After 10 years of planning, designing, refining, funding and constructing, the membership was rewarded for its patience, vision and trust with a beautifully renovated lower level and golf course. Together, we accomplished great things, have renewed confidence in our ability to execute transformative changes and are poised to accomplish more in the future.
Developing the Next Vision
Looking ahead, the Board is committed to building on our strong financial condition to ensure that the Club will always be in the best position to capitalize on future opportunities and defend against unforeseen challenges.
With the Lower Level Project and Golf Course Master Plan completed, the Board is looking for a variety of ways to use and improve our property.
The Long Range Planning Committee, under the leadership of Mike Lentz, is developing a Club House Master Plan which will provide a long term plan and road map as we take on future updates, repairs and replacements of our existing facilities over the coming years. Long Range planning is also working on researching solutions for much needed parking and improvement to racquet facilities. In addition, the House committee and staff are looking for new and creative ways in which we can improve the usage of our current footprint. The wonderfully received Yellowstone Music Fest event is a great example.
The Golf Course Master Plan Committee is updating the Master Plan with new design elements and a long range direction for our golf course. We look forward to sharing the proposed plan with the membership in the upcoming year.
Extended Real Estate Footprint
The Board is continuing its efforts to address the need for more space. First, in March of 2022 we purchased the First Church of Christ, Scientist (7901 Connecticut Avenue) located directly across Connecticut Avenue from Columbia’s main entrance. The church presented the Club with a unique opportunity to expand our real estate footprint as a long term investment. Today, the Church has been rented under a long term lease. The rental income helps defray related costs and the property provides much needed parking as we look at potential long term uses.
The Club also owns 5 of the 6 houses on East-West Highway directly west of our entrance. We have made several attempts to purchase the one home we don’t own (4003 East-West Highway) so that the Club would own all six properties. These offers have not been successful to date but we continue to explore that opportunity along with potential improvements for this area.
To maximize our flexibility and potential use of all of these properties, we are currently in the process of getting approval to bring these properties under the Club’s Special Exception zoning. This requires a submission and meeting with the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. If approved, the amendment will be the first step to allow the Club to use all of the properties for potential Club purposes.
The Board has asked the Long-Range Planning Committee and the management team to explore potential long term uses for the properties to best benefit the future of Columbia.
Financial Disciplines
The financial health of the Club remains strong. Addressing the Club’s long-term debt remains a primary focus. Our disciplined financial approach has allowed us to generate sufficient cash to tackle needed capital projects and reduce our debt from $15.8 million to $13.5 million over the last year. We spent over $1.2 million on capital projects this past year and have budgeted for a similar amount this coming year. Our continued success attracting new members has allowed us to create a membership waitlist (approximately three years). The waitlist will allow us to avoid overtaxing our facilities and ensure our financial future. But please don’t let our success deter you from continuing to recruit new members. Please keep it up!
Living the Spirit of Columbia
I ask all of us to offer a Warm Columbia Welcome to our newest members. Let us show them that the Spirit of Columbia – the camaraderie among members, respect for staff and our appreciation for our history and traditions - is thriving.
I am so honored, humbled and proud to serve as the President of our wonderful Club and am looking forward to this next year. Your kind words of support have meant a great deal. I am so fortunate to take this position at a time when our Board, membership, and staff all share a common long term vision. While opinions and details may vary, we all want what is best for Columbia and share common tenets of mutual respect, communication and civil discourse.
