Meet Our Team

Dr. Jim Butler

Chief Executive Officer

Jim Butler brings a unique perspective to his leadership role at Club Benchmarking. He earned a PhD in Hospitality from Iowa State University for his research on member loyalty and attachment. In addition, he holds an MBA in Real Estate Development & Finance, a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry and a Turfgrass degree. Jim has a wealth of operational experience and a proven track record in real estate sales and capital improvement and renovation in gated communities. He is a recognized leader in data science and academic research and a highly sought educator and public speaker. 

Email: Jim Butler, CEO
Extension: 115

Ray Cronin

Club Benchmarking Founder

Ray has been leading high technology companies for more than 30 years specializing in building teams and navigating early startup phases. He founded Club Benchmarking in 2009 and is recognized in the club industry for his ability to communicate the strategic financial dynamics in private clubs. He has earned a reputation as a top-rated speaker for club manager, controller and board education, best known for his high-energy presentations, thought-provoking delivery and thick Boston accent. Ray was named Club Industry Educator of the Year by BoardRoom Magazine in 2018 and recognized as an “Industry Influencer” in 2019. He served three terms as President of Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton, MA. He holds a BSEE from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Harvard Business School. An avid golfer and a hockey fan, Ray lives in Cape Cod, MA.

Email: Ray Cronin, Founder
Extension: 114

Mike Morin

Chief Operating Officer

As COO, Mike oversees the company's internal operations and works with the entire team to deliver value and success to our partner clubs. He joined the Club Benchmarking team in 2017 to lead the Data Management & Research team and serve as coordinator for Employee Engagement Surveys and Member Surveys. In his earlier career he served in management for the UMass Club in Boston, Jupiter Island Club in Florida and Bald Peak Colony Club in New Hampshire and he holds a Hospitality Management degree from University of New Hampshire. Mike is a New Hampshire native currently living in Boston with his family.

Email: Mike Morin

Teri Finan

Vice President, Communications & Branding 

Teri began her club industry career in 1994 as editor of Club Management Magazine. She went on to serve as editor of the Private Club Advisor business letter for 10 years before joining the Club Benchmarking team in 2012. Teri’s focus is advancing the company's mission to support and strengthen the club industry through communication, education and partnerships.

Email: Teri Finan
Phone: 617-830-2570

Denis O'Connell

Vice President, Technology

Denis is in charge of the company's technical direction and software development and he leads the team responsible for building and evolving the VISTA platform. He graduated from Boston College with a BS in Computer Science in 1995 and has more than 20 years experience in developing web applications, leading teams and using technology to resolve problems. Previous clients include FootJoy, Titleist and other Acushnet Golf companies. Denis enjoys spending time with his family and teaching and training as a black belt in American Jiu Jitsu.

Email: Denis O'Connell

Brent Hildreth

Vice President, Asset Management

Brent Hildreth has extensive experience in developing and executing strategic business initiatives, with specialization in facilities oversight, and evaluation and improvement of operational efficiencies. As leader of the company's COMPASS capital planning division, Brent and his team have delivered comprehensive asset management solutions to hundreds of clubs across North America. Prior to joining Club Benchmarking, Brent led teams in the US, Europe, UK and Asia. A US Navy veteran, he served six years as a Sonar Technician on nuclear submarines. He attended Milwaukee Technical College. A proud father of two, Brent resides just outside of Boston and enjoys playing golf and watching the Red Sox.

Email: Brent Hildreth
Extension: 107

Chris Barron, CCM

Vice President, Private Club Partnerships
and Executive Director
Northeast U.S. & Eastern Canada

 With more than 25 years of experience in the private club industry, Chris has served as a Club Benchmarking Executive Director for the Northeast United States and Eastern Canada since January of 2020. Chris attended the University of Massachusetts and began his private club career at Rancho La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California in 1998.

Over the span of 12 years, Chris served as General Manager at Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington, Vermont and Thorny Lea Golf in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Chris received his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation from the Club Management Association of America in 2014. In his energetic style, Chris has made more than 200 presentations to private club boards across North America. Chris has also been a featured speaker at CMAA and CMAC National Conferences, HFTP Annual Convention and has provided education sessions for several CMAA chapters and CMAC branches.

Chris is a Past President of the New England Chapter of CMAA and resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts with his wife Jenny and their two daughters. 

