Kim Robak Selected Boardroom’S Distinguished Club President for 2020

BOARDROOM FEATURE | BY DAVE WHITE, EDITOR

Country Club of Lincoln’s Kim Robak Selected Boardroom’s Distinguished Club President for 2020

Bill and I hosted two “social distance” gatherings recently. Chef Lorin created an amazing meal and Jon found two new wines to enjoy. It has never felt so good to stand far away from your friends and have a drink. AND I got to wear a dress! The first time in four months!

And that’s typical of how Country Club of Lincoln President Kim Robak, and BoardRoom magazine’s Distinguished Club President for 2020, has responded with her work, emails and communication to her club members during COVID-19. BoardRoom magazine this year is recognizing 28 Private Club Presidents of the Year – 2020, for practicing what they preach – leadership for the betterment of their clubs – board presidents or chairs who serve as the volunteer leaders of their club. It’s the 13th year BoardRoom magazine has recognized the industry’s top private club presidents for their outstanding work. BoardRoom received nominations and applications from different clubs throughout Canada and the United States. “Our selection of the top 27 presidents and Kim Robak from the Country Club of Lincoln, Nebraska, as our Distinguished Club President signifies another successful search for leaders who have contributed so much to their private clubs and their member experience,” expressed John Fornaro, BoardRoom magazine’s publisher and CEO. The Country Club of Lincoln features an 18 hole, 6,500-yard links, one of the state’s most highly regarded courses. The club’s roster sits at 700 members, 60 percent of whom are golfers with the remaining 40 percent social members.

ROBAK SHINES “We are thrilled by the great number of nominations we received this year, showcasing the outstanding work done by club presidents throughout the country,” Fornaro added. “We honor board leaders, exemplary individuals, who go beyond the basic requirements of governance and work collaboratively with the club’s management. The award underscores the role that a board president and her leadership play in driving a club’s success and contributing to its long-term health, particularly during such a difficult year. “The non-profit private club industry is the most difficult industry to be a board member or manager. Board members, who are also the club shareholders (owners), are also the customers. Often fraught with conflicts of interest, a private club can be very challenging to manage,” Fornaro added. “Through the process of collaborative governance, the general manager, the club’s president and the board members are meant to work collaboratively. We recognize board presidents that don’t delve into micromanaging. “Kim Robak shines as an excellent example of how the club’s president can work with her board and the club’s management, especially with the changes that have happened at the Country Club of Lincoln in the past year. “Micromanagement is not only frustrating for management, but also wastes board members’ often limited time to do their actual job, which is directing … setting policy, and not managing the organization or operations. That’s management’s job,” Fornaro emphasized.

DIFFICULT TASK “President Robak had a more than difficult task ahead of her with the pandemic and replacing the GM/COO. Acting as the club’s true leader, she tackled the challenges head on with clear communication and determination. “Kim is not only a great club president but also a community leader. President Robak is the perfect choice for Board- Room’s 2020 Distinguished Club President, and we are excited to bestow this honor to her, “expressed Gordon Welch, ➤

74 BOARDROOM | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 — 25TH ANNIVERSARY COUNTRY CLUB OF LINCOLN’S PRESIDENT KIM ROBAK