Sincerely,
Carolyn L. West
Columbia Country Club Board of Governors
Carolyn L. West, President
Thomas J. Roginski, First Vice President
Michael T. Crilley, Second Vice President
Ryan B. Angier, Treasurer
Eileen C. Mayer, Secretary
Carlos M. Molina, Membership
Walter C. Pennington, Ex-Officio
Robert G. Dean, III, House
Michael E. Lentz, Long Range Planning
Michele M. Dombo, Building & Grounds
Richard W. Holland, Green
William B. LeBlanc, III, Tennis
Matthew R. Stanton, Community Relations
Matthew M. Wolf, Legal Counsel
Patrick M. Rafferty, Communications
Michael S. Mitchell, Golf
Michael D’Achille, Bowling
Joshua M. Davis, Swim
Terri G. Smith, Fitness
Andrew Brancaccio, Paddle Tennis
Geoffrey J. Gonella, Past Club President & Special Advisor to the Board
2025 Committees
BOWLING
Michael D’Achille, Chair
Frank Birney
Lori Shore
Andrew Hill
BUDGET & FINANCE
Thomas Roginski, Chair
Ryan Angier
Terence Callahan
Michael Crilley
Paddy Cullen
Patrick Judge
Brian Lemek
Michael Lentz
Andrew Marcou
Janene Mitchell
Alfred Serafino
John Sturm
COMMUNICATIONS
Patrick Rafferty, Chair
David Coriale
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Grace Weisser, Chair
Amory Barnes
Jeanne Cordisco
Eleanor Hopkins
Katie Leachman
Lindsay Lucas
Linda Lynch
FITNESS
Terri Smith, Chair
Chip Fitzgerald
Betsy Heidenberger
Diane Mayer
Eileen Mayer
Pat Mufarrij
Betsy Pothier
Michael Ridgway
Bill Russel
Polly Sturm
GOLF
Michael Mitchell, Chair
Chris MacInnes, Women’s Co-Chair
Claire Carlin, Women’s Co-Chair
Josh Alkin
Michael Bellaman
Stephen Gordon
Dan Hickey
Doug Hurson
Tim Kane
Mat Lapinski
Christina Miller
Billy Peel
Huan Tran
GREEN
Rich Holland, Chair
Bill Boyle
Teresa Carlin
Walter Gibblin
Nick Grubb
Joseph Harar
Andy Hill
GREEN (Continued
Gabe Jaronson
Polly Sturm
Michael Svec
Alex TenHoeve
Colleen Williams
HOUSE
Robert Dean, Chair
Dave Coriale
Jamie Desjardins
Aimee Dominick
Jessica Flynn
Molly LeBlanc
Michael Martinez
Christine Reed
Sunni Warren
Grace Weisser
Betsy West
Sam Whitehorn
LONG RANGE PLANNING
Michael Lentz, Chair
Patrick Flynn
Andrew Hill
Vince Kiernan
Jonathan Penney
Walter Pennington
Thomas Roginski
Terri Smith
Jennifer Spallone
Carolyn West
Bradley Wilner
Marc Witowski
Matthew Wolf
MEMBERSHIP
Carlos Molina, Chair
Jeffrey Cordisco
Jeffrey Forbes
Kimberly Gardiner
Andrew Giordano
Nicholas Grubb
Ryan Holley
Anne Patterson
William F. Peel, III
Michael Rowan
Reggie Taylor
RACQUET
William LeBlanc, Chair
Andrew Brancaccio, Paddle Chair
Keelin Ghallagher
Betsy Heidenberger
Ian MacInnes
Courtney Metz
Monica Molloy
Wade O’Brien
Julia Power
Marcus Witoski
SWIM
Joshua Davis, Chair
Sara Andrews
Pamela Brancaccio
Sarah Fulton
Betsy Heidenberger
Kevin Howard
Meg Joseph
Jonathan Soloman
Erin Sowanick
From the Membership Chair
Carlos M. Molina
I would like to begin my annual report as Membership Committee Chairman by sincerely thanking all the members of the Membership Committee. Your dedication, input, and availability for meet-and-greets, as well as cocktail parties, have been instrumental in upholding the high standards of our club and enhancing the overall membership experience.
I am especially grateful for the ongoing support of Membership and Communications Director Emily Ince and Membership Coordinator Sarah Houmes, whose guidance and assistance have been invaluable throughout the year.
I am pleased to report that membership interest remains vibrant. Our waitlist now extends through the spring of 2028. This remarkable achievement would not be possible without the sponsorship efforts of so many members. What makes me most proud, however, is the exceptional quality of families drawn to our club. Time and again, new candidates cite our “Warm Columbia Welcome” and our vibrant culture as the reasons they wish to join our Columbia family. I commend you for promoting the Columbia spirit and staying true to our traditions.
New Members Elected in FY26
•Active Full: 21
•Active Non-Golf: 3
•Social: 2
•National: 1
•Junior Active Full: 21
•Young Executive Active Full: 4
Looking ahead, I am extremely optimistic about Columbia’s future as we continue to attract outstanding candidates. If you have questions regarding membership or the sponsorship process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Membership department.
Thank you again for the club’s continued support and for the opportunity to lead such a talented committee. It has been a true pleasure to serve.
