career Archives - GGA Partners

Executive Search: CFO, Goodwill Middle Georgia & the CSRA

Date: September 1, 2021March 24, 2023

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
GOODWILL MIDDLE GEORGIA & THE CSRA
Augusta & Macon, GA

Our History

Dr. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, founded Goodwill in 1902 in Boston, MA. Dr. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired unemployed people to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold, and proceeds paid the workers’ wages and were invested in the development of job training programs. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of a hand up, not a hand out was born. Dr. Helms’ vision set an early course for what has become a $6.5 billion nonprofit organization with more than 165 autonomous member organizations worldwide.

Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. (GIMG) was founded in 1975 to serve individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Since that time, the organization has continued to grow, as illustrated by the following timeline:

1996 – Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. expanded its territory into Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina, increasing the number of service counties to 35 to become Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

2007 – Helms College was established in Macon with the focus of creating an educational model for Goodwill Industries nationwide to provide skills training industry certifications, degrees in high-demand middle skill occupations in the culinary arts, medical/health, automotive technology, information technology and other occupational fields that lead to meaningful jobs for individuals.

2012 – A second campus for Helms College opened in Augusta offering education in culinary arts at its School of Hospitality.

2016 – The Augusta campus began offering classes at its School of Health Services. Helms College currently offers Associate Degree and Diploma programs in culinary arts at its Macon and Augusta campuses, and health services programs for Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant and Medical Administrative Assistant certification at the Augusta campus. The key differentiator of Helms College from other learning institutions is our abundant experiential learning.

Learn more at goodwillworks.org and www.helms.edu

Goodwill Middle Georgia & the CSRA also operates Edgar’s Hospitality Group (EHG), consisting of hospitality venues in Macon and Augusta with plans to build an agri-tourism campus at Lake Oconee Georgia. To learn more about the EHG properties, visit here.

What We Believe

Goodwill Industries believes work plays a critical role in the ability of individuals to achieve desirable life outcomes. The founder of Goodwill Industries, Dr. Edgar J. Helms, believed that individuals wanted and needed an opportunity, a chance beyond charity, and this basic philosophy has set the vision for the Goodwill movement since 1902.

Mission
We build lives, families and communities one career at a time by helping people develop their God-given gifts through education, work and career services.

Values
I am proud to be Goodwill.
Service – I will practice hospitality.
Ownership – I will go above and beyond with every job I do.
Accountable – I will keep my commitments.
Respect – I will base my interactions with others on honesty and integrity.

The Role of the Chief Financial Officer

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Financial Offer (CFO) will work closely with the CEO and peers to achieve GIMG’s 2025 strategic plan success measures through strategies that will enhance profitability, productivity and efficiency throughout the organization.

This key executive leadership position will lead the finance department, (annual operating budget of $55 million) with executive responsibility for budgeting, banking relationships, IT system, franchising, and mergers & acquisitions.

As member of the Goodwill Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will be expected to understand and fully embrace the faith-based, “hand up” mission of Goodwill and demonstrate daily the core values of service, ownership, accountability, and respect.

Principle Accountabilities – CFO

Plan and direct GIMG’s real estate activities, including land/building acquisitions and leasing/landlord relations. Develops all pro-forma presentations for GIMG board of director’s consideration.

Participate in organizational strategic planning initiatives and direct/coordinate activities of department in compliance with this plan.
In concert with VP Finance, plan and coordinate preparation of organizations annual operating business plan and budget, after collaborative negotiation with department executive leadership.
Assume lead role in all contract reviews/negotiations and project fiscal forecasting due diligence. Develop proposals for CEO’s consideration and approval.
Provide oversight for all capital development, and acquisition of funds for new ventures.
Interact with senior staff to identify, evaluate and promote new business opportunities.
Oversight responsibility of all Information Technology functions.
Identify agency “vital” operating data elements. Create and manage IS system to capture and disseminate data on a timely basis.
Create, foster, and manage third party relationships for banking, financing and other collateral administrative functions.
Review for implementation by VP of Finance, statutory and regulatory compliance procedures for all fiscal functions of the organization.
Work with VP of Finance to source, manage and publish annual certified fiscal and compliance audits.
Prepare and maintain investment policy and long-term investments, direct and monitor performance.
Responsible for all Risk Management and Loss Prevention functions.
Ensure compliance within areas of responsibility of all regulatory and accreditation bodies.
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
Build relationships with CFO’s from other Goodwill organizations and CFO’s from other colleges and universities to obtain best practice benchmark Ideas to incorporate into GIMG procedures.
Manage M/A and business collaborations and contract negotiations with prospective partner organizations.

