The CMAA Fellows Program welcomes 10 members

Ten club industry leaders have been selected for Club Management Association of American’s (CMAA’s) inaugural class of 2019 Fellows.

The CMAA Fellows Program is an honorary recognition program distinguishing those living CMAA members who epitomize the leadership, integrity, involvement and contributions of club management professionals. Each of these individuals has made a significant impact toward the betterment of the profession and CMAA throughout his/her active career, according to CMAA.

The class of 2019 inductees are:

• Joseph F. Basso, MCM, CCE, Birmingham Country Club, West Bloomfield, Mich.;
• Kevin E. Carroll, CCM, CCE, Bath & Tennis Club, Palm Beach, Fla.;
• Jay DiPietro, CCM, Delray Beach, Fla.;
• J.G. Ted Gillary, CCM, CCE, Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit;
• Philip R. Kiester, Country Club of Virginia, Richmond, Va.;
• Pasquale J. LaRocca, CCM, CCE, Lake Merced Golf Club, Daly City, Calif.;
• Michael G. Leemhuis, CCM, CCE, PGA, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.;
• Donna Otis, CCM, CCE, The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego;
• Terra S.H. Waldron, CCM, CCE, Greensboro Country Club, Greensboro, N.C.; and
• Burton Ward, CCM, CCE, Century Country Club, Purchase, N.Y.

The 2019 fellows class will be the foundation for an emerging group of thought leaders, mentors and champions of the association and the club industry at large. Once honored, the distinction of CMAA Fellow is a lifetime recognition.

The fellows selection process includes nomination by a club management peer; an in-depth application describing the individual’s innovation, leadership and commitment to the profession; interviews with the peer-comprised selection committee; and selection from among a group of highly qualified candidates.

The inaugural class was announced and recognized at the Opening Business Session of the 2019 World Conference and Club Business Expo in Nashville, Tenn.