Governance.
Alignment. Excellence.

Ensuring private clubs thrive with clarity, accountability, and enduring success.

Neutral perspective with no hidden agenda
Sensitive matters handled with full discretion
Principals who have led from both sides of the table
Tangible results from the very first engagement

What Makes Us Different

  1. 01
    Both Sides of the Table
    Our principals have served as both club management and board members. We understand both perspectives from the inside out.
  2. 02
    Alignment, Not Division
    We build the strategic partnership and shared vision every club needs, strengthening the board and management relationship rather than complicating it.
  3. 03
    Complete Confidentiality
    Sensitive governance challenges require trust. We operate with absolute discretion on every engagement.
  4. 04
    Rapid, Real Impact
    We mobilize quickly and deliver meaningful progress. Clubs see tangible results from the very first engagement.
"We partner with you to strengthen the relationship between the Board and Management, not come between it."

PCGA Advisors' mission is Management and Board Alignment. Our team has served as both club management and Board members ourselves, so we relate to both sides firsthand and build the effective working relationship every Club needs to move forward together.

Expert Advisory Across Every Dimension

Board & Management
Clear roles, disciplined processes, and stronger board–management partnerships.
Strategy & Policy
Strategic planning, governing policy development, and institutional alignment.
Continuity & Succession
Leadership transition planning and executive succession frameworks.
Capital & Operations
Capital project guidance, vendor selection, and operational best practices.
Culture & Community
Membership culture, crisis preparedness, and community health.
Committee Structure & Transition Planning
Guidance through ownership changes, governance restructuring, and committee effectiveness.

Principals with Real Club Experience

Decades of combined leadership across boards, management, and governance. Not consultants, but practitioners.

Kurt Kuebler
Kurt Kuebler
Principal
CCM · CMAA Fellow
28+ years in private club leadership. CMAA Fellow and nationally trusted advisor on board alignment, governance, and executive transitions.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy
Principal
ECM · CMAA Fellow
35+ years in club leadership. One of only 32 CMAA Fellows nationwide and CEO of the #4 Platinum Club in the U.S., with $250M+ in capital oversight.
Amanda Ratushny
Amanda Ratushny
Principal
M.A.
Past Board President at Woodfield Country Club. Brings a structured, collaborative approach to governance, culture, and board–management alignment.
Kevin Vitale
Kevin Vitale
Principal
CCM
Former COO/GM of Baltusrol Golf Club. Guided more than $160M in capital improvements without member assessments, connecting long-term priorities with disciplined decision-making and responsible investment.
Tom Wallace
Tom Wallace
Principal
CCM · CCE · ECM
30+ years in private club leadership. Nationally respected authority on executive search, board alignment, and governance with a people-first approach.
OUR TEAM

Principals with Proven Club Leadership

Our advisors have led some of the most respected private clubs in the country and bring that firsthand experience to every engagement.

Kurt Kuebler
CCM · CMAA Fellow
Kurt Kuebler
Principal

A highly respected private club executive and advisor with more than 28 years of club leadership and nearly 20 years as a partner with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W). Kurt has advised hundreds of boards and search committees through executive transitions, bringing a governance-first perspective on leadership selection, board alignment, and long-term institutional success. He is a CMAA Fellow and one of the most trusted voices in private club governance.

Michael McCarthy
ECM · CMAA Fellow
Michael McCarthy
Principal

CEO of Addison Reserve Country Club, ranked the #4 Platinum Club in the United States and #21 in the world, since 2006. Michael's career spans more than $250 million in capital infrastructure oversight, eight years as CEO of BallenIsles Country Club, and national leadership across the private club industry. One of only 32 CMAA Fellows nationwide, he brings firsthand experience from both sides of the board and management relationship.

Amanda Ratushny
M.A.
Amanda Ratushny
Principal

Amanda brings a modern, relationship-driven approach to private club governance through her business, educational, and board leadership experience. As President of Woodfield Country Club, she has applied expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and effective communication to produce meaningful governance results. Her perspective as a younger female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field gives PCGA a uniquely balanced advisory voice.

