ABOUT MELISSA

Melissa Low is vice president of communications and advocacy at the Club Management Association of America. With more than 20 years at CMAA, she has played a key role in shaping the association’s communications strategy, event marketing, media outreach and advocacy efforts.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked at the intersection of industry education, public affairs and legislative engagement, helping club leaders better understand the issues shaping their operations and communities. Known for her thoughtful, informed and highly practical approach, she brings a broadview of the private club industry and a deep commitment to helping professionals stay informed, connected and prepared for change.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a conversation about leadership, advocacy and the future of club management with Melissa Low, vice president of communications and advocacy at CMAA. Drawing on more than two decades of experience with the association, Melissa shares what she sees from her unique vantage point across education,communications and legislative affairs.

In this episode, Melissa explores the qualities that matter most in today’s club leaders, including resilience, adaptability and a focus on people. She also explains how education is evolving, why advocacy is becoming increasingly important and what club leaders should be paying closer attention to as legislative and regulatory changes continue at both the federal and statelevels. Her perspective is a timely reminder that leadership today requires not only operational excellence, but awareness, agility and the ability to connect the dots for others.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Melissa offers perspective shaped by years of experience in communications, advocacy and industry leadership. You’ll hear:

• Why adaptability and resilience are essential leadership qualities today
• How situational awareness helps leaders make stronger decisions
• Why people-focused leadership remains the distinguishing factor in great clubs
• How CMAA’s education has evolved in response to a changing industry
• What topics are trending most in club education right now, including AI and club culture
• Why advocacy matters and how it intersects with governance and accountability
• What legislative and regulatory issues club leaders should be watching closely
• Why many managers underestimate their ability to be effective advocates
• How new leaders can begin engaging in advocacy with confidence
• Why balance, perspective and personal joy matter even in high-pressure roles

Throughout the conversation, Melissa reinforces the idea that great leadership requires both awareness and action. Her perspective reminds us that when leaders stay informed, connected and people-centered, they are better equipped to guide their clubs through complexity and change.

ABOUT RICHARD

Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, is GM/COO of St. Clair Country Club and immediate past chair of CMAA. A respected leader in the private club industry, he has a 40-year career. Known for his steady, people-centered leadership style, Richard has built his reputation on service, mentorship and a deep belief that great club culture begins with investing in people. He has long been committed to advancing the profession, supporting emerging leaders and helping clubs create meaningful member and staff experiences.

Throughout his career, Richard has championed hospitality as a mindset rather than a department, emphasizing emotional connection, service excellence and the importance of developing others. His approach to leadership is grounded in humility, consistency and the belief that when teams feel valued and supported, exceptional member experiences naturally follow.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a conversation about leadership, service and culture with Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, GM/COO of St. Clair Country Club and Immediate Past Chair of CMAA. Drawing on fourdecades in the private club industry and his 2025 service as CMAA Chair, Richard reflects on the moments that shaped his leadership philosophy and the lessons he has learned about mentorship, emotional intelligence and building trust.

In this episode, Richard shares why leadership is less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about being the most consistent. He explores how clubs can create meaningful member experiences through empathy and anticipation, why culture remains the strongest stabilizer in uncertain times and how investing in people, from student employees to seasoned professionals, helps elevate both clubs and the profession itself.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Richard offers perspective shaped by decades of leadership, service and industry involvement. You’ll hear:

• Why leadership is about developing people, not just managing tasks
• How consistency, humility and visibility shape trust
• Why culture is the strongest stabilizer during uncertainty
• How transparency and vulnerability can strengthen credibility
• What truly defines a memorable member experience
• Why hospitality should be treated as a mindset across the club
• How clubs can use information and data to personalize service
• What mentorship means in building future leaders
• Why investing in staff growth strengthens member experience
• How small acts of care can become the most meaningful moments in a club

Throughout the conversation, Richard reinforces the idea that leadership is a daily choice and a privilege. His perspective reminds us that when leaders invest in people with intention and heart, they create clubs where both staff and members feel they belong.

