The State of Private Club Governance: Survey Findings and Solutions

Private clubs often pride themselves on tradition—but without strong governance, even the most respected institutions can find themselves unprepared for what's ahead. In this data-driven conversation, Ed Heil talks with Joseph Abely, Executive Consultant at Club Benchmarking and lead author of the Club Benchmarking 2025 Governance Report. Rather than offering surface-level advice, Joe draws on insights from over 400 clubs to reveal what actually moves the needle: board education, succession planning, and long-term strategic thinking. The findings are clear—clubs that prioritize these elements don't just function more smoothly; they outperform their peers financially and operationally. If your board meetings are focused on operational fixes instead of future vision, this episode is your wake-up call.