FORT MYERS, FL / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Florida Gulf Coast University's (FGCU) student chapter of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) has experienced a significant revitalization, actively engaging students with career opportunities in the private club management industry.
Under the leadership of chapter president and current FGCU junior Benji Gans, the FGCU CMAA chapter has transitioned from limited activity due to the pandemic into a new, thriving hub for networking and professional development. The club provides students access to industry leaders and valuable insights into diverse career paths available within the private club management sector.
"We're committed to showing students the incredible breadth of opportunities available, from operations management and finance to wellness and marketing," said Benji Gans.
The chapter's efforts were notably highlighted at the CMAA World Conference recently. In collaboration with the Florida State University CMAA chapter, the FGCU group successfully led a major student networking event attended by nearly 180 students from across the nation, showcasing the power of student-led initiatives.
Jennifer, an advisor to the FGCU CMAA chapter, remarked on the progress, stating, "The student chapter is gaining recognition for actively creating impactful experiences and building crucial industry relationships for our students."
Michael Methot, an FGCU Resort & Hospitality Management alumnus from the class of 2010, who is now a General Manager and remains actively involved with CMAA, praised the influence of the chapter: "The CMAA and the FGCU Student Chapter, which I helped establish, have played a key role in my success in Club Management. When I transferred to FGCU in 2008, there wasn't an active chapter, so I reached out to CMAA to create one. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work in 11 different states, and many of the connections I made back then are now colleagues in the industry. I encourage you to get involved early-it's been crucial to my growth in this field!"
The chapter utilizes social media outreach, particularly Instagram, faculty collaboration, and engaging campus events to increase membership and participation. Recent initiatives include providing scholarships to help cover dues, and incentives such as branded merchandise and graduation stoles.
Membership in FGCU's CMAA chapter offers students unique access to networking opportunities with industry professionals, education sessions, and eligibility for certifications such as the Certified Club Manager (CCM), a critical credential in club management.
Students interested in joining the FGCU CMAA chapter or seeking more information can reach out via email at fgcucmaa@outlook.com. Follow chapter updates and community activities on Instagram at @fgcu_cmaa.
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 8,100 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 38 professional chapters and 40 current and prospective student chapters. Learn more at cmaa.org.
For more information about the Florida Gulf Coast University Student Chapter, please contact Benji Gans below.
Contact: Benji Gans
Phone: (561) 229-3821
Email:fgcucmaa@outlook.com
SOURCE: Club Management Association of America
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