Welcome New Members
Member Name Sponsor
Paul C. Adkins
Brad Bailey
Brett Beck
F.B. “Fritz” Brogan
Brendan Buck
Kevin Cosimano
Edward Crilley
Philip D’Achille
Dr. Robert Dayse
Peter Fitzgerald, Jr
Ali Frye
Steve Beck
Alex Hermance
Kevin Madden
Kent Marquis
James Crilley
Carole D’Achille
Gavin S. Hamilton
John Paul “Sean” Doyle, IV Rick VanMeter
John “Jack” Evans
Andrew Foncannon
Colleen Frank
Drew “Andrew” Goesl
Andrew Gonella
Patrick Kennedy
John Leubecker
Julia Lucas
Peggy Marilley
Katherine McQuaid
Luke Mehmeti
Mary Grace Meyers
Drew Mickum
Michaela Morgan
Elena Roth Murphy
Sheldon Nagesh
Patrick “PJ” Nalls
Chris Evans
Bob Milkovich
Pat McCormick
Thomas Dyszkiewicz
Geoff J. Gonella
James Crilley
William F. Peel
James Scarff
Danny Nalls
Frank Langhammer
Mike Taylor
Michael Crilley
George Mickum
Thomas D. Flanagan
Stephen E. Roth
Robert Mitchell
Patrick Nalls
Ray E. “Chip” Newton, III Carl MacCartee
Daniel O’Brien
Meghan O’Brien
Latifat Okara
Andrew Palmer
Amanda M. Parker
Charlotte Pennington-Hopson
Jeffrey Plamondon
Kevin Reap
Isabella Richardson
Harry Richardson
David Sheahan
Patrick Sissman
Joseph E. Spinella, Jr.
Carolyn Starek
Tyler Steed
Cherian Thomas
Elise Tigani-Endres
Stephen S. Usher
Carlos Vaca Valverde
Robert I. White
Jonathan Williams
Denis O’Brien
Denis O’Brien
Reginald Taylor
Matthew Lapinski
Vivian K. Birney
Walter Pennington
Pete Plamondon
Bernard McCarthy
Lou Christopher
Mark Richardson
Matthew Krafft
Ryan Mostrom
James C. Conley, III
Peter F. Healy
Michael Steed
Stephen H. Taylor
William Maloney
Matthew R. Hopkins
Walter Pennington
Bob Dean, III
Bradley Rossin
From the Budget & Finance Chair
Thomas J. Roginski
The Budget & Finance Committee is pleased to report that Columbia Country Club is in solid financial condition as of fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
A great deal of thanks is owed to the hard-working Budget & Finance Committee members who met regularly throughout the year to prepare the FY26 operating and capital budgets. In addition, I would like to thank the past members of the committee Chris Hayes, Bob Pillote, Scott Huguely, Terry Jacobs, Andrew Verga and Matt Wolf.
I want to recognize Club Manager Bill Jankowski and Director of Finance Steve O’Grady and the entire staff for their part in the budget process. They do a very thorough evaluation of all aspects of our club’s expenses and capital needs.
Operating Results
Columbia’s Operating loss for FY25 is $250,000. This shortfall will be covered by our cash reserves and our FY25 initiation fee income of $4,725,000. In addition, our capital expenses for FY25 were $1,240,000 as compared to our capital dues of $1,078,000. The overall income for FY25 totaled $4,313,000, which was used to service our debt and capital leases.
Balance Sheet
Liquidity - As of September 30, 2025, the Lower-Level Project has been paid in full and leaves us with an ending Cash Balance of $3,466,000. In addition, we have Current Assets in excess of Current Liabilities of $1,050,000.
Debt – The Club repaid $2,466,000 in principal on our bank loan during FY25 leaving a balance of $13,425,000.
Debt Reduction Plan
Last year, the Board agreed to initiate a debt reduction plan. The Budget and Finance Committee will continue to follow the plan and project to bring total debt down to approximately $11 million by 2027 when the Club’s loans will mature and the interest rate will be reset.
2026 Operating Budget
The Budget and Finance Committee recommended, and the Board approved a balanced budget for FY25 that includes a 9.2% increase in dues to be voted on by the membership at the annual meeting which will bring monthly dues for an Active Full Member from $975 to $1,065 and pro rata increases to the other membership categories.
