Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) CEO James B. Singerling, CCM, has announced he will retire in 2015, completing 25 years of service. The announcement’s timing will allow Singerling to assist in the transition to a new CEO by his retirement date.
“The opportunity to lead this organization and continue to develop the club industry and its leaders has been tremendously gratifying,” said Singerling in a CMAA statement. “Our industry is well-positioned to continue expanding the scope and reach of clubs across the nation while also providing jobs and supporting local small businesses as we have for decades.”
Singerling began serving as CEO in 1990 and is credited with elevating the professional role of club managers by creating industry-standard development and certification programs. Over the past two decades, he spearheaded efforts to adopt the general manager/chief operating officer model at clubs nationwide, raising the qualifications and quality of club managers. Singerling is also recognized for building new relationships for the industry with federal and state governments and within the association community.
In addition to his work within the US, Singerling was instrumental in the development of professional club management associations internationally, helping other nations elevate the role of club managers by adopting professional standards and certifications. Regions where his leadership is recognized include South America, Australia, China, South Africa and the Asian-Pacific corridor, among others.