Jeff Thomas is the general manager of Corning Country Club, where he has led a decade of transformational growth grounded in servant leadership and transparent communication. Under his leadership, membership increased from 251 to capacity, financial stability improved and club culture evolved into a vibrant, highly engaged community.

Jeff began his career with Eagle Golf and American Golf, where mentors instilled in him the belief that people come first. He leads with visibility, daily staff engagement and a strong commitment to anticipating member needs.

His philosophy is simple: clarity, communication and consistency build connection and trust.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a conversation about transformational leadership with Jeff Thomas, general manager of Corning Country Club.

Drawing from more than a decade of hands-on leadership, Jeff shares how servant leadership, transparent communication and member-focused culture can reshape a club’s trajectory.

In this episode, Jeff discusses leading through major golf courserenovations, building trust during times of change and using feedback as fuel for growth. From reviving traditional events to creating new traditions that bring generations together, he offers practical insight into how culture drives both financial stability and sustained membership growth.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this candid discussion, Jeff offers perspective grounded in real-world club leadership. You’ll hear:

• Why servant leadership strengthens both staff performance and member loyalty
• How clarity, communication and consistency create lasting trust
• The role of transparency during major capital improvements
• Why daily visibility builds credibility with both staff and members
• How anticipating member needs elevates the experience
• Why feedback should be treated as fuel, not criticism
• How event programming can reignite club culture
• The importance of building a “third place” for families and generations
• Lessons learned from growing membership nearly 100 percent
• Why culture is the foundation of long-term financial sustainability

Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes that sustainable growth is not about reacting quickly. It is about managing the process, staying consistent and building trust every single day.

ABOUT PASSION

Passion Graham is the founder of Passionate Productions, a communication and training firm dedicated to helping individuals and organizations present themselves with confidence, authenticity and impact. With a background in media and performance, she specializes in public speaking coaching, presentation skills and leadership communication.

Passion works with executives, teams and professionals across industries, guiding them to refine their message, strengthen their presence and connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Her approach blends practical techniques with emotional intelligence, emphasizing that effective communication is rooted in self-awareness and genuine connection.

Known for her energetic style and supportive coaching, Passion empowers leaders to overcome fear, embrace vulnerability and communicate with clarity in high-stakes environments. Her mission is simple: to help people use their voice as a tool for influence, trust and transformation.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a conversation about leadership through communication with Passion Graham, founder of Passionate Productions. Drawing from her experience in clubs, media, coaching and organizational training, Passion shares howconfidence, authenticity and emotional awareness shape a leader’s ability to inspire trust and connection.

In this episode, Passion explores the role of storytelling in leadership, the impact of nonverbal communication and why creating psychological safety is essential for high-performing teams. From overcoming fear of public speaking tocultivating presence under pressure, she offers practical insight into how leaders can communicate in ways that motivate, align and empower those around them.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Passion offers perspective grounded inreal-world coaching and human connection. You’ll hear:

• Why communication is one of the most powerful leadership tools
• How authenticity builds trust faster than polished perfection
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership
• Why confidence grows through action, not waiting
• How nonverbal cues influence culture and team dynamics
• Strategies for overcoming fear of public speaking
• How storytelling creates alignment and engagement
• Why psychological safety fuels creativity and performance
• The importance of presence in high-pressure situations
• How leaders can empower others to find their voice

Throughout the conversation, Passion emphasizes that leadership communication is not about delivering flawless messages, it’s about creating meaningful human connection that inspires people to listen, participate and grow.

Gregg Patterson is a veteran private club leader, author and consultant known for his thoughtful approach to governance, culture and member experience.

Over a decades-long career as a general manager, he guided one of the country’s premier clubs through sustained growth while cultivating deep loyalty among members and staff.

Widely respected as a mentor and educator, Gregg is known for his emphasis on curiosity, reflection and relationship-driven leadership. His work focuses on the human dynamics that underpin successful clubs, from board relations to staff engagement to the evolving expectations of modernmembership.