Qualifications

CPA licensed professional with an MBA is preferred.
A blend of for-profit and non-profit executive experience gained leading diverse profit generating business lines.
Minimum five years of senior management experience with a mid-size company where turn-key leadership was required.
Experience developing information technology systems that support organization-wide operational strategic growth and sustainment.
Banking finance and investment senior experience.
Experience with mergers and acquisitions.
Experience with financial management of accredited federally financial aid eligible post-secondary Institutions preferred.
Demonstrated experience creating and taking new business ventures from a concept to a successful, revenue generating operation.
Superior budget and/or financial planning and management skills involving multi-million dollar and multi-site operations.
General administrative skills including developing, implementing and monitoring company-wide policies and procedures.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Strong people skills with abilities to partner with a dynamic leadership team and interact with all levels of employees.
Must be aligned with and energized by Rev. Edgar Helm’s faith based social enterprise model to eliminate poverty one career at a time.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.

Salary & Benefits
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The company offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries

Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Please email résumé with references. Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Goodwill CFO Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Goodwill CFO Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com.

Executive Search: Vice President, Hospitality at Edgar’s Hospitality Group

Date: August 16, 2021March 24, 2023

VICE PRESIDENT HOSPITALITY
EDGAR’S HOSPITALITY GROUP
Augusta, GA

The Company
Edgar’s Hospitality Group (EHG) is an LLC operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia (GIMG) that operates hospitality venues in Macon and Augusta with plans to build an agri-tourism campus at Lake Oconee Georgia. EHG is named after the founder of Goodwill Industries, Rev. Edgar J. Helms.

The hospitality enterprises include restaurants, conference centers, large food service contracts, a bakery café, a private city club, and a local farm to provide fresh products with a new agri-business that allows culinary agriculture certifications for students. Chef Frank Kassner is the Director of Culinary Operations for EHG and the corporate executive chef.

Edgar’s Hospitality Group was founded to provide a new source of revenue for GIMG and to create diverse applied learning venues for the students at Helms College’s School of Hospitality managed by Bruce Ozga, VP, Culinary Education.

What We Believe
Goodwill Industries believes work plays a critical role in the ability of individuals to achieve desirable life outcomes. The founder of Goodwill Industries, Dr. Edgar J. Helms, believed that individuals wanted and needed an opportunity, a chance beyond charity, and this basic philosophy has set the vision for the Goodwill movement since 1902.

Our Properties

Edgar’s Above Broad (Augusta, GA), recently opened in September 2020 as an exciting new 17,000 square foot indoor-outdoor restaurant and entertainment venue. www.edgarsabovebroad.com

The Pinnacle Club (Augusta, GA), a premier dining membership club in downtown Augusta which provides incredible views of the Savannah River and Augusta cityscape. www.pinnacleclubaugusta.com

Edgar’s Grille (Augusta, GA), an upscale casual restaurant which offers New American cuisine with a Southern Flair. www.edgarsgrille.com

Anderson Conference Center (Macon, GA), centrally located in the state, the Anderson Conference Center features 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 700-seat banquet space and six break-out conference rooms with premier technology. www.andersonconferencecenter.com

The Snelling Center (Augusta, GA), a conference venue co-located with Edgar’s Grille which can accommodate events from ten to 300 guests.
www.edgarsgrille.com/meetings-events

Edgar’s Bistro (Macon, GA), offers weekday lunch and dinner, a full-service bar and catering service. www.goodwillworks.org/upscalebistro

Edgar’s Bakehouse (Augusta, GA), bookstore and café which specializes in gourmet coffees, smoothies, paninis, salads, and fresh baked breads and desserts. An Edgar’s Bakehouse production bakery is being built for commercial baking enterprise launch in late 2021.

Wright’s Farm and Lake Oconee Agri-Tourism Farm Campus (Augusta, GA), coming soon. www.wrightsfarmaugusta.com

The Role of the Vice President, Hospitality

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Vice President, Hospitality will work closely with the CEO and peers to achieve GIMG’s 2025 strategic plan success measures through strategies that will enhance profitability, productivity and efficiency.

This key executive will lead the start-up and operations of all new hospitality operations, maintain benchmark controls and outcomes for existing properties, manage budgets, lead a large team and promote a culture of high performance.

As member of the Goodwill Team, the Vice President, Hospitality is expected to understand and fully embrace the faith-based, “hand up” mission of Goodwill and demonstrate daily the core values of service, ownership, accountability, and respect.

Principle Accountabilities – Vice President, Hospitality

> Lead Edgar’s Hospitality Group to be three things: profitable, a provider of vibrant applied learning enterprises for the students at Helms College, and a daily stage to tell the Goodwill life changing story in a manner that leads to philanthropic Investment.

> Direct the start-up and operational leadership of all new hospitality operations to be launched as applied learning venues associated with Helms College within GIMG’s thirty-five county territory and franchise operations in other Goodwill territories.