Email: Chris Barron, CCM
Phone: 802-238-0512
Territory: New England and Northern New York State in the US and Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada

Bryan LaBlue

Senior Director, Research and Innovation

Before joining the Club Benchmarking team in 2023, Bryan LaBlue applied his critical thinking skills and passion for data as General Manager and Director of Operations for several New England restaurant groups  and private country clubs.

As Senior Director of Research and Innovation, his focus is on research, organizing data, finding insights and developing forward-looking ideas that improve our insight, data accuracy and speed of response. A Massachusetts native, Bryan is an avid follower of all Boston sports teams and he resides with his wife and two children in Walpole, MA.

Email: Bryan LaBlue
Phone: 774-571-8427

Steve Mona

Director of Governance & Leadership

Steve Mona is a well-known and highly respected figure in the golf industry who joined the Club Benchmarking team in 2019 as Director of Governance & Leadership. His career includes leadership roles with the Northern California Golf Association, United States Golf Association and Georgia State Golf Association, and both Golf Digest and Golf Inc. magazine have recognized him as one of the "Most Powerful People in Golf." Mona was named CEO of the World Golf Foundation in 2008 after 15 years as CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. A native of New York, Mona earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University (CA). He lives with his wife Cyndi in Davidson, NC.

Email: Steve Mona
Phone: 904-755-3834

Michael Timmerman, CRE

Chief Market Intelligence Officer

Mike is a self-professed data geek who has been analyzing economic trends and providing clients with market intelligence related to housing and community development for more than 30 years. Before joining Club Benchmarking, he was Senior Vice President of Meyers Research, a national real estate advisory and data technology firm. He holds a bachelors in Economics and he is a CRE member of the Counselors of Real Estate. Mike enjoys serving clients across the country and his home base is in Florida.

Email: Mike Timmerman
Phone: 239-269-0769

Jim Boyle

Director of Member Success

Jim's club career began in 1988 as Chief Financial Officer at Ipswich Country Club. He holds a BS in Management and a Masters in Accountancy from Bentley University in Waltham, MA. As Director of Member Success, his passion is supporting Club Benchmarking members and refining the company's tools and processes. Jim is an avid reader and a proud father of nine who lives in the North Shore area of Boston.

Email: Jim Boyle
Phone: 978-505-1643

Mike Benner, PGA

Data Management Specialist

Mike Benner is a Data Management Specialist with more than 25 years of experience in club and golf operations. His primary focus is analysis of financial and operational data, and his extensive club industry background adds valuable insight to his role. Before joining the Club Benchmarking team in 2023, Mike served as the General Manager of Coosaw Creek Country Club in Charleston, SC for more than 14 years. A PGA member since 2010, Mike’s career in the club industry has seen him in various roles, including General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, and Director of Instruction at several private and semi-private clubs along the East Coast.

Email: Mike Benner, PGA
Phone: 301-529-0849

Jessie L. Hershey
MHR, SHRM-CP, PHR, PASC

Compensation & Benefits Specialist

Jessie Hershey is a Member Success Manager specializing in compensation & benefits. Her career as an HR Director began at the Association of Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where she served for 15 years. During her eight-year tenure as a Human Resources Manager for Phoenix Financial Services, she oversaw day-to-day HR operations for six private clubs in South Carolina.

Jessie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s College (NY) and a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Mercy College (NY). Her certifications include PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional). A native of Pennsylvania, Jessie currently resides in Charlotte County, FL.

Email: Jessie Hershey
Phone: 845-548-0247

Kevin Shea

Member Success Manager

Kevin is a Member Success Manager focused on CB special projects. Prior to joining Club Benchmarking, he served as Assistant Manager at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, GA and at The Country Club in Brookline, MA. He holds a Hospitality & Business Management degree with a minor in Economics from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A native of Duxbury, MA, he enjoys playing golf and he is a major supporter of all Boston sports teams.

Email: Kevin Shea
Extension: 106

Jessica Speaker

Survey Research Manager

Jessica is a key member of the Club Benchmarking survey team. She specializes in administration and support of member and employee engagement benchmarking and related research. She brings a wealth of hospitality management experience to her role including leadership positions for The Argyle in San Antonio, TX, The Racquet Club in Midland, TX, Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, NY, Marriott Hotels and Norwegian Cruise Line America.