Kevin Vitale
CCM
Kevin Vitale
Principal

Since 2003, Kevin served as Chief Operating Officer / General Manager at one of the premier Clubs in the world, Baltusrol Golf Club. Having guided more than $160 million in capital improvements without member assessments, Kevin helps Clubs connect long-term priorities with disciplined decision-making, responsible investment, and practical implementation.

Tom Wallace
CCM · CCE · ECM
Tom Wallace
Principal

A nationally respected private club executive, advisor, and educator with more than 25 years of experience and over a decade as Managing Partner at Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W). Tom's career includes serving as General Manager/CEO of The Club at Mediterra and more than a decade as GM/CAO of Oakmont Country Club, where the club hosted three major championships. He is widely respected for guiding disciplined leadership searches and strengthening board and chief executive alignment across the country.

ADVISORY SERVICES

Advisory Services for Private Clubs

Governance, alignment, and leadership solutions tailored to the private club industry

What We Do

PCGA provides a flexible suite of services, creating opportunities to align leadership, strengthen governance, and ensure long-term club stability.

We can work as facilitators of content provided by your Club to deliver content to your Board, Management and/or Membership. Conversely, we can custom tailor engaging sessions where we provide best practices and industry leading trends.

Our mission is Management and Board Alignment. Our team has served as both club management and Board members ourselves, so we relate to both sides firsthand and build the effective working relationship every Club needs to move forward together.

Results Based Engagement

Our engagements are structured as monthly retainers, giving your club dedicated, ongoing advisory support without the complexity of project-based contracts. We believe good governance deserves a long-term partner, not a one-time consultant. That's why every engagement includes a 60-day out at any time, no questions asked. We earn your continued partnership by delivering results.

PCGA is a clear return on investment. Aligned leadership means faster decisions, fewer conflicts, and stronger institutional health. We measure our success by the momentum we help create and hope to be a long-term partner for your club.

Neutral
Independent perspective with no hidden agenda
Confidential
Sensitive matters handled with full discretion
Aligned
Board and management working in concert
Preventative
Anticipate issues before they become crises
250+
Club Visits Annually
1,000+
Governance Retreats
35+
Years Combined Experience

A Structured, Three-Phase Partnership

Every PCGA engagement follows a proven framework built to produce real alignment, not just a report.

Phase I
Discovery & Assessment

Comprehensive review of governance structure, leadership dynamics, and strategic priorities. Includes facility tours, confidential interviews, document review, and a written SWOT analysis report.

Phase II
Alignment & Framework

Facilitate alignment and establish governance structures that support effective decision-making. Includes Board retreat facilitation, policy development, and a responsibility matrix with KPIs.

Phase III
Ongoing Advisory & Support

Continuous advisory and strategic support as the club navigates major initiatives and key leadership decisions. Monthly retainer with access to PCGA Portal for shared accountability.

Ready to start a conversation?

Every engagement is tailored to your club's unique culture and priorities.

ADVISORY SERVICES

Board & Management Alignment

The foundation of every high-performing private club

Clear roles, disciplined processes, and a constructive partnership between the Board and executive leadership are at the core of what we do. When governance is aligned, clubs move forward with clarity, stability, and confidence.

PCGA’s advisors have sat on both sides of the table, as GMs navigating board dynamics and as Board members working with management. That lived experience is what makes our advisory different.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Governance Review
  • Review of governing documents, policies, Board structure, and committee frameworks
  • Comprehensive facility tour and operational observation
  • Analysis of Board meeting minutes, committee activity, and strategic materials
Phase II
Board & Leadership Discussions
  • Confidential discussions to identify alignment issues, governance gaps, and risks
  • Individual meetings with Board members, committee chairs, and management leadership
  • SWOT analysis report summarizing key observations, themes, and priority areas
Phase III
Board Retreat Facilitation
  • Focused sessions to align the Board, clarify priorities, and strengthen governance practices
  • Role clarity documentation: what belongs to the Board, what belongs to management
  • Governance calendar and Board meeting rhythm redesign
Phase IV
Ongoing Advisory Support
  • A dedicated PCGA advisor supporting the Board and management on agreed-upon priorities
  • KPI dashboard aligned to governance health indicators
  • Quarterly review sessions and access to the PCGA Portal for shared accountability
We partner with you to strengthen the relationship between the Board and Management, not come between it.
Partnership Outcomes
Clear authority and accountability between Board and management
Reduced governance risk and fewer reactive decisions
Systems that align member feedback, Board direction, and executive execution
Board conduct that reflects club values and builds member confidence
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.
ADVISORY SERVICES

