GM and COO, Bishops Bay Country Club

Bryan Fisher, CCM

About Bryan

With a distinguished 24-year career in private clubs, Bryan has built a reputation for leadership that is both strategic and deeply personal. His expertise spans every facet of club operations, and his approach is rooted in a people-first philosophy that has consistently elevated member experiences and strengthened club communities.

Join us in welcoming Bryan

After an extensive, months-long search with industry-leading search firm Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, Bishops Bay Country Club is thrilled to welcome Bryan Fisher, CCM, as our new General Manager and COO. Bryan will be joining us in early March, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in private club management.

A Rigorous Search Process

The search process was thorough and collaborative, beginning with several candidates carefully selected and vetted by Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. Multiple rounds of interviews followed, involving KK&W, Search Committee Members including Chairman of the Search Committee Ron Slater, Kristin Balistreri, PJ Murphy, and Jim Metz, the Bishops Bay Board of Directors, and the Bishops Bay leadership team.

Among a number of impressive candidates, Bryan’s hands-on experience, informed vision, and people-first philosophy stood out at every stage.

From the Ground Up: Bryan’s Journey in Club Leadership

Bryan’s career in the club industry started at 5 AM in early 2000 as part of the maintenance crew at Eugene Country Club in Oregon. That experience gave him invaluable insight into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a club running smoothly. Over the years, he expanded his expertise, taking on roles in food and beverage, operations, and executive leadership before rising to General Manager.

Bryan’s leadership has been transformative at clubs like Columbia Edgewater and Oswego Lake Country Club, where he has fostered engaged member communities, driven operational improvements, and introduced forward-thinking initiatives.

His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful:
“The most important thing we do is take care of each other.”

This approach has guided him in building strong teams, enhancing club culture, and ensuring long-term success.

A proven track record of excellence

Bryan’s ability to balance big-picture strategy with operational execution has led to meaningful, lasting improvements in the clubs he has served. Some of his career highlights include:

Leading Vision 2024, a $9 million capital improvement project at Oswego Lake Country Club, modernizing facilities and enhancing member experiences.
Developing strategic plans that drive member engagement, financial sustainability, and long-term growth.
Innovating service delivery through cutting-edge technology and personalized member experiences.

Beyond the Club: a passion for family and community

Bryan’s leadership extends beyond club walls—his commitment to family and community is just as strong. He and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 17 years and have two children: daughter Presley, a competitive gymnast, and son Asher, a passionate soccer and golf player.

Outside of work, Bryan is a dedicated athlete himself. He enjoys marathon and ultramarathon running, cycling, snowboarding, and—of course—honing his single-digit golf handicap.

Looking ahead

As Bryan prepares to join us at Bishops Bay, we are excited about the leadership and expertise he will bring to our club. His track record of thoughtful innovation, strategic vision, and deep respect for club culture makes him the perfect fit for our community.

We look forward to this new chapter under Bryan’s leadership. Welcome to Bishops Bay, Bryan!

What is a CCM?

CCM stands for Certified Club Manager, a professional designation awarded by the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). It is a highly regarded certification in the private club industry, signifying a high level of expertise in club management.

What does the CCM designation entail?

Earning the CCM involves a rigorous process that includes education, experience, and examination in club management. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to acquire this distinction:

  1. Educational Requirements
    • Candidates must complete a series of Business Management Institute (BMI) courses offered by the CMAA.
    • These courses cover key topics such as finance, food and beverage operations, leadership, marketing, club governance, facilities management, and strategic planning.
    • Continuing education is encouraged to maintain and expand their expertise.
  2. Professional Experience
    • Candidates must have significant work experience in club management, typically at a senior leadership level.
    • Many CCMs have served as General Managers, COOs, or Department Heads at country clubs, golf clubs, yacht clubs, city clubs, or other private membership organizations.
  3. Examination
    • The certification process culminates in the CCM Exam, a comprehensive test covering all aspects of club operations and leadership.
    • Candidates must demonstrate competency in governance, finance, operations, human resources, facilities, and membership engagement.
  4. Continuing Education & Recertification
    • The CCM designation requires ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends.
    • Certified individuals must complete additional education credits every five years to maintain their certification.

What does having a CCM mean?

A CCM-certified professional has demonstrated:
Extensive knowledge of club operations and leadership.
Strategic thinking and ability to drive long-term success in private clubs.
Commitment to professional development and staying ahead of industry trends.
Proven ability to manage teams, engage members, and elevate club experiences.

For members of Bishops Bay Country Club, having a CCM-certified General Manager like Bryan Fisher ensures the club is in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced leader who understands best practices in club management.