Events, Sponsorships, Webinars & Press

WEBINAR RECORDINGS

DECEMBER 2023: NATIONAL CLUB ASSOCIATION/CTP WEBINAR

Aired: 12/14/23 at 2pm EST. Turf Wars!

CTP’s industry experts Pat Finlen, Dan Denehy, and Bob James participated in a webinar, “Turf Wars,” hosted by NCA. Participants gained insights from years of golf operations expertise as the experts navigated conflicts between Clubhouse and Golf Operations. Strategies for seamless collaboration, addressing staffing, budgeting, member expectations, long-term planning, communication, and event scheduling were discussed. It was an opportunity to enhance teams’ success and elevate member and guest experiences. Further details can be found here.

APRIL 2023: NATIONAL CLUB ASSOCIATION/CTP WEBINAR

Aired 4/26/2023: DENEHY Club Thinking Partners President, Dan Denehy, and Vice President, Bob James, recently collaborated for an engaging point-counterpoint webcast, where they delved into three compelling topics:

  1. Navigating High-Maintenance Members
  2. Fostering Employee Engagement
  3. Defining Board Roles in Operations

Watch the insightful discussion as these industry leaders shared expertise and perspectives on these critical aspects of club management. Recording can be found here.

SEPTEMBER 2022: NATIONAL CLUB ASSOCIATION/CTP WEBINAR

Aired 9/22/2022: DENEHY Club Thinking Partners President, Dan Denehy, and Vice President, Bob James, recently united for an insightful point-counterpoint webcast addressing pivotal issues within the private club industry. Drawing from their acclaimed Club Director column, Dan and Bob explored the following topics with diverse perspectives:

  1. The Evolution of Committees in Private Clubs
  2. Achieving Work-Life Balance: Is it Attainable?
  3. Private Club Discipline: Defining the Enforcer’s Role

The recorded session is available for viewing here.

Recording can be found here.

JUNE 2020: CTP/NCA Webinar: Getting Members on Board with the New Rules

Aired 6/5/2020: The rules have changed as clubs are slowly getting to the new normal. The team from Club Thinking Partners, a leading executive search and consulting firm serving the private club industry, will discuss how clubs are adapting and communicating these changes to get buy-in from their members.

Recording can be found here

CTP/MGA WEBINAR: The Strategic Role of your Board During the COVID-19 Crisis Board and Management Expectations 

Aired 6/4/2020: As clubs gradually reopened in a dynamic environment, the lines between the roles and responsibilities of the Board, committees, and management became blurred. To successfully navigate through the pandemic, clubs needed to adeptly manage change and respond quickly. Denehy and James presented strategies and tools to help boards evaluate their status, assign responsibilities, communicate effectively, and make crucial decisions to lead the Club through and beyond COVID-19.

To view slides from this presentation, please click here.

CTP/NCA WEBINAR: CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE: STAFFING UNTIL LABOR DAY

Aired 3/27/20: The rapid evolution of the Coronavirus pandemic posed a daily challenge for club leaders in managing both their business and personnel. In collaboration with the NCA, the Club Thinking Partners team engaged in a discussion regarding the information available at that time and the essential insights needed to make informed staffing decisions for the subsequent six months.

Recording can be found here. 

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

MetGCSA Conference
Thursday, November 13, 2025
10:15-11:15
Fenway Golf Club
384 Old Mamaroneck Road
Scarsdale, NY

Dan Denehy, CCM, CHA
President
Denehy Club Thinking Partners

Patrick Finlen, CGCS
Executive Vice President
Denehy Club Thinking Partners

2026 CMAA World Conference
February 17-21, 2026
Anaheim, CA

Many clubs are operating with outdated governance documents that no longer reflect their mission or membership. This session guides leaders through recognizing when it’s time for a governance update, how to start the process with the Board, and best practices for modernizing bylaws and committee structures without disrupting operations. Attendees will gain practical insights and leave with a clear roadmap to strengthen their club’s governance for the future. Learn more here.

Dan Denehy, CCM, CHA
President
Denehy Club Thinking Partners

Robert C. James, CCM, CCE, CHE – Vice President
Vice President
Denehy Club Thinking Partners

PRESS

October 2024
CTP’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT PAT FINLEN, NAMED RECIPIENT OF GCSAA’S 2025 COL. JOHN MORLEY AWARD

March 2023
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Partners With DENEHY CLUB THINKING PARTNERS for consulting services with lake of isles

February 2023
DENEHY Club Thinking Partners Welcomes Mark Sell, Making CTP the only executive search firm serving the private club and resort industry with a dedicated CPA on staff

June 2022
DENEHY Club Thinking Partners Welcomes Carolyn Kepcher

February 2022
DENEHY Club Thinking Partners Welcomes Pat Finlen as Executive Vice President

DENEHY Club Thinking Partners Renews Partnership with NCA for Tenth Year–Renewal Marks NCA’s Longest Serving Executive Search Firm Partner

May 2021
2020 Lawyer Of The Year Named Official Thinking Partner by DENEHY Club Thinking Partners

December 2019
Detroit Athletic Club Announces New Leadership

September 2019
DENEHY Club Thinking Partners Expands Team

Media Coverage

Explore CTP’s expert insights on leadership, management, and performance in the private club industry. DENEHY Club Thinking Partners offers in-depth articles that cover a range of topics, from onboarding strategies to risk management and board governance. Stay updated with practical advice to enhance your club’s operations and culture.