> Maintain benchmark operational controls and outcomes in existing hospitality business lines.

> Oversee development and implementation of budgets for multiple hospitality enterprise operations; responsible for meeting budget objectives for growth in revenues, gross margins, operating profit, and net cash flow.

> Assure top-line business growth through increased accountability, innovation, increased sales, expanded operations, reaching new markets and diversification.

> Annually revise and develop short and long-range plans for all assigned areas; establish performance measures for multiple enterprise operations.

> Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the President informed of all critical issues.

> Lead a large team of direct and indirect employees to ensure the execution and completion of business goals; evaluate performance for compliance with established policies and objectives of the company and contributions in attaining objectives.

> Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

> Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.

> Promote Goodwill externally as a community-based non-profit with a key human and economic development role.

Qualifications

> A graduate business or hospitality degree is required.

> Minimum five years of senior leadership of a restaurant group, an independent luxury resort or multi-faceted entertainment company.

> Multi-unit executive level hospitality operations leadership experience required.

> Demonstrated experience creating and taking new business ventures from a concept to a successful, revenue generating operation.

> Superior budget and management skills involving multi-million dollar and multi-site operations.

> General administrative skills including developing, implementing and monitoring company-wide policies and procedures.

> Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

> Strong people skills with abilities to partner with a dynamic leadership team and interact with all levels of employees.

> Must be aligned with and energized by Rev. Edgar Helm’s faith based social enterprise model to eliminate poverty one career at a time.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.

Salary & Benefits
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The company offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries
Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Friday, September 3, 2021.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Edgars VPH Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Edgars VPH Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please email résumé with references.

For more information about Goodwill of Middle Georgia please visit www.goodwillworks.org; www.helms.edu; www.helmsgoldstandardculinary.com; www.edgarsabovebroad.com.

Executive Search: Head Golf Professional at Exmoor Country Club (FILLED)

Date: July 9, 2021March 24, 2023

HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
EXMOOR COUNTRY CLUB
Highland Park, IL

The Club

Founded in 1896 as Illinois’ third golf club, Exmoor is a private, full-service country club, located in Highland Park, Illinois, 28 miles north of Chicago. With a championship golf course designed by Donald J. Ross, Exmoor continues to fulfill its original mission – as a family club devoted to the game of golf, while offering a growing range of sports and social opportunities. Sports at Exmoor include golf, curling, tennis, swimming, ice skating, platform tennis, cross country skiing and the fastest growing sport in America — pickleball. Members of all ages enjoy a year-round schedule of exciting social activities.

The Club’s mission is to provide the finest golf, sporting, and social experiences for its community of member families and their guests all year long.

The Club maintains high standards for club governance, with an elected leadership that promotes member involvement to attain excellence in Club facilities and member services. Exmoor has earned a reputation for attentive service, modern facilities and fine cuisine. In the late 1890s, the club played an important role in establishing and growing the game of golf in the Midwest. During its 125-year history, Exmoor has hosted more than 20 national golf and curling championships. Our members have won national championships in both sports and have competed in official Olympic golf and curling competitions.

Since its founding, Exmoor members have embraced family activities with a focus on participation, skill development and good sportsmanship. As much as Exmoor values its traditions, today, the spirit of Exmoor is youthful, vibrant, and inclusive.

Exmoor Country Club Overview

570 members (Golf: 370, Other: 200)
Initiation Fee (Resident Member Golf: $75,000)
Annual Dues (Golf: $13,200)
$9.2M Gross Volume
$4.5M Annual Dues Volume
$4.6M Total Gross Payroll
22,000 Annual Golf Rounds
$650,000 Golf Shop Sales
Club-owned golf shop, recently transitioned
Number of Employees (Club (FTE): 94, Seasonal: 71)
Number of Golf Employees (4-5 year-round employees, 15 added during season)
11 Board Members
Average age of members is 58

Exmoor Country Club Golf Facilities Overview

18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross
Full driving range with 24 hitting stations
Large short game practice area with 3 short practice holes
Indoor Golf Performance Center with 3 heated hitting bays (1 bay is a teaching/fitting studio with V1 video system and Trackman)
Teaching staff includes: Full-Time Director of Instruction (also lead club fitter), Head Golf Professional, 2 Assistant Professionals with 1 spearheading the Junior Golf Program
Current Golf Course Architect of record, Andrew Green
Recently hosted the 2018 Constellation Senior Players Championship and will host the 2022 Western Amateur Championship.

The Head Golf Professional Position

The Head Golf Professional reports directly to the General Manager/COO and coordinates with key management personnel on a regular basis, including the General Manager, Golf Committee, Grounds and Greens Committee, and Executive Staff. The Head Golf Professional implements the policies established by the Board of Governors and the Club’s bylaws. He/she develops operational policies and is responsible for the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for all areas.