Email: Jessica Speaker
Phone: 617-830-2570

Peter George

Data Analyst

Peter George joined Club Benchmarking after graduating from Harvard University in 2022 where he studied Applied Mathematics and Economics. As a CB Data Analyst, he works closely with the Data Management and Software Development teams.

During his time at Harvard, Peter interned for Club Benchmarking and served as Assistant to the Head Golf Professional at Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island. A member of Harvard’s Division 1 Varsity Golf Team, he earned his Varsity letter all four years, was elected Team Captain in his senior year and received the Team Player Award for leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity in 2019. Peter grew up in Naples, FL and currently resides just south of DC in Fairfax, VA.

Email: Peter George
Phone: 239-860-1468

Diane Willi

Communications Manager

Prior to joining Club Benchmarking in 2022, Diane served for nearly two decades as the Director of Communications at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a member of the CB Communications team, Diane's focus is on supporting all aspects of the company's internal and external communications. 

Diane holds a B.A. in Communications from Virgina Tech and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and two daughters.

Email: Diane Willi

Matthew Bragg, MBA 

Capital Asset Manager

Matt is a Capital Asset Manager with experience in private club management as well as residential and commercial property valuation and appraisals. Since joining Club Benchmarking in 2018, Matt has worked with more than 200 private clubs to develop comprehensive capital plans.

His hospitality background includes serving as Clubhouse Manager at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania and Assistant Manager at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Georgia. Matt holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management & Business from The University of Tennessee, and an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, GA. Born in Plainfield, NJ, Matt currently resides in Acworth, GA with his wife, Kristen. He is passionate about the Hospitality industry and enjoys cooking, golf and travel.

Email: Matthew Bragg
Phone: 704-608-2506

Lewis Rosenbloom

Capital Asset Manager

Over his 18-year private club management career, Lew has served a variety of different types of clubs; an historic member-owned club, a developer-owned club and a 15-year-old transitioned club. As Chief Operating Officer for eight years at Heritage Club near Cincinnati, Lew led a successful effort to develop and implement a 10 year strategic plan for the club. He resides in the Greater Cincinnati area with his wife Connie. He is passionate about the club industry and enjoys golf and cooking.

Email: Lewis Rosenbloom
Phone: 513-314-5455

Zach Adams

Capital Asset Manager

Zach is a Capital Asset Manager with extensive hospitality and private club experience. Prior to joining the Club Benchmarking team, he served as Clubhouse Manager of Outlaw at the Desert Mountain Club in Arizona, and as Assistant Manager at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Georgia. Zach holds a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MBA from the University of Georgia. Zach currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, but was raised in Atlanta, GA. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, cooking and participating in a variety of outdoor activities.

Email: Zach Adams
Phone: 678-910-5821 

Michael Vogt, CGCS
Capital Asset Manager

As a veteran of the golf business with more than a decade of experience in golf-specific asset reserve studies, Mike brings a unique perspective to his work as a Club Benchmarking Capital Asset Manager.

He got his start in the golf business as a caddie in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and his career includes more than 30 years of experience in golf course construction and maintenance. He also served as General Manager of a private club in Illinois.

After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, he served as President of the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation and received the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award in 1990. An AA Life Member of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA), Mike has received numerous awards and recognitions as an author and presenter on topics pertaining to the golf industry. He is an avid fly fisher and he resides with his wife Vicky in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Email: Michael Vogt
Phone: 636-446-0699

Andrea Drake, PGA

Capital Asset Manager

Andrea Drake is a Capital Asset Manager with nearly three decades of experience in the private club industry. Prior to joining the Club Benchmarking Capital Reserve Study team, she enjoyed a successful career as a PGA Golf Professional known for her ability to strengthen and enhance golf operations.

Andrea holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Alabama. Originally from Memphis, TN, Andrea currently resides in Bonita Springs, FL with her husband Tom.

Email: Andrea Drake
Phone: 239-404-3720

Chris Davis

Director - Data Analytics & Capital Planning

Chris is an experienced financial professional with expertise in budgets and strategic planning. His golf industry career includes event management at the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Open at Pinehurst and Walker Cup Matches. Chris served as Director of Operations for Peter Jacobsen SPORTS for more than 10 years before joining Club Benchmarking in May of 2017. Since joining Club Benchmarking, Chris has led the development and implementation of the Strategic Monthly Dashboard initiative. He continues to work with numerous clubs across North America facilitating development of financially sustainable, forward-looking capital plans. A Massachusetts native and proud father of two, Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College, Carroll School of Management.