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 — 25TH ANNIVERSARY | BOARDROOM 75 from Cover Story | 74 senior management to tackle challenging issues, but always with dignity and grace. “It’s important not to take yourself or the job too seriously. Having fun while get- APCD, the spearhead behind the Boardroom Institute, the ting the work done is essential,” said Robak recently. online training arm for private club board members. During the early days of the pandemic, president Robak composed frequent, thor- “Congratulations. The Association of Private Club Directors ough email messages to members, enlightening the membership on many club mat- (APCD) is thrilled to recognize this outstanding achievement ters while balancing the heavy responsibilities of a presidency with moments of levity. and award,” he added. The impetus for BoardRoom’s top president recognition Yay – the actual bar spaces of the club can now open. Knowing that we need to program comes from its sponsors, the Association of Private watch our expenses, we are looking at how we can open up our bar spaces across Boardroom mag- Club Directors, the parent organization of the facility with limited staff. The 19th Hole is open this week. I would venture to azine , and Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, one of the country’s guess that there are a few spouses who are thrilled to hear this (I meant the wives!). leading private club industry consultants and executive search firms. n n n “Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace remains fortunate to partner with BoardRoom Magazine in recognizing the dedicated Several of you have told me that you like these emails. Thank you for read- individuals who are willing to serve their club as president,” ing them — I can’t even get our daughters to read my emails. If it’s not a text, it expressed Dick Kopplin, a partner in KK&W with Kurt Kuebler doesn’t exist. So, I appreciate your reading them. and Tom Wallace. n n n “Our strong connectivity to club boards and specifically club

presidents find us impressed every year with their level of com- Steve Jobs is quoted as saying, “I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what mitment to the betterment of their clubs. Especially in 2020, we do.” Please know that we don’t take your membership for granted. You are the during the pandemic, the leadership we have seen is truly im- reason we exist. Our job is to make the most of your experience within the frame- BoardRoom pressive. That’s why we are so happy to assist in hon- work our health officials have provided. That framework will change over the next oring these unpaid volunteers who give so much of their time few months. In the meantime, thanks for sticking with us. and energies to improving the governance and management at the clubs they love,” intoned Kuebler. But for president Robak, there are also other essentials, diversity for one. “Every year’s nominees offer such dedication and leader- “Having a diverse board helped me to view the club through different eyes. ship, but we are pleased to see the recognition of President Younger members have different needs than many of us who have been around for Kim Robak from the Country Club of Lincoln as BoardRoom’s a while. Social members have different needs and expectations. Distinguished Club President of the Year. She completely “I recall modernizing our dining space for families several years ago. I was con- embodies so many of the volunteer leadership qualities we vinced that it was not the right move. I was wrong. The space has been the best utilized see in outstanding club presidents. of the club and has helped to grow membership. It’s important to get varied back- “She strongly supports her general manager, partners with grounds and viewpoints to keep your club strong,” Robak emphasized. her fellow board members to be strategic and stays focused on the club’s future, and most importantly, she feels honored to DIVERSITY IS VITAL serve her fellow members,” Wallace added. “This last year, we added language in our bylaws regarding diversity. Specifically, “President Robak has done a tremendous amount of work we added language to the nomination process for board members which states: ‘In while dealing with the pandemic and searching for a new its consideration of nominees for possible election to the board, the nominating chief executive officer all while pushing other plans for the committee shall give due consideration to diversity of nominees including, but not club. It’s a very well governed club. She is a hands-off pres- limited to age, gender, ethnicity, race, professional and occupational background.’ ident who is really brave in clearing the path for things that “Having a diverse board is, I believe, essential for the future growth of our club. need to be done,” Wallace commented. Diversity comes in many forms – race and sex are the most obvious. But diversity of “We salute these volunteer leaders who are truly com- thought can be found in many places. Young and more senior members often have mitted to enhancing the GM/COO’s effectiveness and the differing views; social members view the world differently than our golf members. club’s success for their fellow members. Along with Board- “The architect brings a different viewpoint than the lawyer or CPA or even the fund- Room Magazine, we thank them and want them to know we raiser. The diversity of thought ensures that we don’t get stuck in our limited view of appreciate their commitment,” Kopplin stated. the world and that we can appeal to a broader membership base,” Robak emphasized. “We all tend to be comfortable with people we know and with people who are like A NEW CEO us. That makes it difficult at times to expand the base of individuals considered for the In early March 2020, CCL’s general manager announced board. We know the people we golf with or socialize with afterward. It takes effort to he was leaving the club, and a new general manager reach outside that small circle to expand the board’s expertise, but it is worth it. wouldn’t start until September. So, those at the club had to Robak talked about one example that happened recently. “When considering nomina- figure out how to operate under entirely new rules, safely tions for the board, I suggested a social member who is an architect. The committee didn’t open the club’s pool and sports seasons, educate a member- know him and was a little leery of adding a social member and someone unknown. He was ship on navigating a new reservation app, follow ever-chang- nominated and served. ing health and safety rules, and, in the meantime, keep the “The next year the club voted on a large capital project and our new board mem- whole show running. ber was an essential part of the team to both select the builder and ensure that the Enter Kim Robak… who served as club president and de project stayed on course. Reaching outside of our narrow focus was a huge advan- facto general manager, working in tandem with the club’s tage to the club.

