THE CITY SO NICE THEY NAMED IT TWICE was the site of NCA’s 2017 National Club Conference, and as our largest-ever Conference, the highlights from the event also bear repeating. We are grateful to those who helped make this event an outstanding success, including our distinguished attendees, spectacular speakers, exceptional Conference host club (New York Athletic Club) and generous clubs at which we held the Conference’s memorable social events (Welcome Reception at The University Club of New York; Conference Reception and Dinner at The Friars Club).
Whether or not you were able to attend, there is much to discover, and to learn by looking back at this event. I hope you shared in the Conference’s conversation on Twitter (#NCAConf17), read “12 Unforgettable Quotes from the 2017 National Club Conference” in the June NCA CONNECT, and will now enjoy the Conference photo essay included in this Club Director. The successes of the Conference reflect not only a spectacular few days, but speak to the greater advances NCA continues to make in our services and efforts on behalf of private clubs.
As we look ahead, NCA is honored to have the guidance and support of the new directors and officers elected to the NCA Board, in meetings coordinated with the Conference. I thank these new officers and directors for their service and commitment to helping NCA fulfill our mission. NCA’s new board members are:
- Tom Bennison, Senior Vice President, Business Development, ClubCorp USA
- Luke O’Boyle, General Manager/COO, Chevy Chase Club
- Nick Sidorakis, General Manager/COO, Southern Hills Country Club
- Robert Smith II, Senior Legislative Advisor, Venable
NCA’s new officers are:
- Chairman—Kevin Vitale, General Manager/COO, Baltusrol Golf Club
- Vice Chairman—Frank Vain, President, McMahon Group
- Treasurer—Malcolm MacColl, Board of Governors, Westmoor Club
- Secretary—Terra Waldron, Vice President/COO, Desert Highlands Association
Immediate Past Chairman—Ted M. Benn, Partner, Thompson & Knight LLP I also wish to thank three individuals who for the past nine years have helped guide our organization to new levels of success and have now completed their service to the NCA board of directors. The individuals leaving the NCA board are:
Phil Kiester, General Manager, The Country Club of Virginia
Kirk Reese, Executive Vice President, DENEHY Club Thinking Partners
Kevin Reilly, Partner, PB Mares
To borrow words from Frank Sinatra, “if we can make it there (in New York), we can make it anywhere.” We made it in New York—and now we are looking forward to an even greater National Club Conference in Los Angeles on April 16–18, 2018. I hope you’ll be a part of it!
Henry Wallmeyer
President & CEO