Leadership Continuity & Succession

Protect institutional knowledge. Navigate transitions with confidence.

Leadership transitions are among the highest-risk moments in a club’s governance lifecycle. Without a plan, they create instability, erode member confidence, and put institutional knowledge at risk.

PCGA helps clubs build proactive succession frameworks that protect continuity, whether the transition is planned or unexpected.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Leadership Assessment
  • Evaluation of current executive leadership depth and succession readiness
  • Review of organizational structure, key dependencies, and knowledge transfer gaps
  • Identification of internal succession candidates and development needs
Phase II
Succession Framework Design
  • Development of a Board-approved succession policy and emergency protocol
  • Creation of role profiles for key leadership positions
  • Interim leadership playbook for unexpected transitions
Phase III
Search & Transition Advisory
  • Advisory support through executive search process and candidate evaluation
  • Onboarding framework for incoming leadership
  • Knowledge transfer sessions with outgoing executives
Phase IV
Continuity Monitoring
  • Quarterly check-ins to assess succession readiness
  • Annual review and update of succession documentation
  • Board education on governance best practices for leadership transitions
The best time to plan a leadership transition is before you need one.
Partnership Outcomes
A documented succession plan approved by the Board
Reduced risk and disruption during executive transitions
Institutional knowledge preserved and transferred effectively
Member and staff confidence maintained through leadership changes
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.
ADVISORY SERVICES

Strategic Planning & Policy Oversight

Shared vision. Disciplined execution. Lasting institutional stability.

Strategic planning without governance discipline is just a document. PCGA helps clubs build plans that are grounded in realistic priorities, tied to clear accountability, and designed to survive leadership transitions.

We facilitate the process, synthesize competing voices, and help Boards make decisions that reflect both member values and institutional realities.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Landscape Assessment
  • Member survey design, facilitation, and analysis
  • Competitive landscape review and peer benchmarking
  • Financial health assessment and capital trajectory review
Phase II
Strategic Planning Facilitation
  • Board and leadership facilitated retreats to establish strategic priorities
  • Development of a 3–5 year strategic plan with measurable goals
  • Departmental alignment to strategic priorities
Phase III
Policy Development
  • Review and rewrite of outdated governing policies
  • Development of new policies to support strategic direction
  • Board and management policy approval workflow
Phase IV
Accountability Infrastructure
  • KPI framework tied to strategic plan milestones
  • Quarterly progress reporting structure for the Board
  • Annual strategic plan review and recalibration process
Strategy is the easy part. Governance discipline is what makes it real.
Partnership Outcomes
A clear, Board-approved strategic plan with measurable milestones
Policies that reflect current best practices and club values
Accountability systems that keep the Board informed without micromanaging
A planning culture that survives leadership transitions
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.
ADVISORY SERVICES

Capital & Operational Oversight

Sound oversight. Informed decisions. Financial confidence.

Capital decisions are among the most consequential a Board makes, and the most exposed to governance failure. Inadequate oversight, unclear authority, and reactive decision-making cost clubs millions.

