The Organization

Cherry Valley Club, one of Long Island's premier private clubs, is seeking its next General Manager / Chief Operating Officer. Established in 1916 and located in the heart of historic Garden City, the Club is set on approximately 130 beautifully landscaped acres and features a classic Devereux Emmet–designed golf course. The course is highly walkable with a traditional, links-inspired layout that offers an engaging and fair test for players of all skill levels, complemented by a full practice facility.

The clubhouse, a classic Ballard design, blends traditional elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cherry Valley offers an exceptional dining and social program, with multiple indoor and outdoor venues, private and intimate gathering spaces and well-appointed banquet facilities. Together, these venues create a dynamic social environment that supports both everyday member engagement and larger Club events.

In addition to its strong golf tradition, the Club maintains a robust and highly active racquets program. Amenities include meticulously maintained red clay tennis courts, a dedicated tennis pavilion and a vibrant platform tennis operation featuring championship-level, lighted courts that support year-round programming for members of all ages.

This represents a rare opportunity for an accomplished club executive to lead a tradition-rich, family-oriented club with outstanding facilities, an engaged membership and a strong sense of community.

Cherry Valley Club Details:

• Gross Dollar Volume: $11M
• Dues Volume: $5,8M
• F&B Volume: $3.1M
• Memberships: 750
• Average Member Age: 64 and trending younger
• Initiation Fee: $45,000
• Dues: $12,500
• Board Members: 15
• Committees: 12 Standing Committees
• Direct Reports: 7
• Full-Time Staff: 50 FTE Seasonal 150
• Rounds of Golf: 25,000

Direct reports to the General Manager / COO include: Chief Financial Officer, Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent, Head Tennis Professional, Assistant General Manager, Executive Chef and Head of Maintenance.

There are 12 standing committees, including: Admissions, Membership, Family, Finance, Golf, Golf Tournament, Handicap, Greens, House, Entertainment, Food & Beverage and Racquets.

Position Overview

The General Manager / Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) of the Cherry Valley Club will be a visible, hands-on and approachable leader, dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with both members and staff while upholding the Club's long-standing values and traditions. This individual will oversee all Club operations, ensuring exceptional member experiences aligned with the priorities set by the Board of Directors and committees.

As the GM/COO, this leader will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Club, including its operations, financial oversight and key relationships with the Board, members, guests, employees and the broader community. They will implement and administer Club policies, develop operational strategies, lead department managers and ensure financial and service excellence. Additionally, they will safeguard the Club's assets, including its facilities and equipment.

Success in this role requires a high level of sophistication, visibility and a deep commitment to personalized service, setting the tone for the entire team. The GM/COO should genuinely engage with members and guests while embracing the values of the Garden City community and the unique lifestyle of Nassau County in Long Island.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Club Culture

• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with the Club's mission and strategic goals.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of department heads, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.
• Engage with members across all demographics to understand their needs, reinforcing the Club's family-first culture.
• Promote a positive and professional work environment, emphasizing teamwork, performance excellence and ongoing professional development.
• Set clear goals, provide actionable feedback and inspire continuous improvement among team members.
• Prioritize team well-being by fostering a supportive and solution-oriented work environment.
• Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering operational excellence, superior member experiences and high-performance standards.
• Resolve conflicts with professionalism, empathy and a commitment to solutions that align with the Club's vision and values.
• Adapt leadership approaches to meet the evolving needs of members and staff, ensuring agility in a dynamic environment.

Operations Management

• Empower the senior leadership team through effective communication, collaboration and delegation.
• Ensure all departments adhere to the highest safety, quality and regulatory standards, following industry best practices.
• Streamline operations by coordinating efforts across departments, fostering synergy to create a seamless member experience.
• Address operational challenges with decisiveness and efficiency, balancing immediate priorities with long-term strategic solutions.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership team in partnership with the Finance Committee to develop and manage the Club's annual budget, optimizing efficiency and cost savings.
• Lead financial forecasting and long-term capital planning to support the Club's infrastructure and future growth.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop pricing strategies that ensure financial sustainability and a balanced budget.

Member Experience & Service Excellence

• Uphold the highest standards of quality, hospitality and professionalism in all member interactions, fostering a culture of "understated excellence."
• Communicate proactively with members, addressing concerns and inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Continuously innovate and enhance the member experience to drive engagement and reinforce the Club's value proposition.

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategies, including infrastructure enhancements and expanded service offerings.
• Clearly articulate the Club's mission and vision, inspiring staff and leadership to align their efforts with strategic objectives.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Management

• Oversee communication strategies to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all platforms and audiences.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the Club's brand through compelling marketing, PR and digital engagement.
• Build strategic partnerships within Garden City and Nassau County to enhance member value and strengthen community and industry relationships.

Governance & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with the Board of Directors, providing key updates on financial performance, operations, member satisfaction and strategic initiatives.
• Partner closely with the Board President and Executive Committee to address high-priority strategic and operational matters.
• Foster a culture of continuous growth and adaptability, ensuring alignment between daily operations and long-term objectives.

Attributes

• An approachable, outgoing leader who naturally connects with members and staff.
• A service-driven professional with a proven ability to develop and train staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional hospitality.
• Actively promotes the Club to members and their families, engaging with them daily to solicit feedback and enhance facilities and services.
• Works seamlessly across departments, promoting teamwork and synergy in all Club operations.
• Uses strong judgment to assess challenges from multiple angles, making thoughtful, well-informed decisions.
• Sets clear goals, adapts as needed, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes, demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles.
• Fosters a positive, collaborative team culture, supporting colleagues and addressing conflicts constructively.
• An articulate and intelligent communicator with excellent written and verbal skills, adept at conveying policies, procedures and expectations to staff, members and guests.
• Provides outstanding service with prompt, thoughtful follow-through, proactively identifying and responding to member needs with professionalism and care.
• Continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance the member experience and elevate the Club's future.
• A leader with a warm personality, a good sense of humor and the ability to create an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Business or a related field is preferred. Extensive club or hospitality experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience as a General Manager/COO or in a similar leadership role at a member-owned private club or hospitality setting. Exceptionally qualified Assistant General Managers with strong mentorship and training may also be considered.
• A Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation is highly desirable, with a Certified Chief Executive (CCE) or progress toward certification considered a plus.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, financial reporting and fiscal management.
• Strong knowledge of Food & Beverage, Banquet & Catering and club events.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration and engagement among staff and members.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a track record of implementing performance measurement routines and continuous improvement initiatives across key member touchpoints.
• Familiarity with all club operations and a keen understanding of industry trends.
• A career marked by stability, professional growth and notable accomplishments in club management.
• A person of exceptional character, motivated, energetic, friendly and deeply committed to the profession.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, email, internet and other relevant software programs. Proficiency in Club Essential Software is preferred but not required.
• Impeccable professional references are required; all candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

Competitive Compensation

• Competitive compensation/salary, an excellent performance bonus, and a benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Medical Insurance, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability and Paid Vacation
• Participation in the Club's 401(k) plan
• Professional dues, educational allowance expenses and other standard perks
• Relocation assistance (if from outside the area)

To be Considered

To be considered for this outstanding opportunity, all cover letters and resumes should be received as quickly as possible. All information received will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Professionals who meet or exceed the established criteria are encouraged to send a compelling cover letter addressed to Greg Raphael, President, outlining their qualifications, experience, interests, and why Cherry Valley Club and Garden City, NY (Long Island) will be beneficial for you, your family, and your career, along with their resume, to:

Manny Gugliuzza, CCM, CCE
Principal & Search Consultant
mannyg@gsiexecutivesearch.com
732-618-8665