76 BOARDROOM | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 — 25TH ANNIVERSARY “Talent comes in many forms. A good board knows that and acts accord- rare combination of confidence, accountability, determination, and humil- ingly. I heard recently that we shouldn’t confuse effort with results. It’s ity that allowed her to be tremendously effective,” Anderson explained. important to actually be inclusive, not just talk about it,” Robak stressed. Here, in his view, are some of her accomplishments. That’s a point emphasized by Lindsey Bolander until recently, the • Led the effort to recruit a new CEO to the club in a very organized fashion. clubhouse manager: “Kim was the guest speaker for the Chamber • Mentored and guided key staff from April through September while of Commerce’s Women in Business Conference during the fall. Her we were in between CEO leadership. perspective on diversity is so refreshing. She’s keenly aware of the chal- • Became an expert on Directive Health Measures and continually lenges that exist, told great stories and had practical insight on steps communicated with the staff and the board to ensure the club was in full that can be taken to improve this. This kind of leadership will continue compliance. to help make important strides in the club industry.” • Tirelessly and consistently communicated with the membership during the entire pandemic. In talking with CCL members, people have ORIENTATION HELPS come to not only appreciate but look forward to her email updates. You So, how has president Robak helped with the growth of the club’s simply cannot over-communicate during times like these. Kim was board of directors? transparent in her updates and provided calm to the membership but “Club leadership is different than leadership of corporate or other civic or- did not shy away from tackling a few tough subjects along the way. ganizations. We are a service organization. It takes a little time to realize that • A CCL President would rarely have to be the consistent face and we are stewards of the club’s resources, but we are not a ‘for profit’ entity. voice of the club for so many months during their term, but she handled “The board’s focus should be on keeping the club financially strong the challenge with grace, humor, and steadfastness. and ensuring that our facilities are maintained for the future. A strong • In the last several months, once Wes arrived (Wes Hardin, the club’s orientation program helps to set the stage for board participation and CEO), she appeared to truly facilitate having new leadership here and for the ability to focus on the big picture. then turned her attention back to completing or at least advancing, “We started utilizing board retreats in 2019, and we are building on things she had set out to do at the beginning of her term. that process. We are updating our strategic plan and will use it as the focal point for each of our board meetings,” the Distinguished Club “Any of these items would have been a tall task on their own, but the President intoned. combination of them and the success Kim had in leading all of them In the minds of others at the Country Club of Lincoln, Kim Robak’s is remarkable. Even more impressive is that she had other significant accomplishments are many. Take, for example, the thoughts of James community obligations concurrent to her term as CCL President, not to Anderson, board member and president-elect. mention running her own business,” Anderson added. “Sometimes, the right leaders are just in the right place at the right “Kim is among the best leaders I have had the opportunity to time. That’s evident with Kim Robak and CCL in 2020. Kim possesses a associate with, and this includes championship sports teams and ➤ Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered! Whether your club is looking for a Tennis Professional or a Director of Tennis, find quality candidates through USPTA’s network of Certified, Elite, & Master Professionals with USPTA DirectorSearch and USPTA Post-A-Job services.