Key factors contributing to increase in dues include:
•Significant increase in our capital dues portion. 2.5% of the 9.2% dues increase will be allocated directly to capital dues
•Employee wage increases of 3% over next year
•Increase of 7.5% in health and 10% in general insurance costs
•Inflation impacts on operating expenses including maintenance and repair costs
2026 Capital Budget
The Board approved a Capital Budget for FY26 of $1.2 million which allocates capital broadly across the Club’s facilities to include the continued capital expenses to maintain our championship golf course, major repairs to our clubhouse as well as our family activities building, and funding of the exploration of long-term projects.
The Budget and Finance Committee is committed to the disciplined financial approach of funding capital projects with cash flow generated from capital dues and initiation fees and continuing to reduce debt where possible. This approach has kept Columbia in a solid financial position while still being able to fund significant improvements across the club property, and positioning the Club to take advantage of future opportunities.
From the Treasurer
Ryan Angier
The fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, was a year of continued investment in the future of Columbia Country Club, marked by both financial achievements and operational challenges. Total operating revenue for the year reached $27.3 million, a 9.2% increase over the $25 million reported in FY24. This growth reflects strong performance in many areas of Club operations and underscores the ongoing commitment and engagement of our membership. However, despite this revenue growth, the Club finished the fiscal year with an operational loss of $250,000, compared to a budgeted breakeven. Several contributing factors impacted this result, most notably in our events and banquet business.
A major highlight of the year was the debut of the Club’s renovated lower level in October 2024, which was met with enthusiasm from members who praised the upgraded amenities and refreshed design. As part of the reopening, à la carte dining resumed with the Columbia Room opening under limited reservations for the first two weeks of October before transitioning to full capacity. The Terrace Room followed, opening a week later.
While à la carte dining experienced a slower-than-expected start in the first half of the fiscal year, performance rebounded strongly in the second half, ultimately finishing $154K (4.2%) above budget for the year. A key early challenge was culinary labor, as we worked to determine the appropriate staffing levels for the new kitchen environment amid uncertainty around member demand in the updated spaces. Although adjustments were made as operations stabilized, they were not sufficient to fully recover from the initial shortfall.
The most significant revenue shortfall came from our Banquets and Events segment, which did not meet expectations and was a primary driver of the year’s operating loss. Part of this shortfall reflects a changing landscape in wedding and event venues, with many couples and organizations increasingly choosing non-traditional or destination locations. To address this, the Club is placing renewed emphasis on promoting the use of our facilities for member-hosted events, such as milestone celebrations, private dinners, and social gatherings. Members are also reminded that they have the ability to sponsor events for friends, family, or colleagues, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase the Club to a broader community.
Looking ahead, a focused marketing and engagement effort will be undertaken to boost awareness and maximize the potential of our beautiful event spaces.
Despite these operational challenges, it is important to emphasize the strong financial indicators elsewhere. Interest in Club membership remains very high, and we recorded over $4.7 million in initiation fees on the Capital Income Statement—a clear sign of the Club’s enduring appeal and long-term stability. This level of capital income provides crucial support for facility improvements, infrastructure needs, and future planning.
Additionally, the Board remained focused on financial stewardship and long-term planning. As part of the Club’s ongoing debt reduction strategy, we were pleased to retire nearly $1.8 million in additional principal on the Club’s longterm debt during FY2025. This proactive step strengthens our balance sheet, reduces future interest obligations, interest rate risk, and reflects the Board’s continued commitment to responsible fiscal management.
From the Treasurer (continued)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 & 2024
LIABILITIES
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 & 2024
EXPENSES
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
In summary, while FY2025 presented certain challenges— particularly on the operational side—the Club continues to be in a strong financial position, with a vibrant and growing membership, significant capital support, and a clear focus on the future. The Budget and Finance Committee and Board will continue working closely with management to address areas of underperformance, improve efficiencies, and ensure a financially sound and member-focused FY2026.
From the Long Range Planning Chair
Michael E. Lentz
I’m pleased to provide an update on three key initiatives undertaken by the Long Range Planning Committee, with the help of our club staff and external consultants, over the past year.