Today, he continues to share his insights through writing, speaking and advisory work, helping leaders navigate complexity while staying grounded inpurpose and service.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step inside the leadership journey of Gregg Patterson as he reflects on the experiences, philosophies and relationships that shaped his approach to leading in the private club environment. Thoughtful, candid and often deeply personal, Gregg explores how curiosity, reflection and connection guided decisions throughout his career.

He discusses the practices that sustained him, from daily debriefs and mentorship to cultivating an “idea bank” of lessons learned, and why understanding people remains more important than mastering systems.

This episode offers a reflective look at leadership as a long game, grounded in service, humility and the ability to adapt without losing sight of what matters most.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Gregg shares perspective shaped by decades of experience and deep affection for the industry.

You’ll hear:

• Why curiosity is the most powerful leadership skill• How meaningful connection drives member loyalty and staff engagement• The role of reflection and daily debriefs in improving decision-making• Why failures can become defining leadership moments• How mentorship and experience build long-term credibility• The importance of understanding both people and business fundamentals• Why technology should support, not replace, human connection• How patience and breadth of experience prepare leaders for top roles• What it takes to sustain culture across generations• Gregg’s advice for young professionals entering the industry

Throughout the conversation, Gregg emphasizes that while tools and trends change, the human condition does not, and leaders who understand people will always have an advantage.

Marcie Mills, CCM is a Search & Consulting Executive with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in hospitality and private club management. Most recently, she served as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of The Mirabel Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, a BoardRoom Distinguished Club with ELITE status.

Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to professional development, Marcie has led major capital improvement initiatives, operational transformations and team-building efforts across multiple premier clubs. Her leadership emphasizes education, mentorship and the long-term stewardship required to sustain high-performing club environments.

A longtime leader within the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), Marcie has served in chapter and national roles and is a frequent speaker on leadership and industry advancement. In 2025, she was honored by BoardRoom magazine with the Gary Player Award as Educator of the Year,reflecting her passion for developing the next generation of club leaders.

Episode Highlight

Step inside the leadership journey of Marcie Mills, CCM, as she reflects on the experiences, challenges and relationships that have shaped her approach to leading in today’s private club environment. Thoughtful, candid and deeply grounded in service, Marcie shares how early general manager roles, boarddynamics and real-world pressures influenced her understanding of responsibility, culture and trust.

In this episode, Marcie explores the emotional dimension of leadership, the weight of decisions, the importance of empathy and self-awareness, and why culture is something leaders sense immediately upon entering a club. From the influence of mentors to the power of community and shared experience, sheoffers a reflective look at leadership as alignment rather than control, built on trust, purpose and authentic connection.

What you'll learn from this conversation

In this thoughtful discussion, Marcie offers a perspective shaped by decades of experience and deep care for the industry. You’ll hear:

• Why leadership today requires emotional intelligence, adaptability and empathy more than ever
• How leading inside a club differs from advising from the outside, and what each teaches you
• Why culture isn’t a buzzword, but something you can sense instantly when you enter a club
• How generational shifts among members, boards and staff are reshaping leadership expectations
• The value of mentorship, and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• Lessons learned from navigating difficult board dynamics with authenticity and conviction
• What truly defines a great member experience beyond amenities and operations
• Why investing in people, not just compensation, is essential to long-term success
• How empowering teams creates meaningful, memorable member moments
• Marcie’s vision for leadership moving forward and why she believes the future is bright

Throughout the conversation, Marcie reminds us that leadership can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Her story reinforces the power of connection, shared experience and the quiet strength that comes from knowing you’re not alone.

Frank Vain serves as chairman of McMahon Group, where he has spent more than 37 years advising private clubs on strategic planning, long-range vision and governance. His work has supported some of the leading private clubs in North America and Asia, helping boards navigate economic cycles, evolvinglifestyle trends and the complexities of the membership model.

Known for his data-informed, thoughtful approach, Frank emphasizes informed leadership, grounding decisions in member research, industry benchmarks and long-term planning rather than emotion or short-term pressure. His leadership philosophy reflects a belief that clubs succeed when they focuson people, culture and community, not just amenities.

