NAPLES, FLORIDA (December 2, 2025)
Club Benchmarking and KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE continue to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to their teams to better serve their Clients and Industry Leaders. Both firms are thrilled to welcome Kevin P. Vitale, CCM as a Strategic Advisor, Search & Consulting Executive.
Kevin brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership in private club management, most notably as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. A historic and highly regarded property, Baltusrol Golf Club is designated a National Historic Landmark and is perennially ranked as one of the top private clubs in the world.
While at Baltusrol, Kevin led all facets of operations for the dual championship golf facility, which has hosted 19 major championships, including seven U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships. Under his leadership, the Club completed more than $130 million in capital improvements, including the full restoration of both golf courses by architect Gil Hanse and the development of new performance and fitness centers, practice facilities, and member dining venues. Throughout his leadership tenure, the Club has achieved significant financial growth and maintained a reputation for operational excellence, all without member assessments.
Kevin’s reputation as a principled and strategic leader, deeply committed to member value and professional development, has earned him recognition throughout the private club industry. He has served on the National Club Association Board (including as Chair), the Platinum Clubs of America Advisory Board, and the National Executive of the Year Committee, and has partnered extensively with the USGA and PGA of America in the planning and execution of major championships.
“Kevin Vitale is an extraordinary addition to both KK&W and Club Benchmarking,” shared Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow, Partner. “His long-standing leadership at one of the most recognized and respected clubs in the country, combined with his strategic acumen, operational expertise, and authentic approach to mentorship, perfectly align with the values and mission of our organizations. His insight and experience will bring tremendous value to our clients, candidates, and the industry as a whole.”
Kevin will share his time with Club Benchmarking, the industry leader in data, research, and business intelligence solutions for private clubs and KK&W, the industry leader in executive search, human asset management and governance education. In this dual role, he will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives that empower clubs through data-driven insights to strengthen their mission, optimize operations, and elevate the member experience.
Ray Cronin, Founder of Club Benchmarking, added, “Kevin’s leadership and performance at Baltusrol have set a standard that few in the industry can match. His understanding of the financial, strategic, and cultural dynamics that drive club excellence will be an incredible resource to the KK&W and Club Benchmarking alliance, and to all of the clubs our firms serve.”
Reflecting on his new role, Kevin shared, “I’m honored to join the KK&W and Club Benchmarking teams and contribute to their longstanding tradition of excellence. With a career centered on leadership, operations, and the member experience, I’m eager to apply that perspective to both executive search, identifying and developing the next generation of industry leaders, and strategic business planning that leverages data to drive operational excellence and sustained financial health.”
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Stonehill College and earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).
Please join us in welcoming Kevin Vitale, CCM to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking teams. He can be contacted at: kevin@kkandw.com or kvitale@clubbenchmarking.com. Please join us in welcoming Kevin Vitale, CCM to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Club Benchmarking teams.