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 David Frank, president at BallenIsles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.?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.

David Frank, President

BallenIsles Country Club?|?Palm Beach Gardens, FL

“Being president of a large, residential country club is a serious endeavor,” explained David Frank, president, BallenIsles Country Club , a BoardRoom Distinguished Clubs in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.?

“The commitment in time and energy exceeds what’s been expected, but it’s rewarding leading the club’s response to its many and evolving challenges.”

During his tenure, Frank has supported the implementation of the club’s 10-year strategic plan, road mapped and identified capital needs and funding sources through 2030, and worked with the club’s GM/COO Ryan Walls, conducting over 20 membership strategic planning workshops to support consistent, transparent and effective communications with the membership.

“The goal of the workshops has been to communicate the strategic plan and the key projects needed to modernize and expand the club facilities,” stated Walls.?“This includes funding of $1.3 million for the racquet sports complex expansion, $6.5 million for the refresh of the Signature East Course with Nicklaus Design, $1.5 million for a complete renovation of the golf practice facility, and the addition of a new $1.5 million learning center with state-of-the-art electronics. Also being considered is an expansion and over $12-20 million of upgrades to our fitness center, pools, Pilates studio, racquets facilities and outdoor spaces related to the sports complex.”

Members join private clubs for a sense of community and belonging and the workshops have proven a successful means for member inclusion and participation in major decisions.?

Frank’s experience as a member of the board since 2018 and various cub committees (chairman of the grievance committee 2015-2018 and member of the nominating committee 2014-2015) gives him insight into how the board’s short-term decision-making has context to long-term planning and a direct impact on the quality and integrity of the club in the overall scope of the residential community and its home values.

“President David Frank has no special agenda other than the success of the club, which means maximizing the member experience in a fiscally responsible manner. He firmly believes in the management team running the club and the board providing support and direction on strategy and governance.”

Ryan Walls, GM/COO

“His passion for BallenIsles is evident by calling BallenIsles home since 1999. His goal as president is to present BallenIsles as the premier place to live and enjoy in Palm Beach County. His style of leadership is very important in a club of our scale. His calm and reasoned approach minimizes the more traditional emotional decision making of the country club environment and allows us to plan and strategize based solely on what is best for the club and its members. His approach is widely regarded across our diverse membership, which includes some 2,500 members,” Walls added.

Frank attended college at MIT where he studied engineering and computer science. Following graduation, he went to Harvard Law School and received a JD. He practiced patent law for two years and then completed his education at Boston University with an MBA in Finance. Frank worked in the financial services industry, including mergers and acquisitions, and mortgage banking, where he became president of a multi-billion dollar NYSE company.?

David Frank and his wife Carolyn reside at BallenIsles seven months of the year. They spend their summers in NJ near his two daughters, two nieces, and their families. ?