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 Chris D. Crawshaw, president at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, 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 D. Crawshaw, President

Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette, IL

It's his love of being a member of Westmoreland Country Club and his ability to have those around him focus on the club's greatness that President Chris D. Crawshaw was able to take an outdoor space redesign project from start to finish successfully in 2021.

"For a few years, the club had been discussing a redesign of an outdoor space, and President Crawshaw decided it was time to get the project completed."

Mark Constantinou

Westmoreland's GM/COO

"Before our main season in 2021, we successfully completed our Crab Apple Patio, including a larger footprint and amazing new furniture. This enhanced melting pot area of the club was active throughout the season and was very well received. This project came to fruition because of a shared vision and a common goal, which Crawshaw championed effectively for the greater good of the club.

"Crawshaw views the club as a home away from home, embracing and appreciating our family serving family approach. His humble personality, genuine love for the club and the value he holds for being a member of the club, have contributed to an increased desire to serve by our entire team, which has elevated the member experience in all areas,” he added.

"His detailed approach, vision, compassion, understanding and collaboration propel him. He’s truly a servant leader. Not a time goes by when he isn't saying a genuine "THANK YOU" to staff - that's sincerely Chris Crawshaw as a person, as a member, as president and as a leader," exuded Constantinou.

"Between the board and me, our working relationship is close, collaborative, interdependent and built on the foundation of a clear vision and goals for the club, the board, the staff, the experience and more - the total package. We’ve seen this approach contribute to stronger relationships amongst the board, the executive team, our front-line staff (the heartbeat of the club) and the membership. And it's not just with President Crawshaw. Earlier board presidents and board members appreciate and value the staff and perceive them as the club's heartbeat."

Crawshaw believes, "We are family serving family," and that’s why he is one of BoardRoom's Top Private Club Presidents for 2021.

Crawshaw currently serves as a managing director for Alamar Capital Management, Inc., and has practiced in the investment management industry since 1989. He is a CFA and holds a B.A. in finance from the University of Tulsa and an M.B.A. in finance from DePaul University. He is a member of the executive advisory board of Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa and serves on the board of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Chicago. BR