BoardRoom magazine Top Private Club Presidents of 2021

BoardRoom magazine annually recognizes the world’s top private club presidents, captains and chairs as Private Club Presidents of the Year, for their outstanding work, their understanding of the industry, and roles and responsibilities of the club’s board of directors. In this continuing series, BoardRoom introduces all of the Top 21 Presidents for 2021, this article features Rick Callan, president at Fort Collins Country Club in Fort Collins, CO. Private club board presidents play a huge role in the professional operations of their clubs as a volunteer working diligently with their board of directors and general managers, striving for well-informed, but not emotional decisions. This recognition by BoardRoom magazine has attracted board president nominations from clubs and other nominators around the world.

Rick Callan, President

Fort Collins Country Club, Fort Collins, CO

“While enduring the global pandemic and prospering because of staycationing, Fort Collins Country Club President Rick Callan and his board also embarked on some new ventures.

Callan led the search for a new general manager, established a full membership - and waitlist, and initiated a maintenance and capital expense planning process that will serve the club well in the future.

In May 2021, with search assistance from Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, Callan and the staff welcomed Jenny Gwinner as the new general manager of FCCC. After the board’s operational involvement for over a year, they could confidently step back to setting policy, focusing on strategic planning and capital investment and providing oversight and guidance to the club’s operations.?

“Rick’s leadership extended across all aspects of the club,” praised Gwinner. “His support and attendance were felt whole-heartedly among the membership and staff. In addition, he handled any issue that arose with careful thought, professionalism and poise while always staying true to our mission and vision statements, core values and brand promise.”

Not one to take credit, Callan offered, “Past president Jason Barrett laid the foundation at FCCC by championing our club’s vision, mission, brand promise and core values. My goal was to build upon this foundation and focus on the mantra and member experience.”

The park-like golf course has never played better, the sports and wellness facility with indoor tennis courts provides year-round play, and the F&B team serves a celebrated culinary product for all members to enjoy. Besides offering a fully amenitized club that serves the entire family, FCCC has outstanding operational leadership with a staff that strives to deliver an elevated member experience that’s second to none.

A third-generation Denverite, who grew up playing golf in the ‘70s at Paradise Valley Country Club, Callan moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University and fell in love with the Choice City. Callan has worked in business administration, finance, management, and accounting before making real estate and development his profession. ?BR