PCGA brings a fiduciary-first perspective to capital planning and operational oversight, built on decades of direct experience managing large-scale projects at premier clubs.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Financial Governance Audit
  • Review of financial reporting, reserve funds, and capital planning documents
  • Assessment of Board financial literacy and oversight practices
  • Identification of governance gaps in capital approval and vendor management
Phase II
Capital Planning Framework
  • Development of a multi-year capital improvement plan aligned to strategic priorities
  • Reserve fund analysis and funding strategy
  • Capital project approval policy and authority matrix
Phase III
Project Oversight Structure
  • Vendor selection governance: RFP design, evaluation criteria, and Board approval
  • Project reporting dashboards for Board oversight
  • Change order management protocols and contingency governance
Phase IV
Ongoing Oversight Support
  • Monthly or quarterly advisory during active capital projects
  • Independent review of financial reporting for the Board
  • Post-project debrief and lessons learned documentation
The Board’s job isn’t to manage capital projects. It’s to govern them wisely.
Partnership Outcomes
Capital decisions made with appropriate oversight and authority
Reserve funds aligned to long-term club needs
Transparent project reporting that keeps the Board informed
Reduced financial risk and improved member confidence in leadership
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.
ADVISORY SERVICES

Committee Structure & Effectiveness

Clarifying authority at every level of club governance.

Committees are the working infrastructure of club governance. When they’re well-designed and properly scoped, they extend the Board’s capacity and deepen member engagement. When they’re not, they create confusion, conflict, and governance risk.

PCGA helps clubs build committee structures that are clear in purpose, disciplined in process, and aligned to Board authority.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Committee Audit
  • Review of all current committees: charters, membership, activity, and outcomes
  • Assessment of committee-to-Board reporting and communication flows
  • Identification of scope creep, duplication, and authority gaps
Phase II
Structure Redesign
  • Recommended committee structure aligned to strategic priorities
  • Draft committee charters with clear purpose, authority, and reporting requirements
  • Board approval process for committee design changes
Phase III
Chair Development
  • Orientation framework for incoming committee chairs
  • Best practices for running productive committee meetings
  • Protocols for escalating issues to the Board appropriately
Phase IV
Ongoing Governance Support
  • Annual committee structure review tied to strategic plan
  • Board education on committee oversight best practices
  • Advisory support for committee chairs on governance questions
A committee without a clear charter is a governance liability waiting to happen.
Partnership Outcomes
Committees with clear authority, purpose, and accountability
Reduced Board meeting time spent on committee-level issues
More effective member engagement through well-run committees
A committee structure that reinforces, not undermines, Board authority
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.
ADVISORY SERVICES

Member Communication & Transparency

A well-informed membership is a confident membership.

Member trust is fragile and hard to rebuild once lost. The clubs that maintain it consistently are the ones that communicate proactively, honestly, and with discipline, not just when things go well.

PCGA helps Boards develop communication strategies that build transparency, reduce rumor, and keep members engaged and confident in leadership.

What This Engagement Includes
Phase I
Communication Audit
  • Review of current member communication channels, cadence, and content
  • Assessment of member sentiment and communication gaps
  • Benchmarking against best-practice private club communication standards
Phase II
Strategy Development
  • Development of a proactive member communication calendar
  • Message architecture: what to communicate, when, and through which channels
  • Crisis communication protocol and Board spokesperson framework
Phase III
Content & Channel Design
  • Templates for Board letters, project updates, and member surveys
  • Town hall and member forum facilitation design
  • Digital communication review: email, app, and member portal strategy
Phase IV
Ongoing Advisory
  • Advisory support for major communications (capital campaigns, leadership changes, policy updates)
  • Annual communication effectiveness review
  • Board coaching on member-facing communication style and tone
Transparency isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about building trust before you need it.
Partnership Outcomes
A proactive communication calendar that keeps members informed
Reduced speculation and rumor through consistent Board messaging
Member confidence in leadership visibility and accountability
Crisis communication readiness before a crisis happens
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement is tailored to your club’s unique culture and priorities.

Let's Talk About Your Club

Whether you're navigating a leadership transition, planning your next strategic cycle, or looking for a neutral perspective, we'd love to hear from you.

