long-term stability. Most importantly, great volunteer leaders trust their professional staff to execute initiatives, and they show their support by removing obstacles, offering feedback, and showing appreciation.

Private club board members add real value when they elevate conversations beyond personal interests and focus on what’s best for the entire membership. Their ability to think strategically, support management, and steward the club’s mission ensures the board is not just functional but a driving force for progress and sustainability.

Six Ways Volunteer Leaders Add Real Value:

1. Drive Membership Culture.
   Be a visible and constructive influencer within the membership. Great board members lead by example, reinforcing civility, inclusion, and the overall member experience through their behavior and communications.
2. Support Capital Planning and Funding.
   Advocate for smart capital investments that align with the club’s long-term needs. Help fellow members appreciate the rationale behind projects and funding mechanisms, ensuring transparency and unity.
3. Recruit and Develop Future Board Talent.
   Build the pipeline. Identify and encourage future board members who reflect the club’s values, understand governance, and bring strategic value, not personal agendas, to the boardroom.
4. Think Through Big Decisions Strategically.
   Offer judgment, not management. Provide thoughtful input and long-range perspective, helping the GM and team think through complex issues without getting involved in day-to-day operations.
5. Provide Steady Support in Times of Conflict or Failure.
   The best board members remain calm and supportive during challenges, whether it’s a tough financial moment, a staffing change, or a difficult member issue. Come prepared to be a reliable ally, rather than add distraction, unnecessary conflict, or unwanted drama
6. Model Accountability Through Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals.
   The best boards operate with alignment and integrity. Every decision should reflect the club’s Mission (purpose), Vision (future), Core Values (standards), and Master Goals (strategy). Board members are also stewards of transparency, communicating the “why” behind decisions, and upholding accountability not only among themselves, but across the broader membership.

After nearly 30 years of working alongside private club boards, we confidently say that great governance is what separates thriving clubs from struggling ones. When volunteer leaders embrace their role and exemplify these traits, they elevate not only the performance of their GMs/COOs and management teams, but they also elevate the entire member experience. The most effective boards embrace where their true value lies. In doing so, they create a sustainable foundation for progress, stability, and long-term club success.

CMAA Board Brief – December 2025