Barbara McAuliffe – Vice President, Search & Consulting

Barbara McAuliffe has built her career in the golf and private club industry, bringing extensive experience in club management, operations, membership development, marketing, and consulting. She began her career with National Fairways, Inc., a Connecticut-based golf management company with a portfolio of private, semi-private, and public clubs throughout the Northeast and Florida. She advanced through several leadership positions, including Director of Membership Services, Marketing Director, General Manager, and Assistant Regional General Manager, gaining broad operational and strategic experience. Her portfolio included Hudson National Golf Club (NY), Hidden Hills Country Club (FL), OakBridge Club at Sawgrass (FL), and St. Augustine Shores (FL).

Barbara later joined Reed Exhibitions, where she served as Event and Marketing Director for the PGA Merchandise Show and PGA Expo, in partnership with the PGA of America. In this role, she developed key industry relationships and led targeted marketing initiatives that consistently increased attendance and enhanced the overall event experience.

Barbara joined DENEHY Club Thinking Partners in 2011 and serves as Vice President, Search & Consulting. She plays a central role in client relations and works across the firm’s full range of consulting and advisory services, including strategic planning, governance reviews, member and employee surveys, operational assessments, and organizational effectiveness. Drawing on her firsthand club management experience and industry knowledge, she works closely with club boards and management teams to assess organizational needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop actionable recommendations that support long-term success. She also leads executive search assignments for golf professional and membership leadership positions.

Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Springfield College and has completed performance management training through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She is based in the firm’s Fairfield, Connecticut office.