Richard L. LaRocca
Alexandria, Virginia, United States:
Club Management magazine has named
Richard L. LaRocca as the 2017 Club Executive of the Year.
A member of the Florida Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), LaRocca serves as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of The Country Club of Orlando in Florida.
During his tenure at The Country Club of Orlando, LaRocca has made a substantial impact on the culture, physical structure and grounds, and staff engagement.
In the past year, he has specifically focused on the development of the strategic masterplan and undertaken both a clubhouse and golf course renovation.
As described by
Lauren MacDonald, Clubhouse Manager, at The Country Club of Orlando: “Richard is passionate and dedicated to mentoring his team. From senior management to hourly employees, Richard ensures face time with every member of staff and fights for resources to give them the best training and knowledge available.
“Richard has a celebrated career of building teams and improving clubs, but his commitment to mentoring and giving back to the CMAA is truly what should be acknowledged and commended by his peers.”
Each year,
Club Management recognises the best in club leadership with the Club Executive of the Year Award.
This prestigious honour is presented to the club executive who most embodies the values, vision, and professionalism of the CMAA. Nominations are accepted in early fall, and selections are made by a committee of club management professionals.
Originally known as the Club Manager of the Year, this distinction was created in 1985 by
Club Management magazine to honour an individual who by his or her achievements best represents the qualities found in all hard-working, dedicated club management professionals.
In 2008, the award was re-titled to mirror the evolution of the club management profession.
LaRocca is the 32nd club executive to be honoured through this award.
The full cover story on the 2017 Club Executive of the Year can be seen in the January/February 2018 issue of
Club Management magazine.