Kevin Vitale
Kevin Vitale
Principal
CCM

Kevin Vitale is a nationally respected private club executive recognized for his expertise in governance discipline, financial stewardship, strategic planning, long-range capital planning, and board–management alignment. With more than two decades serving at the helm of one of the most historic private clubs in the world, Kevin brings a deep fiduciary and governance-first perspective to private club leadership.

Since 2003, Kevin served as Chief Operating Officer / General Manager at one of the premier Clubs in the world, Baltusrol Golf Club, guiding the Club through sustained financial strength, strategic reinvestment, and organizational stability. Having guided more than $160 million in capital improvements without member assessments, Kevin helps Clubs connect long-term priorities with disciplined decision-making, responsible investment, and practical implementation.

Governance & Board Leadership Expertise

  • Long-range strategic planning aligned with mission, vision, and values
  • Disciplined financial oversight and capital governance
  • Governance leadership for $130M+ in capital improvements with no member assessments
  • Board guidance on reinvestment, fiscal responsibility, and member trust
  • Development of strong management teams and positive employee culture

National Industry Leadership

  • Senior leadership for four major championships
  • Former Chairman, National Club Association
  • Advisory Board Member, Platinum Clubs of America
  • Former Chairman, National Executive of the Year Committee

Advisory Philosophy

Kevin brings a measured, governance-driven approach. He helps boards strengthen fiduciary discipline, improve decision frameworks, align leadership around long-term priorities, and protect institutional integrity during periods of growth, reinvestment, and transition.

Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy
Principal
ECM · CMAA Fellow

Michael McCarthy is an award-winning private club executive and nationally respected authority on club governance, board leadership, and executive alignment. As one of only 32 Fellows within the Club Management Association of America, he brings over 35 years of experience helping boards navigate governance challenges, leadership transitions, and institutional growth.

Since 2006, Michael has served as CEO of Addison Reserve Country Club, ranked the #4 Platinum Club in the United States and #21 Platinum Club in the world. He previously served as CEO of BallenIsles Country Club for eight years. His career spans more than $250 million in capital infrastructure oversight and national leadership across the private club industry.

Governance & Board Leadership

  • Capital infrastructure governance ($250M+)
  • Fiduciary accountability and best practices
  • Management vs. governance role definition
  • Board–CEO alignment and succession planning
  • Risk oversight and crisis management

National Industry Leadership

  • Chairman, National Club Association
  • Chairman, Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament
  • Former CMAA National Board Director
  • CMAA Club Executive of the Year (2009)

Advisory Philosophy

Michael functions as a trusted, neutral conduit between boards and executive leadership, bringing clarity to complex governance challenges without replacing existing advisors or involving himself in daily operations. His approach is built on confidentiality, experience, and a genuine commitment to each club's long-term institutional health.

Amanda Ratushny
Amanda Ratushny
Principal
M.A.

Amanda Ratushny brings a modern, relationship-driven approach to private club governance through her business, educational, and board leadership experience. Her expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and effective communication, combined with her unique perspective as a younger female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, has produced meaningful results during her tenure as President of Woodfield Country Club (WCC).

As both an active board leader and multi-club member, Amanda offers a practical understanding of governance within private residential club communities. She is known for her calm, structured, and collaborative leadership style, helping Boards strengthen culture, improve alignment between leadership and management, and move beyond reactive decision-making toward governance built on clarity, accountability, and long-term stability.

Governance & Board Expertise

  • Builds strong Board culture among Board members, management, and membership
  • Implements governance best practices focused on policy and execution
  • Provides practical, hands-on guidance that drives meaningful progress
  • Brings authentic industry insight as a member of three private clubs
  • Fosters collaborative environments built on clarity, cohesion, and accountability

Board Leadership Experience

  • President, WCC Board (2024–2026)
  • Vice President, WCC Board (2023–2024)
  • HOA Liaison, WCC (2021–2023)
  • Director, WCC Board (2020–2023)

Education & Business Background

  • B.A., Psychology & Marketing, GWU
  • M.A., School Psychology, Adelphi
  • President & Owner, TeamISR.com LLC
  • Licensed School Psychologist, Families By Design

Advisory Philosophy

Amanda brings a modern, relationship-driven, and solutions-oriented approach to governance advisory services. She works closely with Boards and leadership teams to strengthen communication, improve alignment, and guide thoughtful decision-making while respecting the culture and traditions unique to private clubs.

