David Dew, CCM, CCE
Vice President of Club Consulting
David brings over 30 years of experience in hospitality and private club management, with a career focused on creating exceptional member experiences within both developer-owned clubs and equity-owned, board-governed environments. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, David’s expertise spans strategic planning, real estate development, and overseeing transformative capital projects, including golf course construction, clubhouse renovations, and long-term master planning. As a member of two private clubs himself, David brings a unique perspective to his professional expertise, understanding firsthand the expectations and needs of club members. He holds the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) and Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designations, reflecting his deep commitment to professional excellence.
David’s leadership roles have included serving as President and CEO of Lake Toxaway Company, General Manager of coastal communities Belfair and Dewees Island, and as a former Partner & COO of Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, NC. In addition, David is a North Carolina Real Estate Broker, successfully managing property development projects in luxury private club communities. His involvement with the National Golf Course Owners Association and the National Club Association through the years further highlights his dedication to advancing the private club industry.
Once named Club Manager of the Year in the Carolinas, David’s contributions include serving as President of the Carolinas Chapter of CMAA and a member of its Board of Directors, along with participating on various National Committees. A sought-after thought leader, he has spoken at numerous industry conferences across the country on topics ranging from operational excellence to community engagement.
David is married to his college sweetheart, Angela, and they have two sons. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family and serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. He also assists with the Fireman’s Relief Fund and has been extensively engaged in disaster relief efforts across the southeast. David’s passion for leadership, dedication to his community, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire those around him.
Posts by David Dew, CCM, CCE
Taking the Long View: Stewardship Over Experience
Club stewardship involves members acting as responsible owners by making strategic investments and proactive decisions to preserve and enhance the club’s legacy for future generations, emphasizing long-term relevance, shared responsibility, and disciplined planning over short-term fixes.
Read MorePrioritizing Aquatics in Your Club’s Master Plan
Aquatics is now a essential, multi-generational element in private clubs that improves member experience through strategic design and integration, and should be included in the overall master plan for long-term success.
Read MoreThe Work-From-Club Movement: Designing Clubhouses for a Productive Member Day
When clubs support the productive member day, members don’t just visit—they linger. The club becomes the center of the day, not simply the destination after everything else is finished.
Read MoreCapital Planning – Lump Sum or Monthly Payments?
More clubs are choosing lump-sum capital assessments over installment plans when determining how to ask members to help fund capital projects.
Read MoreWhy the Clubhouse of the Future Must be Multi-Generational
The clubhouse of the future must serve multiple generations at once, or risk becoming irrelevant to the very members it hopes to attract.
Read MoreHow Should Clubs Proceed and Succeed in These More Uncertain Times?
Clubs that succumb to this paralysis often find themselves falling further behind competitively, as deferred maintenance evolves into more expensive repairs and delayed strategic initiatives become missed opportunities.
Read MoreAre Private Clubs Missing a “Life Time” Opportunity?
Imagine a club that delivers flexible, engaging athletic programming that includes evening pickleball socials with drinks and live music, high-energy HIIT fitness classes – and boutique-style wellness offerings.
Read MoreGet Ready for the Future, Private Clubs “Life Time is Coming”
The private club industry should be growing, but it isn’t. Now more and more clubs of all types are being started by business-focused, for-profit organizations, as true private clubs are slow to act.
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