www.uspta.com or call 407-634-3050

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 — 25TH ANNIVERSARY | BOARDROOM 77 from Cover Story | 77 she fills within the community. I truly don’t know how she does it all. Kim was Fortune 100 companies,” injected board and executive com- exactly the right person we needed in this exact position this year. Her calm mittee member David Slagle. demeanor, strong character and eloquent communication make her a leader in “Her ‘servant leader style’ is evident in every interaction every sense of the word. And she’s incredibly intelligent and fun. If there’s a she has with everyone. Listening, communication, humility, silver lining to being in the club business this year, it’s having Kim Robak as your engagement and delegation are hallmarks of her leadership. board president. – Roxanne Filby, director of member relations. The entire board has commented at various times during “Kim’s ability to communicate to the membership during her presidency was 2020, we couldn’t have a board president more ready for the second to none,” added Bolander. “Her communications kept the membership challenges we have faced than Kim.” informed, connected and involved when those connections were oh, so important to Slagle viewed her leading the club through the process the club, but also society in general. The sense of community was so needed during and hiring Wes Hardin as the club’s new CEO as one of Ro- those first few months. bak’s outstanding achievements. “If I summarize Kim’s leadership style and philosophy in one word, it would be Additional achievements included: relatable. To have a leader with her combination of intelligence (she’s brilliant!), • Her calm, measured communication with the members diplomacy and relatability is something rare. Add in her sense of humor and gen- regularly during the pandemic uine kindness and we were truly fortunate to have her guiding the ship in 2020,” • Finishing this challenging year with the club in a strong Bolander added. financial position. President Robak also spearheaded an emergency employee fund to keep staff • Keeping the club’s department heads and staff together, employed and salaries in place. While the club reduced hours in departments, no engaged and energized while as acting CEO for five months employees were laid off. She explained that effort in an email to club members. until the arrival of a new GM. We’re fortunate to still have access to some of the best food, and best staff, in town. “Kim has a naturally optimistic outlook. She refers to it as A staff dedicated to putting member service first – making adjustments but keeping “pollyannish”, I prefer to think of it as great confidence and your club in operation with some sense of much-needed normalcy. However, our courage leading a team,” praised Slagle. current revenue streams – take-out and golf – can only go so far. Several of you have “Kim will be known as the communication president,” asked how you can help. The board has heard you. For those of you who are able, added Lori McClurg, another board member. “She sent reg- we are setting up an emergency “COVID-19 Fund” to help our staff members who ular updates to all members about how COVID-19 was affect- have been hit the hardest… If you’re strapped financially, we certainly understand. ing CCL’s operations, the club’s revenue stream, closings and No pressure. But if you can contribute, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Time issues that CCL was working through. and time again, our members continue to amaze us with their hearts and kindness. “Whenever I am with Kim at CCL, there are always people Together, we can weather this hardship and emerge stronger than ever. that seek Kim out and thank her for all her continual updates And how has it been for a new chief executive officer arriving on the scene during at the club. She has become somewhat of a CCL rock star with a pandemic? so many people wanting to thank her for information. CCL has “I envisioned a bit of chaos upon my arrival,” remarked CEO Wes Hardin. “Considering been very open about COVID issues, including letting mem- the club had been without a CEO since March, which marked the beginning of a world- bers know when someone who was at CCL was diagnosed with wide pandemic, I think it was reasonable to expect I was walking into a bit of a mess. COVID-19 (we don’t print names).” “This wasn’t the case. In fact, there was leadership in spades. Calm even. As ‘busi- Robak also has received high praise from CCL staffers. ness-as-usual’ as it could be when you include the local health measures and restric- The management team and I are extremely excited about tions, the club was facing. Many of our club leaders deserve credit for keeping the this award! Kim Robak embodies everything a club presi- Country Club of Lincoln in the excellent position in which it has remained during dent should be. She is well respected, a