Kurt Kuebler
Kurt Kuebler
Principal
CCM · CMAA Fellow

Kurt Kuebler is a highly respected private club executive and advisor whose career spans senior club leadership, governance advisory, and executive search. With more than 28 years as a club executive and nearly 20 years as a partner with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W), Kurt brings a rare, governance-first perspective on leadership selection, board alignment, and long-term institutional success.

Kurt joined KK&W in 2007 following a distinguished career managing complex private clubs and club communities. Since then, he has played a central role in advancing the firm's people-focused, quality-driven approach, advising hundreds of boards and search committees through executive transitions with discipline, integrity, and cultural clarity.

Club & Community Executive Leadership

Kurt's operational background includes senior leadership roles with both member-owned and developer-led clubs, giving him deep insight into diverse governance models and stakeholder dynamics. His experience includes General Manager/COO of Isleworth Golf & Country Club (Tavistock Group), The Loxahatchee Club (Florida), VP & General Manager of Desert Highlands Golf Club (Arizona), Grosse Pointe Yacht Club (Michigan), and his first GM appointment at Birchwood Farm Golf & Country Club in Michigan.

Governance, Search & Board Advisory Expertise

Kurt is widely respected for helping boards define leadership needs aligned with club culture, strategy, and governance. He leads disciplined GM/COO and CEO searches focused on long-term fit, strengthens board and chief executive alignment before, during, and after transitions, and reduces organizational risk through rigorous due diligence and behavioral assessment.

National Industry Leadership

  • CMAA Fellow
  • President, Florida Chapter, CMAA
  • National Director, CMAA
  • Gary Player Educator of the Year Award (2011)
Tom Wallace
Tom Wallace
Principal
CCM · CCE · ECM

Tom brings more than 30 years of private club leadership experience and over a decade with KK&W, where he serves as Managing Partner. His executive experience includes serving as CEO of The Club at Mediterra and GM/CAO of Oakmont Country Club, after beginning his leadership career at The Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom advises boards on executive selection, governance clarity, board–CEO alignment, leadership transitions, cultural fit, and the development of high-performing leadership teams.

Tom joined KK&W in 2014, became a partner in 2016, and was named Managing Partner in 2019. In this role, he has helped shape and lead the firm's people-focused, quality-driven approach, advising boards and search committees across the country and internationally. His work reinforces KK&W's reputation as the most trusted name in executive search and consulting for private clubs, with a disciplined process grounded in cultural fit, governance clarity, and long-term success.

Club & Community Executive Leadership

Tom's operational leadership includes serving as General Manager/CEO of The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Florida, and more than a decade as General Manager/CAO of Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, where the club hosted three major championships. Earlier in his career, Tom spent fourteen years at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio, building deep expertise in governance, culture, and organizational leadership.

Governance, Search & Board Advisory Expertise

Tom is widely respected for helping boards define leadership needs aligned with club culture, strategy, and governance. He guides disciplined GM/COO and CEO searches, strengthens board and chief executive alignment, and supports successful transitions through governance retreats, executive onboarding, and post-placement integration. His advisory work emphasizes clarity of expectations, cultural alignment, and the development of high-performing leadership teams.

National Industry Leadership

  • Excellence in Club Management Award (2007); Gary Player Educator of the Year (2020)
  • Former President, Pittsburgh Chapter, CMAA
  • Faculty Member, CMAA Business Management Institute I (BMI I), Georgia State University
  • Frequent national and international industry speaker (CMAA, CMAE)
  • Vice-Chair, National Club Association (Past Chair: Membership Committee; Member, Governance Committee)
  • National Board Member, Tee It Up for the Troops