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Haissam Baityeh, CCM, CCE |
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Haissam earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina with focus on Club Management and his Masters of Business Administration degree from LSU and has spent his entire working career at Private, member-owned, Clubs.
Haissam has worked at Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte NC; Cape Fear Country Club, Wilmington, NC; Governors Club in Chapel Hill, NC; Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, TX; Country Club of Spartanburg in SC; and currently and most recently at Washington Golf and Country Club.
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Haissam has served on the Board of the Carolinas CMAA chapter and the Carolinas Club Foundation including as President of both. He also served on the Texas Lone Star chapter’s Board including as Vice President. Currently He served on the National Board of Directors of CMAA.
Throughout his career, Haissam keen focus has always been on:
1. Team building and the development of team partners
2. Member services, member engagement, and member pride of their own club.
3. Governance and Strategic Planning and Focus.
4. The development of Students, Rising Stars and Future Managers.
Haissam’s life philosophy is inspired by the serenity prayer and the poetic wisdom of his favorite author Khalil Gibran with his favorite book “The Prophet”.
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Jennifer Cox, CCM |
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With over 25 years of experience in Private Clubs and a strong background in Food & Beverage in the Calgary area. Now residing in Edmonton, she serves as the General Manager and COO of the Edmonton Petroleum Golf & Country Club. Throughout her career, she has navigated many changes in the industry and expects to see even more as the business evolves. Guided by her core values of accountability, resilience, and care, she leads her team while building strong relationships with both staff and members across all generations. |
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Tammy Cunnington |
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In 1982 Tammy was injured when a plane crashed at the Ponoka airshow. From near death at 6 years old to a Paralympian at 40 and again at 45, Tammy brings a message of perseverance, resilience and encouragement in her public speaking engagements. She is a role model to the next generation of athletes and to anyone with a goal that appears unreachable at times. She overcomes obstacles every day and has the drive and dedication to keep fighting. |
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Tammy became involved in para sports at a young age. She focused on wheelchair basketball and played on the National team bringing home gold at World Championships. After a hiatus from sports she returned to competition in para triathlon which ultimately lead to her swimming career. In Tammy’s short but sensational para-swimming career she has represented Canada at the 2015 World Championships, 2015 Para Pan Am Games (winning 3 medals), 2016 Paralympics in Rio, 2017 World Championships, and 2018 Pan Pacific Championships (winning 2 medals) and the 2020 (held in 2021) Tokyo Paralympics. She has earned four Canadian records, 1 world record and was a member of Team Canada for eight years. Now, retired from elite competition she is coaching, travelling and finding new goals to accomplish like bungee jumping. Tammy is a strong advocate for health, fitness and sport and volunteers to encourage others in this area by being an ambassador for Fast and Female, The Rick Hansen Foundation and working with the 2019 Canada Games. She also believes in giving back and supporting her community and encouranges others to do the same by volunteering with Canadian Blood Services and the Ronald McDonald House. Tammy’s motto is Passion = Victory and she applies this to all areas of her life and works to instil it in those around her. |
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David Fida |
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David Fida is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in food and beverage management, team development, and operational excellence. Currently serving as the Food and Beverage Manager at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, being with the Glencoe family since 2019, David oversees all aspects of the club’s dining and beverage operations, driving innovation and delivering exceptional member experiences. A graduate of SAIT’s Hotel and Restaurant Management program, David has held key leadership roles at renowned establishments, including the original Melrose Café and Bar on the infamous Red Mile (17 Ave) Calgary, Alberta, national chain CHOP Steakhouse, and The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. His extensive experience includes managing large-scale events, optimizing operational efficiency, and mentoring teams to reach their highest potential. |
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In addition to his operational expertise, David is passionate about fostering leadership and collaboration. He has presented on topics such as team accountability, energy management, and the balance between work and personal life. As a former member of SAIT’s Hospitality Management Advisory Board, he played a vital role in evolving the institution’s diploma program into a four-year degree, shaping the future of hospitality education. Outside of his professional career, David is a devoted family man who loves spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Enzo. A skilled home chef, he enjoys hosting gatherings and sharing his culinary creations with family and friends. David’s insights into leadership, team development, and operational success make him a valuable voice in the hospitality and food and beverage industries. |
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Crystal Higgins |
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Born and raised in Edmonton Alberta. Raised by a young single mom, by 10 years old I was the family cook. In my early twenties I started working in Oil and Gas, Accounts Receivable. Cooking was always the passion but oil and gas paid the bills. After having 2 kids, I was working nights as a Customer Service Manager at Walmart when I made the move to go back to school. |
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On my 35th birthday I enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Nait and from there the rest is history. Within the first year I was referred into the innovation kitchen where I got to work with Food scientist developing plant-based meat alternatives, as well as working evenings as a line cook at a local restaurant. At the end of my diploma try outs were announced for the Nait Culinary Olympic Team. I signed up and worked my way to team Captain of the first all-female team to compete at the IKA Culinary Olympics. At the beginning of my training, I signed on with the Royal Glenora Club under the mentorship of Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director Steve Buzak. I am currently the Sous Chef for the club overseeing the Banquet team as well as our restaurant. Since coming back from IKA in February, I have been asked to lead another Olympic Team and will be returning to IKA in 2028 in pursuit of the gold! |
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Nick Mombourquette, BBA, CEBS, FEA |
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Nick Mombourquette is a dynamic and seasoned advisor dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and SMEs achieve their financial and business aspirations. As the founder and owner of NewGround Financial Inc., Nick leads a consulting firm that excels in employee benefits programs and tax-efficient insurance and wealth planning strategies. Recently honored as one of The Best Financial Advisors Under 40 in Canada/Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars 2023, Nick brings over 15 years of expertise in the insurance and retirement planning industry. |
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Nick holds a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University and boasts several professional designations, including CEBS, GBA, RPA from Dalhousie University and FEA from Family Enterprise Canada. Residing just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with his wife and three children, Nick enjoys staying fit, indulging in music, reading, golfing, and both playing and coaching youth hockey. |
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Ryan Tracy |
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Ryan is a 20+ year PGA of Canada Professional that has acquired a vast amount of experience, from entrepreneur to Professor, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer over that time. In June 2020 while clubs across the world were coping with the early onset of Covid-19, Ryan founded Club Study, a social forum that connects Private Club Managers across North America. Club Study brings Club and Golf Managers together by encouraging questions from the industry that, when answered, create large pools of data that aid in everyone's daily decision making. This collaborative approach, combined with curiosity, community and continuous improvement are what Ryan values most and everything that 59club embodies. |
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Ryan has managed golf clubs in two different Canadian provinces and in 2015 led Miramichi Golf & Country Club to the Club of the Year (Small Club Category) designation with the Club Managers Association of Canada. He was awarded with Professional of the Year in 2017 by MYPIE, a local entrepreneurship organization, as well as being named the Atlantic PGA Professional of the Year in the same year. Ryan's experience also includes operating an executive golf business venture taking corporate clients to a President's Cup, US Open and PGA Championship followed by teaching in the PGM and Business Programs at Durham College. Volunteering and giving back have been an important endeavours for Ryan, spending time on PGA of Canada Zone and CMAC Branch committees as well as Rotary and other community groups. Ryan has a diploma in Professional Golf Management and a certificate in Adult Education while also studying Business with Athabasca University. |
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