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 Christopher McClure , president at La Grange Country Club in La Grange, IL. 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.

Chris McClure, President

La Grange Country Club | La Grange, IL

"Member engagement and collaboration are critical to the growth and success of a club. Members must know they have an important voice in the future of the club and an obligation to participate in the planning process. It can't just be nine people in a boardroom making all the decisions in a vacuum."

And that's the operating philosophy of Chris McClure as president of La Grange Country Club in La Grange, IL??

"Board members must make a concerted effort to educate themselves on best practices for club strategy and governance. We are volunteers, not club professionals, so we must take advantage of outside education, consulting advice, and peer group benchmarking to ensure we're pursuing the right strategic plan for our membership," he added.

During President McClure's tenure, the board of governors experienced multiple obstacles as plans for renovations were initially opposed by some members. However, Chris maintained the club's integrity while clearly and consistently communicating with members about how vital and important renovations were for the future of LGCC.?

"With Chris continuously thinking of the 'tomorrow' and proactively working for enhanced experiences, our club has remained the vibrant jewel that our founding members created," said the club general manager William Duy .

President McClure is a CPA, has an MBA from Kellogg Graduate School and is a partner with the international consulting firm Crowe. He's been a La Grange Country Club member since 2012 and served as head of membership, executive leadership and president.

Chris is also Chairman of the Mid-Market Open golf tournament benefitting the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and has served in leadership roles with Cabrini Green Legal Aid and the Chicago Bar Foundation.?