Prior to McMahon Group, Frank served as president of Concord Sports Clubs and worked as a consultant with Cornell Associates, bringing hands-on operational experience to his advisory work. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Walk the halls of private club governance with Frank Vain as he reflects on decades of advising boards, leaders and committees. Drawing on real-world experience, Frank shares how informed leadership, long-range planning and member-focused decision-making create stability and trust inside complex club environments.

In this episode, Frank explores why clubs are fundamentally about people and community, not just facilities, and how boards can move away from reactive, emotionally driven decisions toward thoughtful, data-backed governance that stands the test of time.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

Listeners will gain insight into Frank’s disciplined, experience-driven approach to leadership and governance, including:

• What consistently separates healthy, high-performing clubs from those that struggle
• Why informed leadership begins with understanding the club business model
• How data and benchmarking support better governance decisions
• The risk of reacting to minority voices instead of serving the broader membership
• Why long-range and capital planning create continuity beyond one-year presidencies
• How transparency and communication build trust with members and committees
• Signals that reveal whether a club’s culture is healthy or fractured
• Why investing in facilities strengthens community, engagement and long-term value
• How boards can balance tradition with modernization to attract future members
• Frank’s guidance for emerging leaders: stay curious, informed and focused on stewardship

Throughout the conversation, listeners are invited to step inside the realities of club leadership, from boardroom decisions to long-range planning, and consider how informed governance, clarity of purpose and respect for people create resilient, future-ready clubs.

About Russell

Russell Miller, CCM, MBA, serves as general manager at Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach, California, where he leads club operations with a focus on service excellence, organizational clarity and long-term stewardship. With a career rooted in hospitality leadership, Russell brings a disciplined,thoughtful approach to building culture, aligning teams and delivering consistent member experience.

Known for his values-driven leadership style, Russell emphasizes humility, transparency and purpose as essential anchors in decision-making, particularly in complex, high-expectation environments. He draws on structuredframeworks, data-driven insight and continuous learning to guide teams through change while maintaining operational stability and trust.

Russell’s leadership philosophy reflects a deep respect for people and process, recognizing that strong cultures are built through clarity, accountability and the courage to make thoughtful decisions. His work at Balboa Yacht Club centers on creating alignment between strategic vision and dailyexecution, empowering teams to operate with confidence while maintaining a service mindset that places members at the heart of every decision.

Episode Highlight

Walk the docks and hallways of Balboa Yacht Club with general manager Russell Miller as he reflects on the influences, values and real-world experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. Thoughtful, grounded and deeply service-oriented, Russell shares how humility, transparency and purpose create stability in an increasingly complex operating environment.

In this episode, Russell opens the door to how he navigates leadership in a “gray world," where decisions rarely come with perfect information and leaders must balance people, performance and long-term stewardship. Fromframeworks like VUCA to the importance of decision velocity and organizational clarity, Russell offers a practical and reflective look at what it takes to lead with confidence, consistency and care in today’s private club landscape.

What You’ll Learn From ThisConversation

Listeners will step into Russell’s thoughtful, values-driven approach to leadership, discovering how service, humility and intentional decision-making shape strong club cultures. As you “walk the club” with him, you’ll hear:

• How Russell’s leadership philosophy has been shaped by mentors, books and everyday operational experience
• Why kindness, humility, transparency and purpose anchor his leadership approach
• How hospitality and service translate directly into leadership responsibility and culture-building
• Why acknowledging what you don’t know creates stronger teams, better collaboration and healthier decision-making
• How Russell uses specificity and data to create alignment and trust inside a club community
• A practical framework for navigating complexity: operating in a VUCA world and counterbalancing it with vision, understanding, clarity and agility
• The reality of leadership pressure — making difficult decisions, managing disagreement and owning outcomes
• Why decision velocity matters and how momentum drives organizational energy
• How leaders can stay grounded by defining personal values and learning how to return to center during high-pressure moments
• Russell’s message to emerging leaders: stay curious, stay humble and commit to continuous learning

Throughout the conversation, listeners are encouraged to imagine walking alongside Russell, moving through both the visible member spaces and the behind-the-scenes leadership realities, absorbing the kind of insight that only comes from leading in real time, with intention, responsibility and care.