wonderful leader this pandemic,” he related. and strong champion of what it takes to elevate a high-end “However, there’s a singular force that captained the ship through the hardest country club to the next level. She handled all the challenges part – Kim Robak. Many clubs have survived the pandemic, and so far, CCL has flour- of COVID-19 in an incredible way, all the while searching ished due in part to Kim Robak’s leadership. for our new general manager position. I am thankful for her “Since my arrival, I have learned so much from Kim. Work ethic, kindness and positiv- services during one of the most challenging times this world ity are three characteristics that I believe define her leadership,” Hardin added. has ever seen. – Nick Muller, PGA, Director of Golf. “I have found myself wondering, ‘How does she have the time?’ Widely under- One of the coolest things that Kim has done as president stood as the busiest woman in town, she doesn’t seem to have a limit to what she of CCL is having individual lunches with each person on the can handle. Kim has an innate ability to make you feel like you are the priority, no management team. Along with talking about ‘club stuff’, matter how busy she is.” she also wanted to get to know each of us and what our “She has proven, in this day and age, that it’s possible to be a great leader driven interests were outside of CCL. It was also a great way for us by kindness and empathy.” to get to know her. Our two-hour lunch flew by. Kim is the “Any amount of time with Kim is quality time. And she shares it with everyone! best. – Rick Stempson, Director of Tennis and Fitness. Also, as this process will show, Kim is not concerned with adoration. She is the first I didn’t know Kim well before she became board to push credit onto others, even if she deserves some of it.” president. But that changed as the year unfolded. The “Her positive outlook and unwavering belief in others breed trust in her mission. challenges of 2020 would sometimes put us in daily com- Kim is the kind of leader that you would run through a wall for.” munication – consulting, positioning, collaborating. And with that, we leave the final words to President Kim Robak: The best part of What makes that even more remarkable is her crazy receiving this award is the recognition that the Country Club of Lincoln receives. We work schedule and the demands of the countless roles are so fortunate to have a talented management team. They made my job easy and made me look good. They are amazing. BR 78 BOARDROOM | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 — 25TH ANNIVERSARY President’s Background Contributes To Country Club of Lincoln’s Experience Kim Robak, BoardRoom magazine’s Distin- The former Lieutenant Governor of the State She has been tireless in her volunteer work guished Club president for 2020, brings a of Nebraska (1993-99) graduated Juris Doctor with groups such as Doane College, Crete, wide range of experiences that positively from the University of Nebraska College of Nebraska; the Museum of Nebraska Art, Ke- benefit the Country Club of Lincoln, NE. Law in 1985, ranking third in her class. arney, Nebraska; the TeamMates Mentoring Robak, a senior partner in the law firm She received her BSc from the University of Program State Board; Nebraska Foundation Mueller Robak LLC, joined the country club’s Nebraska and continued with graduate work for the Humanities; Strategic Air and Space board of directors in 2016 and assumed her in communication studies. Museum; the First Plymouth Congregational position as club president in 2020. Robak is ranked among the Best Lawyers Church of Lincoln, and the Foundation for in America, Government Relations Law from Lincoln Public School. She received the Distin- 2009 to the present, and has received honors guished Alumni Award from the the Univer- as a Great Plains Super Lawyer (2011-14). sity of Nebraska College of Law in 2013. Along with her work at the country club, Robak remains a member of the Nebraska Robak has committed hours to community State Bar Association and served on its exec- service over the years, including her position as utive council from 2015 to 2019. President Campaign Committee Chair of the United Way Robak has also served on numerous corporate of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Lincoln, NE. boards of directors during her illustrious career. President Robak sits on the board of trust- In addition to her membership in the Coun- ees of the Cooper Foundation, is chair of the try Club of Lincoln, Robak is also a member of Lincoln Community Foundation, where she the Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta, CA. has been a member of the board since 2004, She is married to William J. Mueller, J.D. and today is the Chair of the Nebraska Golf and the couple has two daughters, Katherine Association of Omaha, Nebraska, the first and Claire. BR woman to hold this position.