Email: Chris Davis

John Clark

Manager of Capital Strategies

John Clark is an experienced financial advisor and business strategist who specializes in bridging strategic, operational, and financial initiatives in private clubs to achieve the goal of aligning strategic goals with operational and financial realities. As Manager of Capital Strategies for Club Benchmarking, he supports partner clubs through the Capital Strategies Modeling process.

John's career began at Deloitte & Touche, one of the leading public accounting firms in the United States. His track record of success spans more than 30 years serving and supporting organizations in the hospitality industry including Kemper Sports, First Tee, Potbelly, Jimmy Johns, The Pebble Beach Company, the Il Fornaio Restaurant Group and Quail Lodge and Golf Club. He holds a BS in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University, Fresno and his non-profit board experience includes terms as President of The Land Connection and Treasurer of The First Tee of Greater Chicago.

Email: John Clark
Phone: 847-323-6374 

Eric Gregory, CCM

Executive Director
West Coast

Eric is a recognized club industry expert on the subject of capital planning and capital strategies. His club career spans more than two decades including 10 years as GM/COO and an adjunct professorship teaching Advanced Club Management at Cal Poly - Pomona. As a regional CB Partner, he supports the entire range of Club Benchmarking Solutions for clubs in the Western US and Western Canada from his home base in Pasadena, CA.

Email: Eric Gregory
Phone: 626-325-3486
Territory: CA, OR, WA, NV, NM, UT, ID, AZ, HI

Tom Olson

Executive Director - Midwest

Tom is a dedicated club industry professional who has managed private clubs for more than 12 years, serving as General Manager at clubs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He studied Business Management with an emphasis in Operations Management at St. Cloud State University. ​

Tom was president of the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter for two years and a chapter board member for six years. He served on several CMAA national committees including the student chapter task force.​ He also teaches several chapters of the Contemporary Club Management text at University of Wisconsin - Stout and the finance section for BMI - General Manager at Michigan State.​ He is an avid sports fan and participant who loves the outdoors and spending time with his family.​

Email: Tom Olson
Phone: 320-493-1892
Territory: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MT, MO, ND, SD, NE, OH, WI, WY, MANITOBA and SASKATCHEWAN

Ken Butler, CCM

Executive Director - Mid Atlantic

Ken Butler, Executive Director and CB Partner for clubs in the Mid-Atlantic Region, is an experienced private club professional and former restaurant owner. A recognized leader in the hospitality and private club industries, he is certified by the Club Management Association of America and a member of the Association's prestigious Honor Society.

During his club management career, Ken built a track record of success in design, development and implementation of dynamic capital improvement programs. He is an enthusiastic golfer, horseman and musician who resides in Maryland's Eastern Shore. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Widener University and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from the Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St Louis, MO.

Email:  Ken Butler, CCM
Phone: 410-810-4329
Territory: MD, PA, DE, DC, NJ, NY-South, VA, WV

Wray Crippin, CCM, CCE

Executive Director - South Central

Wray is a  club professional with more than two decades of experience in project management, financial accountability and strategic leadership.

Raised in a small town in West Texas, his club career began in 1986 in the golf department at a private club in Dallas, TX. He worked his way up to management and went on to serve as GM at clubs in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Alabama. Wray earned the Certified Club Manager and Certified Chief Executive designations from the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and is a past President of the Texas Lone Star Chapter.

Email: Wray Crippin
Phone: 432-266-9729
Territory: AL, AR, GA, OK, TN, TX, LA, MS, NC, SC

Nitish Rajbhandary

Senior Software Engineer

As a Senior Software Engineer, Nitish works on software development as well as Research & Development on emerging web technologies. Graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from San Francisco State University, along with a Master’s in Information Technology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Nitish has more than six years of experience in full stack development, software design, and problem-solving. Prior to joining the Club Benchmarking team, he worked in software design and development for OATI and AgStar. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Nitish likes reading, discovering eccentric yet catchy indie music, and hiking.

Email: Nitish Rajbhandary