CARMEL, Calif. – Santa Lucia Preserve, California’s premier conservation community and club, located minutes from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, announced today the appointment of Robert Sereci as Chief Executive Officer. Sereci is an experienced private clubs and residential community executive.
In November, Sereci will succeed Karen Baxter, who has successfully served Santa Lucia Preserve since 2015, first as Chief Operating Officer and then as Chief Executive Officer.
Sereci brings more than 30 years of executive leadership to The Preserve, having led residential communities through organizational transformation, strategic growth, governance evolution, and long-term capital stewardship. His experience includes:
- CEO of Colleton River Club, one of the nation’s foremost private residential communities in Bluffton, near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina;
- Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago, one of the most respected private clubs in the U.S. with three championship golf courses;
- General Manager of the American Club Hong Kong, a revered private club with 3,200 members spread across two campuses; and
- Chief Operating Officer of Northwood Club in Dallas and Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City.
“What drew me to the Santa Lucia Preserve was the remarkable idea at its core: that conservation, community, and an exceptional private club experience can coexist to make each stronger,” Sereci said. “After spending time at The Preserve and meeting the people who care so deeply about it, I came away with an even greater appreciation for how special this place is and for the responsibility that comes with leading it.” He continued, “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the boards, members, residents, and team to help shape The Preserve’s next chapter.”
Sereci is a board member of the National Club Association and a frequent national speaker on club governance, strategic planning, finance, and organizational leadership. He is a native Macedonian and grew up in Switzerland before coming to the U.S for higher education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Georgia State University.
“The Preserve is an extraordinary place where nature, community, and culture converge into a conservation living experience that is unparalleled,” said Phillip DePaul, Chairman of The Preserve Company Board of Directors. “We set a high bar for ourselves in our search for the next CEO, seeking the best leader in the industry, and we are thrilled to have found just that in Robert.”
Santa Lucia Preserve is a private residential community and club on 20,000 protected acres, home to just 300 owners, with 90 percent of the land perpetually and intentionally undeveloped. Established in 1990 along California’s lush Central Coast, The Preserve sits within an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
Club membership provides access to a nationally ranked Tom Fazio golf course, sports and equestrian facilities, an 18-acre lake, lodging, three restaurants, and nearly 100 miles of private trails.
For more information about The Santa Lucia Preserve, visit santaluciapreserve.com or call (833) 620-6768.
Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
HUNTER
908/963-6013
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
