Joe Smith, CCM, general manager and chief operating officer of the Countryside Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida, has been awarded with the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation by the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM designation indicates that a club management professional has completed a rigorous course of study and training and shows a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management. Approximately 1,500 CMAA members hold this prestigious designation.

Established in 1965, the CCM designation is the hallmark of professionalism in club management. It is a valuable, internationally recognized, and widely respected mark of an individual’s long-term commitment to professional development and the club industry.

In order to receive the CCM designation, one must invest time in specified educational requirements through the Business Management Institutes, attend the World Conference on Club Management and maintain activity within their local chapter. After these conditions have been met, the individual must pass the CCM Exam.

Smith was approved by the Certification Committee of CMAA after successfully passing an extensive certification examination on club operations. He joins more than 1,500 club managers worldwide who have attained this hallmark of professionalism in club management.

Through the Certified Club Manager designation, CMAA encourages the education and advancement of its members and assists club officers and members in securing the most efficient and successful club operations available.

About Countryside Golf & Country Club 

Countryside Golf & Country Club is a resident-owned gated golf community with 1,133 residential units, including 221 detached single- family homes. The private community rests among hundreds of tropical Florida trees and a tranquil 70-par, 18-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course with attractive lakes and beautiful landscaping to provide members with a variety of competitive levels. The golf course underwent a massive redesign in 2019 by renowned architect Kipp Schulties. Countryside is a financially sound country club. There is no membership initiation fee. For more information, visit www.countrysidegcc.net or call 239-353-1780.

About Club Management Association of America

Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 42 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.