Professional Background

Tom Wallace is a nationally respected private Club executive, advisor, and educator whose career spans senior Club leadership, governance advisory, and executive search. With more than 25 years of experience in private golf, country, and community Clubs, and over a decade as a partner with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W), Tom brings a governance-centered, people-focused perspective to leadership selection and Board alignment.

Tom joined KK&W in 2014, became a partner in 2016, and was named Managing Partner in 2019. In this role, he has helped shape and lead the firm’s people-focused, quality-driven approach, advising Boards and search committees across the country and internationally. His work reinforces KK&W’s reputation as the most trusted name in executive search and consulting for private Clubs, with a disciplined process grounded in cultural fit, governance clarity, and long-term success.

Club & Community Executive Leadership Background

Tom’s operational leadership experience includes serving as General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Florida, and more than a decade as General Manager/Chief Administrative Officer of Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. During his tenure at Oakmont, the Club hosted three major championships. Earlier in his career, Tom spent fourteen years at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio, building deep expertise in governance, culture, and organizational leadership.

Governance, Search & Board Advisory Expertise

Tom is widely respected for helping Boards define leadership needs aligned with Club culture, strategy, and governance, guide disciplined GM/COO and CEO searches, strengthen Board–chief executive alignment, and support successful transitions through best practices in governance retreats, executive onboarding, and post-placement integration. His advisory work emphasizes clarity of expectations, cultural alignment, and the development of high-performing leadership teams.

National Industry Leadership

• Excellence in Club Management Award (2007); Gary Player Educator of the Year (2020)
• Former President, Pittsburgh Chapter, Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
• Faculty Member, CMAA Business Management Institute I (BMI I), Georgia State University
• Frequent national and international industry speaker (CMAA, CMAE)
• Vice-Chair, National Club Association (Past Chair: Membership Committee; Member, Governance Committee)
• National Board Member, Tee It Up for the Troops