The Head Golf Professional is the lead coordinator of programming and development of synergy among all golf programming, amenities, and services. It is imperative that the Head Golf Professional operate at both a tactical and strategic level, maintain financial accountability, and manage and develop all aspects of golf services. Exemplary service is key in attaining excellence in the member experience.

Driving excellence in the golf experience through training is a critical part of the position. The Head Golf Professional supervises the following positions: Professional Golf Staff, Caddie Master, Golf Merchandiser, Starter/Rangers, and other Outside Services Personnel. Candidates must assume ultimate responsibility for all golf staff, the golf shop, member lessons, special events and tournaments, while working closely with other management for any operational specifics, for course prep, and all golf events needed.

The Head Golf Professional should have a strong presence and seek to be highly visible and accessible to the membership and staff. They set the tone for consistently treating members with a first-class golf experience and communicate this expectation to the entire staff as well.

Primary Responsibilities

Oversee the management and performance of all golf shop and applicable department operations and services; assure high standards and total member and guest satisfaction.
Work with Golf Shop Merchandiser to oversee a profitable amenity that is consistent with member demographics and needs; oversee and perform monthly inventory.
Oversee and enforce golf shop operations policies, procedures, controls, and fee structures to ensure the safekeeping of assets, inventory, resources, sales transactions, and department financial performance.
Oversee, manage, and submit golf employee’s payroll on a bi-weekly basis; produce a weekly work schedule.
Oversee all fiscal areas and performance for the golf operations and golf shop including planning, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and correction.
Prepares business plan for all golf operations and golf shop with key aspects of fiscal accountability, operational strategy and marketing strategy for tournaments, special member events, and shop sales.
Exhibits clear vision of Exmoor Golf in planning, communications, and staffing.
Responsible for recruiting, interviewing, managing, and developing all staff related to the Golf experience at Exmoor; is current on continual learning options for staff and budget accordingly; assumes prominent and positive leadership role to foster employee engagement.
Executes golf events that deliver high satisfactory ratings.
Must be aware of trends and how they may apply to Exmoor; be continually aware of what is working and what isn’t, what can be improved or updated.
Maintain valuable and ethical relationships with other Club Professionals, and suppliers, as well as other geographic locations to maintain awareness of competitive practices and trends.
Maintain effective communications with staff for optimum delivery, particularly Engineering, Human Resources, Catering/Events, and Communications.
Maintain effective communications with membership for special announcements, weekly e-mail notice – collaborates directly with Director of Membership and Communications and Senior Graphics Designer for desired results.
Ensure health and safety regulations for members and staff by working closely with the Safety Coordinator.
Create and supervise junior, family, and player development instructor programs.

Important Individual Characteristics

A naturally enthusiastic personality and passion for the golf industry.
A natural leadership style which promotes staff and membership engagement.
The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Disciplined accountability to ensure that the training and standards of the Golf department are consistently met.
Ability to cultivate a high-level of member services and satisfaction.
Possess a strong understanding of top-notch golf experiences for Club members and guests.
Effective fiscal management through delivery of actual operational and capital results in alignment with approved budgets.
Maintain a high level of visibility to members and staff as the face of the golf operation at the Club.
Ability to cater to various interests and the playing ability of the entire membership demographic.
Ability to develop a dedicated team with a shared vision.
Must possess strong leadership ability, influencing skills, demonstrate strong motivational ability.
Should be results oriented to align Golf strategy to Exmoor’s strategic plan, annual budgets and projected target achievements.
Should have strong verbal communication skills, presentation skills, and project confident and energetic qualities that produce service excellence.
Exhibit energy and enthusiasm, maturity of character, creative approach, member focus, logical thinking.

Candidate Qualifications

A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership and management experience in the golf industry. Current Head Professionals or Assistant Golf Professionals at well-recognized clubs, with verifiable records of achievement will also be considered.
Educational credentials in hospitality or golf, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Hospitality Management, Business, or Sports/Golf is an advantage for applicants.
Professional Golf Association (PGA) Certification designation as a Class A member of the PGA is required; maintaining memberships in other appropriate professional organizations preferred.
3-5 years’ experience in Golf Management or equivalent experience in Golf Management, preferably a PGA Head Golf Professional; demonstrated continual personal and professional development in the sport.
Should be CPR/AED certified and know first aid.
Be well versed in relevant software programs for communications, POS, Outlook, and reservations, golf current management software.
Be current on the latest and most relevant player development methods of techniques.
Skilled professional in the playing of the game.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Exmoor Head Golf Professional Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Exmoor Head Golf Professional”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please email résumé with references.

For more information about Exmoor Country Club, please visit www.exmoorcountryclub.org.