September 2025 |  Do You Really Know Your Members?

By Barb McAuliffe, Vice President, DENEHY Club Thinking Partners, and Brian Sherwood, Consultant, Research and Surveys, DENEHY Club Thinking Partners

Do you really know your members? Surveys turn opinions into evidence—revealing what to improve, where to invest, and how to elevate satisfaction and retention. Our latest article shows how top clubs use data to make smarter decisions—especially at season’s end.

Summer 2025 | Club Director | Bring Hospitality Back to the Dining Experience, and Members Will Come in Droves

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Private club members return not just for food and wine, but for the experience they have when dining at their club. In their latest article, Dan Denehy and Bob James reveal how legendary hosts like Oscar of the Waldorf and modern leaders like Will Guidara proved that hospitality—not just cuisine—creates loyalty. Discover why investing in front-of-house leadership is essential, how dining room managers elevate member experiences, and what clubs can do to make hospitality the star again.

July 2025 | DENEHY Dispatch | The Hidden Opportunity in Being Overlooked

By Carolyn Kepcher 

In her latest article, Carolyn Kepcher, Vice President at DENEHY Club Thinking Partners, explores what A-level talent can teach us about leadership in private clubs. She shares real-world insights into why top performers are sometimes passed over—and how clubs can better identify, support, and promote the leaders already in their midst.

Spring 2025 | Club Director | Embracing Full Onboarding: A Must for Private Clubs

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Comprehensive onboarding programs are essential for private clubs. Discover how structured onboarding for staff and private club boards enhances private club culture, leadership alignment, and member satisfaction. Learn how DENEHY Club Thinking Partners can customize an onboarding strategy for long-term success in private clubs.

Winter 2025 | Club Director | Setting Realistic Expectations in Private Club Management

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Clear expectations boost morale and accountability in private clubs. This article discusses the difference between goals and expectations and how setting achievable standards can keep your private club on track.

Fall 2024 | Club Director | The Power of Process: Key to Private Club Performance

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Private clubs thrive on clear, goal-driven processes. Learn how establishing structured processes ensures consistent performance, clarity, and alignment for long-term success in private clubs.

May/June 2024 | Boardroom | Work-Life Balance in Private Clubs

By Robert C. James

Employee retention in private clubs goes beyond policies; it’s about fostering a culture of empathy and support. Discover how cultivating work-life balance can help your private club team stay resilient and engaged.

Summer 2024 | Club Director | Managing Up: Leadership Imperative for Private Clubs

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Failure to manage up is a common cause of executive turnover in private clubs. Learn how “managing up” can empower leaders to build stronger relationships and succeed in their roles within private clubs.

Spring 2024 | Club Director | Employee Engagement in Private Clubs: Showing You Care

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Employee engagement in private clubs starts with genuine care. This article offers practical strategies to build trust, loyalty, and enhance performance in your private club team.

Fall 2023 | Club Director | Private Club Board Retreats: Boondoggle or Breakthrough?
By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Are private club board retreats truly valuable for private clubs, or just an excuse to travel? Explore how retreats can strengthen governance, alignment, and strategic planning within private club boards.

Summer 2023 | Club Director | Stop the Meeting Madness: Rethinking Private Club Committees

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Unproductive committees can hinder your private club’s growth. Learn how streamlining committee structures can empower leadership and improve governance in private clubs.

Spring 2023 | Club Director | Managing High-Maintenance Members in Private Clubs

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Managing difficult member behavior is essential for maintaining a positive private club culture. This article offers tips for setting clear boundaries and enforcing standards effectively in private clubs.

Winter 2023 | Club Director | Is Your Private Club Ready for a Downturn?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Private clubs need to plan for economic downturns. Discover creative revenue strategies and member experiences that can help your private club navigate uncertain times.

December 2022 | Club Director | Bridging the Communication Divide in Private Clubs

By Dan Denehy and Patrick Finlen

Communication breakdowns between departments and GMs can disrupt operations in private clubs. Learn how improving communication can enhance your private club’s performance and member satisfaction.

Fall 2022 | Club Director | Can Your Private Club Justify a 20% Dues Increase?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

With rising costs, private clubs must be strategic in increasing dues. Learn how to approach dues increases while maintaining member satisfaction and private club competitiveness.

Point/Counterpoint Webinar | Critical Issues in Private Club Leadership

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Explore leadership challenges in private clubs, including committees, work-life balance, and discipline enforcement, with insights from two leading industry voices.

Summer 2022 | Club Director | Holding the Private Club President Accountable

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

How can private club boards ensure that the club president remains accountable while maintaining trust? This article explores the key aspects of accountability in private club leadership.