Second Tennis Bubble Feasibility
Our committee completed a comprehensive study on the feasibility of a seasonal tennis bubble over courts 4 through 7. This study addressed the technical feasibility of installing a temporary structure including site preparation, fire & life safety, anchoring systems, and the necessary heating and lighting. We also met with and received an affirmative ruling from the Montgomery County Board of Appeals on a setback variance required to enable the project. Concurrently, we prepared a detailed evaluation of the upfront capital costs, which includes a substantial amount of work to correct existing drainage issues associated with courts 4 through 11. The preliminary findings suggest that a second bubble is technically feasible; however, the costs are materially higher than initially thought. As a result, we will continue to work with the engineers to solve the drainage issues while the Board considers the timing of the second bubble.
East-West Highway Residential Lots
We continued to pursue entitlements for the land adjacent to the club along EastWest Highway; however, we were dealt a setback when the Appellate Court of Maryland issued an Opinion overturning the Board of Appeals approval to add the residential lots to the Club’s special exception. As a result, we will be required to pursue a major amendment process which involves detailed site plans and engineering studies, to ensure that any future development aligns with both the club’s long-term goals and the surrounding community’s interests. We expect to advance the entitlements effort in the year ahead as part of long-term expansion opportunities.
Main Level Clubhouse Renovation
A subcommittee was assembled to study several areas within the clubhouse where a backlog of maintenance issues, general physical condition degradation, and functional obsolescence have created an imperative for modernization. Our goal is to create a more functional and inviting space that better serves our members, while embracing the club’s classic design and prominence. We have been working with a leading private club architectural and interior design firm to develop plans and scopes of work that will refresh the aesthetics while improving the flow between the different areas, such as the lobby, sitting, dining and living rooms, seasons lounge, and the men’s upper and lower locker rooms. The output of this effort will provide a masterplan for reinvestment in the clubhouse and provide the Board of Governors with information required to plan these improvements.
We are excited about the potential these projects have to enhance the member experience and secure the club’s future. Thank you to the Long-Range Planning Committee members for their continued commitment.
From the Building & Grounds Chair
Michele M. Dombo
Building and Grounds touches every part of the Club, many projects would be considered capital expenditure, but they were addressed during Phase 1 and 2 of the lower-level projects, which are now complete. We can now focus on other areas that need attention.
In 2025 we addressed:
Parking Lot & Garage aesthetic improvements
New service gates on the Loading Dock
Exterior painting of the Clubhouse
Completion of the Golf Simulator Room
In addition to maintenance, 2025 also saw several staffing changes for Columbia’s Engineering team:
Billy Marlow retired after 44 years of service
Stephen Enright was promoted from Assistant to Chief Engineer
Juan Diaz was promoted to Assistant Engineer
Alex Nguyen joined the team as Assistant Engineer
Projects to come in 2026:
Replacement of HVAC on the Main Level of the Clubhouse
PoolPak* Replacement for the Indoor Pool
*The PoolPak is the HVAC unit for the indoor pool area situated on the roof. It allows the pool area to maintain a comfortable temp and its primary function is to keep the humidity down. The unit runs 24/7.
One of the biggest projects we are working on in-house is the development of the club’s wide asset replacement plan for interior and exterior work of all the buildings. We are almost complete with an updated working document that identifies areas, items and equipment and their usage and potential year for replacement. This will help prioritize and keep the replacement and our maintenance in the forefront.
It’s been a busy few years with lots of changes and more to come. We look forward to continued success.
From the Community Relations Chair
Matthew Stanton
Employee Support & Columbia Foundation Impact
The Columbia Foundation has continued its focus on the needs of our employees, driving truly meaningful change for members of our Columbia Family most in need. Whether through direct financial assistance to families facing hardship or through the launch of the Foundation’s Employee Family Scholarship Fund, the Foundation remains steadfast in prioritizing our employees’ well-being and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the Columbia Family.
Community Engagement
In the broader community, the Foundation has directed its efforts toward charities that are creating genuine, measurable impact. At an event announcing the Foundation’s support for Nourishing Bethesda, a local organization making an outsized difference, two Montgomery County Council members attended and spoke about the critical role Columbia plays within the community. While there is still work to be done, it is increasingly evident that our community and elected officials recognize the value of engaging with Columbia rather than against.
First Tee of Greater Washington Partnership
The First Tee Honorary Guest Program, our first-of-its-kind partnership with First Tee of Greater Washington continues to thrive and evolve in remarkable ways. Beyond the life lessons golf teaches, the program provides mentorship opportunities that allow our members to guide and support young men and women as they prepare for college and beyond.
