Alexandria, VA – Club Management magazine has named Marc Ray, CCM, CCE, CHAE, the 2021 Club Executive of the Year. A 22-year member of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), Marc currently serves as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of The Ford Field & River Club in Richmond Hill, GA.
Marc has more than 23 years of experience in the club industry. Prior to joining The Ford Field & River Club in 2015, he served as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, CA, from 2012 to 2015. His previous experiences included General Manager & COO roles at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, FL, and at Metairie Country Club in Metairie, LA. In his first role in the club industry, Marc was the Assistant General Manager of Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, MI. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Marc Ray, CCM, CCE, CHAE, the 2021 Club Executive of the Year
The Ford Field & River Club President Jeff Fusile describes Marc and his impact on the club and community, “In addition to performing his job at an exemplary level at all levels with an incredibly diverse amenity offering, Marc demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to The Ford community as well as our local, city, and county population.”
Past mentee Sean Miller, CCM, explains his contributions to those around him, “Marc has a very good sense for great talent and is always willing to share his knowledge to those who have the desire to learn and succeed. He has helped grow many individuals within the clubs he has managed as well as others in our industry. There have been many managers who he has promoted within as well as managers he supported when great outside opportunities were present.”
Annually, Club Management recognizes the best in club leadership with the Club Executive of the Year Award. Created in 1985 and originally known as the Club Manager of the Year, the award was re-titled in 2008 to mirror the evolution of the club management profession. This prestigious honor is presented to the club management professional who embody professionalism within their club and community—embracing mentoring, creating a club culture that supports the staff team through on-going educational opportunities and crisis assistance, and supporting and impacting their local community. Nominations are accepted in early fall, and selections are made by a committee of club management professionals.
Marc is the 35th individual club executive to be honored through this award. He will be featured in the January/February 2022 issue of Club Management magazine, profiled in a forthcoming edition of the Let’s Talk Club Management Podcast, and honored in person at the 2022 CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo in San Diego, CA.
Learn more at cmaa.org/ceoy.
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 42 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.
About Club Management Magazine
Club Management is the official magazine of CMAA and furthers the objectives of the Association. Published bimonthly, Club Management features timely, educational, and informative content. All communications to editorial should be directed to goodnews@cmaa.org.