Spring 2021 | Club Director | Why the Nominating Committee is the Lynchpin of Club Governance

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

The private club nominating process defines your future leadership. Learn best practices that ensure transparency, inclusion, and alignment with strategic goals.

Winter 2021 | Club Director | Is Stakeholder Capitalism Right for Your Private Club?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Modern private clubs are rethinking their purpose. Should they serve not just members but also employees, vendors, and the community? Explore what stakeholder capitalism could mean for your mission.

Fall 2020 | Club Director | Is Golf Still the Cornerstone of the Private Club Experience?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Golf is central to many private clubs—but is its dominance fading? This article evaluates changing member priorities and what it means for club programming.

Fall 2019 | Club Director | Point/Counterpoint: Overtime — Should it be vilified any longer?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Robert C. James argues that overtime can benefit employee retention in private clubs, offering extra income and reducing turnover costs. Dan Denehy emphasizes controlling labor costs and fostering employee loyalty through non-monetary incentives like training and work-life balance.

Winter 2019 | Club Director | What are some ways clubs can compete for entry-level employees in today’s job market?

By Robert C. James

Robert C. James explores strategies for attracting entry-level employees to private clubs, focusing on elevating the employer brand and investing in workplace culture to compete in today’s labor market.

Summer 2019 | Club Director | Risk Management: What is the fourth step in a risk management program?

By Robert C. James

The fourth step in a private club risk management program is implementing safeguards to protect finances and operations. Learn how proactive risk management can protect the club’s reputation and assets.

Spring 2019 | Club Director | Risk Management: What are the fiduciary responsibilities of boards to protect the club financially from natural disasters?

By Dan Denehy and Robert C. James

Dan Denehy and Robert C. James discuss the fiduciary responsibilities of private club boards to manage risks related to natural disasters, ensuring long-term club sustainability.

Fall 2018 | Club Director | Executive Contracts: How can employment agreements be a win-win for both the club and manager?

By Robert C. James

Robert C. James explains how clear, well-structured employment agreements can offer job security for managers while benefiting the club with aligned expectations and long-term stability.

Summer 2018 | Club Director | Wage & Benefits: What’s your compensation philosophy?

By Robert C. James

Robert C. James discusses how defining a compensation philosophy helps private clubs align staff compensation with strategic goals, attracting and retaining top talent while controlling labor costs.

Winter 2017 | Club Director | Where has all the talent gone, or, where is it going?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explores how private clubs are increasingly relying on management companies to fill key positions, addressing the challenges clubs face in attracting talent in today’s market.

Fall 2017 | Club Director | How is governance different with a management company?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explains how management companies can enhance governance in private clubs, balancing tradition with modern business practices to improve operations and member experiences.

Spring 2016 | Club Director | Why is it so hard for my club to find a membership director?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy discusses the challenges clubs face in hiring a Membership Director, highlighting the evolving expectations for strategic planning and sales skills in the role.

Winter 2015 | Club Director | What are some of the fundamentals of high-functioning service cultures?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explains the essential components of a high-functioning service culture, focusing on personalized service, cross-functional empowerment, and member satisfaction to drive loyalty.

Fall 2015 | Club Director | What is the difference between an employment contract and offer letter?

By Dan Denehy

Learn the differences between an employment contract and offer letter in private clubs. Dan Denehy explains how contracts provide stability and protect both the club and manager.

Spring 2015 | Club Director | How do you find the right interim GM and ensure his or her success?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy outlines how to select and set clear objectives for an interim General Manager, ensuring success during transitional periods in private clubs.

Winter 2014 | Club Director | What are the most critical components of an effective management team?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy discusses how a well-structured management team optimizes performance by aligning leadership vision, communication, and roles to enhance the member experience.

Summer 2014 | Club Director | How do you hold consultants accountable?

By Dan Denehy

Learn how to hold consultants accountable in private clubs by setting clear goals, defining expectations, and maintaining regular communication for successful outcomes.

Spring 2014 | Club Director | How do you say “no” in the boardroom?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explains how to navigate boardroom dynamics with emotional intelligence, ensuring that club goals are aligned and stakeholder expectations are managed respectfully.

Winter 2013 | Club Director | How do you measure success in the GM review?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explains how to measure GM success through regular reviews, goal alignment, and transparent communication to improve club operations and ensure long-term success.

Summer 2013 | Club Director | Has the recent recession brought about changes in the role GMs play at private clubs?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explores how the recession reshaped the role of GMs in private clubs, emphasizing business acumen, innovation, and adaptability to meet member demands.

Spring 2013 | Club Director | What are the non-monetary top trends in GM compensation packages?

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explores non-monetary trends in GM compensation, such as education benefits and technology allowances, helping clubs attract top talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Summer 2012 | Club Director | The General Manager Review

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy explains the 3P process—Progress, Problems, Plans—fostering clear communication and alignment between the General Manager, club board, and president for long-term success.

Summer 2011 | Club Director | Defining The Gold Standard

By Dan Denehy

Dan Denehy discusses how defining the gold standard in service excellence helps private clubs provide personalized service, cross-functional training, and exceptional member experiences.