Category : Leadership

Nicholas D’Ovidio
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Member Engagement Vice Chair
Interim General Manager — The Club at North Halton

Nicholas “Nick” D’Ovidio is a dedicated club management professional whose commitment to member engagement, professional growth, and service excellence has shaped his career and strengthened the clubs and communities he serves.

The height of the golf season is the perfect time to pause and assess what's working—and where small improvements can make a big impact. From labour efficiency and member satisfaction to food & beverage performance, events, staff wellbeing, and operational processes, this mid-season check-in highlights seven key areas every club leadership team should review. Featuring insights from experienced club professionals across the industry, it's designed to spark meaningful conversations that strengthen operations and enhance the member experience before the season comes to a close.

Lisa Brown, CCM
CMAC Ontario Branch- Board of Directors and Professional Pathways Vice Chair
General Manager, St. Catharine's Golf & Country Club

Lisa Brown, CCM, is a highly respected leader in the private club industry, bringing more than 20 years of professional experience and over 25 years of membership with the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC). Her career has been shaped by progressive leadership roles at several of the Greater Toronto Area’s most prestigious clubs, including Oakdale Golf and Country Club and Rosedale Golf Club, where she developed a strong foundation in operational excellence, capital project delivery, and member service.

Jennifer Kennedy
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Professional Development Chair
Athletics & Wellness Director, The Boulevard Club

Jennifer Kennedy is an experienced wellness and club operations leader whose vision and dedication elevate the role of athletic and wellness programming within private clubs — enhancing member experiences and supporting professional growth across the club industry.

Rob Hickson
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Membership & Marketing Vice Chair
General Manager, Lookout Point Country Club

Rob Hickson is an experienced club leader whose passion for member experience, strategic engagement, and professional service shines both in his club role and in his volunteer leadership within the CMAC Ontario Branch.

Hendrick van der Geld, CCM, PGA
CMAC Ontario Branch – Vice President
Chief Operating Officer, The Club at North Halton

Hendrick van der Geld is a distinguished leader in the Canadian club industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at The Club at North Halton in Georgetown, Ontario. As both a Certified Club Manager (CCM) and a Class “A” PGA Professional, Hendrick bridges the gap between elite athletic programming and sophisticated business operations.

In every strong professional community, there’s a steady force working behind the scenes—connecting people, shaping ideas, and turning momentum into meaningful action. At the CMAC Ontario Branch, that force is Lisa Noonan.

While members often experience the polished results—engaging events, valuable education sessions, and a growing network of peers—the work that brings it all together is layered, intentional, and deeply collaborative. A day in Lisa’s world is less about routine and more about orchestration—balancing strategy, creativity, and connection to keep the branch moving forward.

Alena Miatlushka, MCATD
CMAC Ontario Branch – Board of Directors and Professional Pathways Chair
Director of Human Resources, The Boulevard Club

Alena Miatlushka is a highly accomplished Human Resources professional with a rich international background spanning Europe, the Middle East, and North America. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, she has developed deep expertise in hotel pre-openings, brand repositioning, and the strategic management of HR and training functions. Alena has successfully led regional HR communities, playing a critical role in implementing global people initiatives that align with business goals and elevate organizational performance.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

It has been over a year and many of our favourite California, Oregon and Washington wines are still missing from LCBO shelves. If you’re struggling to replace the Cabs, Pinots and Chardonnays you used to love, the good news is that excellent alternatives exist — often from the very regions where these grapes originally came from.

For club management professionals, experience is essential — but recognized professional credibility is what sets leaders apart.

Earning your CCM is more than completing courses. It’s a structured professional journey that validates your knowledge, leadership ability, and commitment to excellence in club management.