Ray Cronin
Founder & Chief Innovator
Ray Cronin is a recognized thought leader in the club industry, best known for his high-energy presentations, his thick Boston accent, and his keen ability to communicate the essential concepts of club finance. He has gained a reputation as a top-rated speaker for club manager, controller, and board education and is the author of numerous white papers, industry articles and reports. Since 2009, Ray has presented to the Boards, Committees and Members of more than 800 clubs across North America. He was selected as Boardroom Magazine’s Educator of the year in 2018 and 2021, awarded the John Fornaro Impact Award in 2019 and was cited as an Industry Influencer in 2021. Ray is a past President of Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton, MA. He holds a BSEE from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Dr. James Butler, CCM, CCE
Chief Executive Officer
Jim brings a unique perspective to his leadership role at Club Benchmarking. After 17 years as CEO of Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, FL, he joined Club Benchmarking in 2017. He holds a PhD in Hospitality for his research on member loyalty and attachment, an MBA in Real Estate Development & Finance, a BS in Chemistry and a Turfgrass degree. In addition to his formal training, he has a wealth of operational experience and a proven track record in real estate sales and capital improvement and renovation in gated communities. He is a recognized leader in data science and academic research and a highly sought educator and public speaker.
James Burns, CCM - Director
Before joining the Club Benchmarking EMEA team in 2022, James served as General Manager of Milltown Golf Club in Dublin for 13 years. Throughout his hospitality management career, his focus has been continuous education for himself and his teams. His deep commitment to leadership brought him to serve the Club Management Association of Europe & Middle East (CMAE) for more than a decade, as Board Member, Education Policy Board Chair and a three-year term as President. He also served for seven years on the Professional Development Committee for the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and for four years as Education Chair for the Irish Golf & Club Managers Association. James holds a Hospitality Management Degree from Ulster University, a Certificate in Club Management (IGCMA & Institute of Technology Blanchardstown) and an Executive Management Development Program Hospitality Diploma (Cornell University). In 2012 he earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation and is proud to be one of only 70 Club Management Professionals to achieve this designation in Europe & the Middle East.
John McCormack, FCCA, CCM - Director
Prior to joining Club Benchmarking, John served for nearly two decades as General Manager of Castle Golf Club, one of the largest and most prestigious private member clubs in Ireland. His professional career as an accountant began when he completed his training in 1990 and travelled to St. Lucia with Price Waterhouse as a manager in their Eastern Caribbean office. While on the island, he went on to serve as finance director for a large group of companies and ran his own business. In 1997, he returned home to Ireland and entered the hospitality world as Financial Controller of the Gresham Hotel in Dublin. He got his start in the club business as General Manager of Malahide Golf. John proudly served as President of the Club Managers Association of Europe from 2007 to 2009 and President of the Irish Golf & Club Managers Association from 2020 to 2023.