Past President and Honorary Guest Committee Member Kevin Gallagher presented our program at the Core Values Cup, hosted by First Tee, Greater Washington, DC Chapter. Several other clubs expressed interest in the initiative, and one club has already adopted a version of the program. The word is spreading, and Columbia is proudly at the forefront of this movement.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to President Carolyn West and Columbia Foundation President Sue Guzman for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing an agenda centered on our team, our community, and the long-term success of the Columbia Foundation.
From the House Chair
Robert G. Dean, III
Columbia Country Club’s house operations returned to full swing following the highly successful lower-level renovation. The revitalized space has enhanced member experiences, and we’re pleased to see strong engagement across our dining and event offerings.
Over the past 12 months, the Club has hosted numerous wellattended special events. Participation remains strong, and we continue expanding and refining our calendar to meet growing interest. Highlights included Cookies with Santa, the festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration with over 700 attendees, and our hallmark Independence Day celebration, which welcomed more than 2,250 members and guests—a 30% increase from the previous year.
Chef Brandon and his culinary team continue to elevate the à la carte menu with seasonal dishes and fresh additions for member enjoyment. Highlights such as the dry-aged steak program, house-made pasta, and themed dinners remain member favorites. This past year also saw the welcome return of some beloved Club classics, including the crab cluster, chicken brochette, and prime rib.
While overall engagement is strong, there are opportunities to increase participation in certain areas. If you haven’t yet tried our à la carte Sunday brunch, we encourage you to do so. The Wine Room, located just outside the Terrace Room, provides an intimate setting ideal for celebrating special occasions with up to six guests.
The
2025 David S. Scrivener Distinguished Service Award
was
presented
to Columbia Member in recognition of his years of extraordinary devotion and service to Columbia Country Club
ALFRED J. SERAFINO
We also invite members to consider the Club’s upper-level banquet space for corporate functions, weddings, and charitable events. Led by Director of Catering Laura Gaige and her team along with Banquet Manager Alberto Chavez and the banquet operations team, our banquet department consistently delivers a first-class experience with thoughtful guidance and seamless support to make planning effortless. Members are welcome to sponsor friends, colleagues, and organizations to enjoy this space throughout the year.
On behalf of the House Committee, thank you for your feedback and participation. A special note of gratitude to our management team and dedicated staff, whose commitment ensures exceptional experiences for our members and guests.
We look forward to another vibrant year ahead.
From the Bowling Chair
Michael D’Achille
From the Fitness Chair
Terri G. Smith
Bowling at Columbia continues to thrive in popularity. Over the past few years, we have implemented several updates to enhance the experience at the Bowling Center. Notable improvements include the addition of a screen that displays league standings, upcoming events, and other bowling-related information. Last year, we also introduced a specialized bowling menu, which has been met with enthusiastic approval.
For the 2025 bowling season we anticipate continued excitement in both open bowling and league play. This upcoming season The Mixed League has 14 teams with over 100 bowlers competing on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Men’s League includes 63 bowlers across 9 teams, competing on Thursday nights. Meanwhile, the Women’s League continues bowling on Wednesday mornings.
The lanes are open for all members on Friday nights and weekends. We plan to maintain the reservation system for open bowling, which has successfully reduced wait times and allowed staff to adequately prepare the Bowling Center for the weekend play. The lanes can be reserved on the Columbia app. The Bowling Center can also host private events except during league play. Contact the catering team to reserve your event.
The Committee is looking forward another successful bowling season.
2025 was a great year for Columbia Fitness. The energy in the fitness center has been undeniable, and the numbers tell the story. Our gym welcomed 24,284 check-ins, a striking jump from 20,781 the year before. That means more of our members are making health and fitness a priority and choosing to do it here, in their own club. The increase reflects not just usage, but a growing sense of community in the fitness spaces. Our programs and services matched this enthusiasm with strong performance. We delivered 3,196 personal training sessions, 589 massage services, and 230 Pilates sessions. Thousands of touchpoints where staff and members connected one-on-one to improve health, relieve stress, and build strength.
One of the most exciting highlights is the return of our Turkey Trot 3K & 5K, now entering its fourth year. Each time it grows bigger, louder, and more fun. This year we expect record participation as it has quickly become a new tradition for families and friends to enjoy together, strengthening the social fabric of the club. We also took meaningful steps in improving our facilities. This year we refreshed our strength area with new weights and dumbbells, keeping the space modern, safe, and appealing.
