The Leaderboard

By: Clayton Elliot and Brad Milligan
Co-Founder and CEO
AceCall.ai

Private club leadership has always been about stewardship.

Stewardship of culture.
Stewardship of reputation.
Stewardship of capital.
Stewardship of people.

General Managers and COOs operate at the intersection of governance, operations, and member expectations. You are expected to see around corners, not just manage what is directly in front of you.

In 2026, one of those corners is artificial intelligence.

Martin Piché, CCM, BSc.
CMAC Ontario Branch – Secretary Treasurer
Chief Operating Officer, Scarboro Golf & Country Club

Martin Piché is a seasoned club management professional whose leadership and deep industry experience contribute to operational and strategic financial stewardship across the Ontario club sector.

Andrew Vento
Program Coordinator
Humber College’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) program

If you’re passionate about golf and envision a future in the industry—whether as a head professional, club manager, tournament organizer, instructor, or entrepreneur—then you already know that success in this field takes more than a good swing. It requires a deep understanding of the business of golf, leadership skills, and strong industry connections. That’s exactly where a Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program comes in.

Kathleen Howard
Vice-Chair, Professional Development Committee & Chair, Member Engagement Committee — CMAC Ontario Branch
Director of Food & Beverage, Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club

Kathleen Howard is a passionate club professional whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to hospitality, mentorship, and building meaningful member experiences. With a strong foundation in food and beverage leadership and a genuine love for the club environment, Kathleen brings both operational expertise and heart to everything she does.

Applications are open until March 15, 2026 at 5:00pm

Recognition is powerful. It motivates teams, strengthens community, and shines a spotlight on the people who make our industry — and our association — thrive. New this year, the CMAC Ontario Branch Awards Program is proud to recognize branch members who demonstrate leadership, creativity, support, and dedication to our community and the private club industry.

Kathleen Howard
Director of Food and Beverage 
The Cricket Club

The Ontario Branch of CMAC is excited to introduce a new committee focused on one thing we all value: connection.

Shaun Tyler
MBA, BComm, PGA of Canada Class "A"
Professor, Sport Management Program

Social media has revolutionized the way employers connect with potential hires and how job seekers find opportunities. With over 32 million active social media users in Canada—82% of the population—platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram have become critical tools in the recruitment landscape. This blog delves into some of the current trends, platform-specific strategies, and actionable tips for leveraging social media effectively for recruitment at your club.

Rob Matheson
Membership and Curling Manager
Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club

At Dundas Valley, we’ve really shifted how we think about curling. Sure, it’s still a sport — but more than that, it’s a great excuse to bring people together. Around here, it’s just as much about who you’re playing with as what kind of shot you make.

Nicholas D'Ovidio
Assistant General Manager
The Club at North Halton

Working in the kitchen gave me an invaluable 'insider's view' of the club. You're at the heart of the action, privy to the daily rhythms and the nuances of member preferences. I heard their feedback, understood their routines, and learned what truly mattered to them. This knowledge, gained from the ground up, provided a unique advantage when I transitioned to a more member-facing role. 

At the 2025 Annual Meeting held April 2, 2025 at The Boulevard Club we showcased our 3^rd Annual Idea Fair. Check out the entries!