The Club Council Announces James Burns as Senior Consultant
The Club Council is pleased to announce that James Burns, MA, has joined the firm as a Senior Consultant. James brings a distinguished career in private club leadership, having spent decades serving some of the most respected clubs in the Northeast while earning a reputation for thoughtful leadership, operational excellence, and a deep appreciation for […]
Strategic Planning for Private Clubs: A Dummies Guide
That’s the title of a book I’d like to write someday. Inside, I’d include chapters that help demystify strategic planning for private club leaders and board members—the uninitiated who know they need a plan but aren’t sure how to launch one, sustain one, or make it successful. If You Think You’re Going to Be […]
Why So Many Private Club Boards Still Struggle
Private club boards are rarely held back by a lack of intelligence or good intentions. More often, they struggle because governance is a discipline—one that requires clarity, education, and accountability. In BoardRoom magazine’s March/April 2026 cover story, “Why So Many Private Club Boards Still Struggle”, industry leaders—including The Club Council’s Denise Kuprionis—explore the governance challenges […]
Stop Waiting. Start Managing Your Career.
Most club professionals are working hard.Fewer are managing their careers with intention. In an industry that values loyalty and consistency, it’s easy to assume growth will come with time. Sometimes it does. Often, it doesn’t. The difference is rarely talent. It’s clarity—and action. Your Career Story Is Already Being Written A conversation with a […]
Rethinking the Club Board: Why Less Is More
For Club Directors: Your Role Defined
Serving as a club director carries legal, ethical, and strategic responsibilities that extend well beyond board meetings. In this featured article from Club Governance, produced by the National Club Association, Denise Kuprionis and Ray Cronin clearly define the fiduciary duties of club directors and explore why role clarity is essential to long-term club sustainability.
10 Steps to a Stronger Club Board–Chief Executive Partnership
Today’s private clubs face rising member expectations, competitive pressures, and the need for long-term financial sustainability. In this environment, the relationship between the Board and the club’s Chief Operating Officer/General Manager (CEO/COO/GM) is essential. Yet too often, that partnership is hampered by inefficient communication, unclear roles, and missed opportunities for strategic alignment. Drawing on best […]