With participation on the rise and member enthusiasm stronger than ever, the coming year promises even more opportunities to innovate, connect, and grow. On behalf of the entire fitness team, thank you for your unwavering support.
From the Swim Chair
Joshua M. Davis
2025 was another successful and spirited year at Columbia’s pools. This past year was marked by a number of significant swim-related personnel changes. First, we welcomed a new Pool Manager, Ian McNeal. Ian brings decades of pool management and swim experience to Columbia, and we are lucky to have him. Ian is supported by a fantastic and dedicated team, including Simon Pompey and Andrew LaFrankie. Ian and his team did a great job keeping the pools operational and keeping all of us safe.
Amid those departures, however, the swim team continued to be helmed by long-time Head Coach Kevin Mackenzie, who was supported by a terrific group of assistant coaches, Cece, Max, Emily, and Sean. The coaches ensured that the over 200 swimmers on the team had a positive and competitive season filled with swimmer improvement and enthusiasm.
Second, we were sad to see Coach Garrett Witts leave at the beginning of the summer. Garrett moved with his family to New York. In addition to being a near-constant and “visible” presence on the pool deck, many families will fondly recall Garrett helping our children become excited about being in the pool and encouraging all of our swimmers during swim season.
The swim team also saw another semi-departure this year. While certainly not leaving the club or the pool deck, Sara Andrews concluded her many-year run as chair of the swim team. Sara’s dedication to the swim team has been unmatched, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. The magnitude of the job she has been doing is such that she will be replaced by not one, but at least two co-chairs next season. Please join me in thanking Sara for all she has done for the club, the swim team, and our children.
Operationally, there were a number of enhancements around the pools, including implementing the same electronic check-in system for the indoor pool that we use for the outdoor pool, installing fresh cushions for the Adult Pool chairs and new stainless steel umbrella bases around the pool, and creating additional seating along the Terrace patio.
Finally, there are thanks to be given: first to the membership for their helpful and much-appreciated feedback; second to the swim committee for their guidance and assistance this year; and third and most importantly to Kevin Howard, past Swim Chair. It is because of all of Kevin’s past work that my first year as chair went as smoothly as it did, for which I am grateful.
From the Green Chair
Richard Holland
A warm Columbia welcome was extended to our new Golf Course Superintendent Andrew Crawford on April 14th. I would like to thank Andrew, his assistants Colton Lesh, Brad Leitz, and Carter Goodrich, as well as his entire staff, for all their hard work during this past season. Thank you also to the Green Committee for their time, effort, and dedication in supporting the continued improvements to our golf course.
After last year’s record heat and drought, we transitioned into one of the harshest winters the DC area has seen in recent years. The impact on our Tahoma 31 fairways was difficult to predict, and a slow start to spring, punctuated by May frosts, further delayed recovery and revealed the extent of winter kill damage.
Under the leadership of Andrew and his team, the entire Grounds crew worked tirelessly to encourage early-season growth despite the cool conditions. After waiting patiently for the Tahoma 31 fairways to green up, Andrew, his staff, and the Green Committee decided to begin sodding the impacted areas in mid-May. In total, six truckloads of Tahoma 31 sod equivalent to 1.5 acres, were installed across the fairways. Much of this work took place between May and June, ensuring the course was in top condition for the June Member-Guest. Over the past few months, we’ve learned a great deal and developed a proactive plan to better protect our turf against future extreme weather challenges. These include covering selected areas during the winter months, making sure our fairways are sufficiently hydrated heading into the cold season, and improving avenues for sunlight to shine on our fairways.
This year will be remembered for its frigid winter temperatures followed by intense summer heat and heavy rain. June and July alone brought numerous afternoon thunderstorms, with rainfall totals often exceeding an inch.
Holes 15 and 16 flooded five times in July, putting our course to the test once again. These events underscored the value of the drainage improvements made in recent years, which proved instrumental in limiting long-term damage. However, the repeated flooding has impacted our pond walls and stream banks.
This winter, or as the Grounds team calls it, “Project Season”, we will address the stream bank and pond erosion issues by rebuilding a portion of the stone wall on hole 17 and repairing the stream bank in front of the second green. We will also continue our tee improvement program, regrading and converting additional tees to Tahoma 31. This winter’s focus will be on holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Once again, this summer has demonstrated why Tahoma 31 was the right choice for our course: it has performed exceptionally well under extreme heat, heavy rain, and drought conditions.
