McMahon’s Refresher Service Revives Strategic Planning for CMAA Local Chapters

Business people looking at projector during video conference in office
Business people looking at projector during video conference in office

The McMahon Group’s Strategic Planning Refresher service helps CMAA local chapters ensure that their strategies and programming are on target to provide maximum benefits and value for their memberships.

The new challenges presented by the post-pandemic period has created renewed interest in the Refresher service, with McMahon’s Chris Coulter and Kevin Carroll have conducted sessions for the Golden State, New England Wisconsin Badger, and Metropolitan Chapters. Additionally, in February of 2022 McMahon presented a session about the service at the CMAA World Conference in San Diego.

“Just as clubs themselves are now refocusing on how to keep their members engaged as we emerge from COVID, the CMAA chapters have identified the same need, to make sure they are serving their members with timely and relevant content and services,” says Coulter.

For the one-day Strategic Planning Refresher sessions, Coulter, Carroll and other McMahon consultants draw on their extensive career experience leading and participating in chapter activities themselves, as they work with chapter Boards and those involved with affiliated foundations to:

  • Study the major issues affecting the chapter
  • Identify and prioritize goals for chapter success
  • Develop action plans and steps for their implementation

The Refresher process begins by having Board members complete a brief, online survey to help develop the primary objectives for the planning session and identify the major chapter issues needing resolution. A Refresher planning meeting is then moderated by McMahon principals, to facilitate a discussion of those issues and establish a plan for addressing and resolving them.

After the Refresher session, McMahon provides a summary report with specific strategic recommendations for how to prioritize and pursue the goals that have been established.

After a Strategic Planning Refresher was held recently with the Wisconsin Badger Chapter, Managing Director Kathy Collins provided these insights into the value and takeaways that the session provided:

“Chris Coulter and Kevin Carroll facilitated an interactive, productive and forward-looking discussion with our Chapter and Foundation Board of Directors. They conducted the discussion in an extremely positive manner, making sure everyone’s voice was heard. They assisted us in highlighting what we are doing well, while also identifying areas where we can grow, evolve and enhance the value of membership to our chapter members and corporate partners.

“Action items have been clearly identified and the path is paved to success,” Collins added. “We wrapped up this tremendous day identifying that our two Boards will come together more often to work this new plan together.”

For more details on Strategic Planning Refresher sessions and how one can be arranged for your CMAA chapter, contact Alison McMahon, Marketing Director, at amcmahon@mcmahongroup.com or 314-744-5040.

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About Kevin Carroll, CCM, ECM, CCE, CAM

After a stellar career leading dynamic teams at country clubs, city clubs, and a luxury club community, Kevin Carroll now brings his knowledge and expertise to the McMahon Group.

Kevin’s leadership experience includes GM/COO roles at full-service country clubs of up to 1,900 members (Atlanta Athletic Club), clubs with a national prominence in the world of championship golf (Atlanta Athletic Club and Bellerive Country Club), and a private luxury HOA community (The Loxahatchee Club). He also has experience leading city and athletic clubs including a private club in Palm Beach, Florida and The University Club in St. Louis.

Kevin worked with boards and committees at each of these outstanding clubs to develop strategic planning and stellar facilities while providing world class amenities and service.

A degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America was the early foundation for his skill in food and beverage. As his career progressed, Kevin immersed himself in all aspects of the club industry and broadened his reach into facilities planning and management, athletics, finance, agronomy, and club governance.

Kevin’s leadership experience also extends to the volunteer boards of two national organizations eventually becoming President of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and The University of Kansas Alumni Association. At KU he chaired the committee on facilities planning which led to a $35 million capital plan for a new welcome center adjoining a newly renovated alumni center.

Kevin has been a featured speaker at numerous industry events including four years on the Adjunct Faculty, CMAA Business Management Institute (BMI)-Club Management. Topic: Professional Branding and Standards. His many awards and honors include being awarded the Excellence in Club Management Award, presented by the McMahon Group and being a member of the inaugural class of CMAA Fellows.

Kevin’s extensive knowledge of the club industry combined with experience as an executive at premium clubs is a welcome addition to the McMahon team.

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