SAN JOSE COUNTRY CLUB Jacksonville, FL Bringing members together with spaces that foster community and camaraderie.

STRATEGIC PLANNING MASTER PLANNING ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCUREMENT

MD 410.727.4535 / TX 972.253.3583 / MN 612.295.0725 / DC 202.851.3201 / FL 239.673.1790 2020 Top Private Club Presidents & Board Chairs of the Year BoardRoom magazine for the 13th year, is recognizing 28 presi- These board presidents understand the importance of working, dents as Private Club Presidents and Board Chairs of the Year – 2020 effectively and efficiently, with their volunteer boards and the dedica- for practicing what they preach – leadership for the betterment of tion that’s required from everyone with whom they work. their clubs. Private club board presidents play a huge role in the They practice what they preach – outstanding leadership to main- professional operations of their club as volunteers working diligently tain best practices and an extraordinary member experience for their with their board of directors and general managers, striving for well members clubs. informed, but not emotional decisions. Systems alone do not insure a good board. Key elements include BoardRoom magazine’s 27 most outstanding private club presidentss commitment, competence, diversity, collective decision making, and board chairs for 2020, plus the selection of Kim Robak, president of openness, transparency, effective communication with management Lincoln Country Club as BoardRoom’s Distinguished President for 2020, and the membership, fiscal responsibility, development and estab- exemplifies the focus on the leadership responsibilities, the account- lishment of the club’s mission, vision and policy direction, especially ability and the management of the board, while providing a healthy through establishment of a strategic plan. respect for the club’s macromanagement. Successful board presidents draw upon the expertise of other board “This kind of recognition for volunteers who give so much to the members, the club’s institutional memory and stewardship of the club has been long overdue, and since the first awards were pre- club’s resources. As well, board presidents provide new board mem- sented 13 years ago, there’s been a steady growth in the nominations bers and future presidents with information they need to perform by club general managers and others in the private club industry,” effectively as board members. exclaimed BoardRoom publisher John Fornaro. Congratulations to BoardRoom’s outstanding private club board presidents and chairs for 2020.

Kim Robak...... Country Club of Lincoln...... USA

Bruce Behrens...... Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club...... USA Susan Brenner ...... Wycliffe Golf & Country Club...... USA Martin P. Brunk...... Baltimore Country Club...... USA William Choate...... Charlotte Country Club...... USA Ken Christian ...... The Berkshire Country Club ...... USA Robert Drab ...... Hammock Dunes Club...... USA Joe V. Gattone...... Medinah Country Club...... USA Andy Greenberg...... Beach Point Club...... USA Bob Hill ...... Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club ...... USA Dr. Bob Hymes...... Westwood Country Club...... USA Denise Kuprionis...... Kenwood Country Club...... USA Anne Lockie...... The Oaks Club...... USA Brett Long...... The Quechee Club...... USA Stephan Lowy...... Hollywood Golf Club...... USA Lyndell “Lyn” Maddox ...... The Club at Carlton Woods...... USA Christopher Manning...... The Apawamis Club...... USA Joe V. McCart...... The Club at Admirals Cove ...... USA Mike Meath ...... Midland Country Club...... USA Chris Novy...... Evanston Golf Club...... USA Robert Shelley...... Williams Island...... USA R. Patrick Sheridan...... Athens Country Club...... USA Meredith Shorkey...... Myers Park Country Club ...... USA Harvey P. Stein...... Addison Reserve...... USA Richard E. Straughn...... Mountain Lake...... USA Kristi Thoutt...... The Ranch Country Club ...... USA Scott Urdang...... Desert Mountain ...... USA Robert C. Walter ...... Country Club of Buffalo ...... USA

Private Club Presidents and Board Chairs of the Year Major Sponsors