David Robinson, CCM
Principal, GSI Executive Search
As search consultants, we are often asked by colleagues, Boards and Search Committees to describe the perfect search. While no two searches are identical, I have learned that success hinges on a few key components: a qualified network of candidates, a thorough process, and a collaborative relationship with the hiring organization.
During a recent search for a GM/COO, all three of these components aligned perfectly.
In July of 2024, The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (“The Bridges”), an exclusive country club in Southern California, engaged GSI Executive Search to help find their new General Manager/COO. They were looking for the perfect person and I could see right away that this had the makings of the perfect search.
The Bridges selected GSI to lead their GM search following a positive conversation we had with the club’s Search Committee. Our regional expertise played a key role in their decision, as my presence in California allowed for seamless collaboration and our deep knowledge of key industry professionals in the region ensured a strong candidate pool. Already, we had nailed one of the three key components of a perfect search.
Once engaged by The Bridges, we fully immersed ourselves in the process—meeting with members and staff to gain an understanding of the club’s culture.
The Bridges is a club like no other. Nestled within the coastal canyons of Rancho Santa Fe, it’s a place where members discover the freedom to live as they have dreamed. From the world-renowned golf to the European elegance of the 36,000-square-foot clubhouse, every facet of The Bridges reflects uncompromising attention to detail. The Bridges features a Robert Trent Jones II-designed, 18-hole residential golf course that wanders through the dry, stony foothills in north San Diego County.
The Bridges recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and the members approved a significant clubhouse renovation. These plans enhance the club’s beauty and reflect the incredible pride the members have in their club. They also ensure that The Bridges remains Southern California’s premier country club.
The previous General Manager/COO left the club to pursue management of an international professional golf tour, and luckily, the club’s management team was highly capable of operating their specific areas of the club to ensure a smooth transition. Now, a new General Manager was being recruited.
Another facet of what made this a perfect search was the professionalism and attitude of the club’s Board, specifically its President, Brian O’Callaghan. From the first proposal meeting to the final signing of the Offer Letter to the Candidate, this search was a smooth and positive experience because GSI collaborated effectively with the Search Committee, following our strong and proven process.
When searching for the right candidate for The Bridges, we prioritized a leader who possessed a proven track record in club management, staff leadership and mentoring, as well as overall club governance. Experience in managing major capital projects was another expectation, considering the upcoming clubhouse renovation.
The initial phase of the search proved a bit daunting. The reputation of The Bridges, located in an incredible part of our country, brought dozens of inquiries from aspiring candidates. Over the course of several weeks, we conducted first-round interviews with initial candidates, ultimately achieving our goal of presenting nine strong contenders to the club.
The President chose to lead these initial interviews, representing the club independently rather than involving the Search Committee. His approach focused on getting to know each candidate personally and assessing cultural fit, trusting that I had already covered the technical aspects—such as controlling food costs or managing pace-of-play challenges on the golf course.
The field was narrowed down to two rounds of interviews with the full committee before on-site visits with the final three candidates. The day-long visits included meetings with the department managers and the Search Committee, followed by a meal with the Board of Directors.
It was not easy for the Board to decide on their final candidate – a good problem to have. Ultimately, The Bridges made an offer to James “Jim” Miller, PGA, CCM. Jim came to The Bridges from the Sonnenalp Club in Colorado, where he was General Manager and was also active in leadership of the Colorado Section of the PGA of America. Jim’s experience, attitude and enthusiasm made him the perfect candidate for The Bridge’s new General Manager/COO.
The Bridges’ Club President Brian O’Callaghan reflects this perfect search:
“The Bridges at Rancho Sante Fe selected David Robinson, CCM, and GSI Executive Search, to manage the search for our new General Manager. They truly understood our club's unique culture and character better than anyone else. They subsequently became true partners with our club and integrated with all key managers and leaders within The Bridges.
“As a result, once GSI entered the marketplace on our behalf, they very quickly produced a stellar slate of candidates. All candidates were worthy and presented us with the wonderful problem of selecting only one, from such an impressive list. We would recommend GSI Executive Search to all our peer clubs and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again should the need arise.”
The search for The Bridges’ General Manager/COO exemplifies what makes a search with GSI truly exceptional—clear governance, strong collaboration, a well-defined vision and a commitment to cultural alignment. While every search has its unique challenges, the key to success remains the same: a shared dedication between the club and the search team to find the right fit.
At GSI, we take pride in delivering that level of excellence, and The Bridges stands as a testament to how a well-executed process leads to the perfect result.