This year, efforts were made to update our 2017 Golf Course Master Plan. A Master Plan Committee was formed, plans were drawn up by our golf course architect Joel Weiman, and approvals of the plan have been made by the Master Plan Committee along with condition approval by the Board.
The Green Maintenance team and the Green Committee remain dedicated to enhancing and maintaining our golf course, even under the most challenging conditions. The staff’s attention to detail has provided members with consistent playing surfaces throughout the season. We look forward to building on this progress with further improvements in the months and years ahead.
From the Golf Chair
Michael Mitchell
The Golf Committee is pleased to report that the golf program had another strong and very busy year. We expect to have over 32,000 rounds for the fiscal year, a new record and roughly 2,000 more rounds than last year.
We are particularly excited to see a significant year-overyear increase in caddie usage as a percentage of total rounds. Given our Club’s tradition and history as a place that emphasizes walking, I am also glad to see the decrease in the number of cart rounds. The Golf Committee thanks the membership for its support of our caddie program. I would also like recognize Caddie Master Lee Corcoran, who just completed his third year in that position, for his efforts.
2025 & 2024 Golf Rounds
Our junior programming continues to thrive, with all of our junior camps reaching waitlists and strong participation in our Junior Clinics. We have placed a strong emphasis on providing juniors with meaningful access to the golf course, with Mondays dedicated as a day for juniors to enjoy the course exclusively. Junior golf now accounts for roughly 13% of all rounds played at the Club.
The driving range is now a huge part of the golf operation. It is one of the most heavily used facilities at the Club. We began this year with an “irons only” policy to prevent balls going over the net. We then introduced limited-flight balls in June 2025, which can be hit only in the designated hitting stations on the left side of the range. While this solution is suboptimal and hopefully temporary until a longer-term solution can be determined, the limited-flight balls have significantly reduced the number of balls being hit over the net. As a long-term plan for the driving range is determined, including potentially increasing the net heights, the Golf Committee will look at adjusting the rules as appropriate.
Total Rounds in 2025: 32,039 | Total Rounds in 2024: 30,361
As you know in 2025 we made efforts to improve the pace of play in keeping with our traditions. While there is always room for improvement, we believe those efforts have helped make golf at Columbia more enjoyable and accessible. We will continue these efforts in 2026, and launch similar efforts to educate the membership about proper course care.
Long first tee wait times on busy days, especially on good weather Fridays in late Spring and early Fall, remain a persistent challenge for us. We implemented new technology in 2025 to help the Golf Professional Staff track wait times and use of the course by members and guests—to tell us more about who is using the course and when. That data drove our change to experiment with no guests on Friday this Fall. We will assess whether to continue that policy in 2026. We remain committed to exploring all options for minimizing wait time on the busiest days. Our Matchmaker, Scott McArthur, continues to do a superb job.
Tournament participation at our club remains very strong, with over 70% of events currently reaching a waitlist. Our waitlist data shows that members who register within the first 24 hours almost always secure a spot in the field. The Golf Professional Staff also works diligently to ensure that if a member gets stuck on the waitlist for an event in a given year, they receive priority entry the following year.
The new simulator room opened in November 2024 has been a huge success. Demand far exceeded expectations. With a year under our belt, the Golf Committee will be looking at new rules for the Winter of 2025-2026 to ensure better access for all members. We also expect to introduce making the simulator room/bays available for rental for private member events.
As a reminder, Columbia was selected to host the 2027 US Senior Women’s Amateur, which will take place in September 2027. The planning process, including fundraising, for the event will begin in earnest in 2026. There will be many opportunities for members to contribute to the success of this national championship, as we know our membership will do from our experience hosting the 2021 US Girls’ Junior.
I wish to thank the members of the Golf Committee and the entire Golf Staff for all of their hard work over this last year.
From the Tennis Chair
William LeBlanc
2025 was the sixth consecutive year of record-setting participation and sustained growth for Columbia Racquet Sports. As the calendar year cycles into its final quarter, all divisions of the Tennis Department’s daily execution are boasting higher numbers, more engagement, and better competitive results than any year in recent memory. The Columbia Racquets Staff is led by Racquets Director Joe Mesmer, who is going into his 34th year at Columbia Country Club. During Joe’s tenure, his team and him have worked tirelessly to optimize daily delivery and perpetuate the longstanding traditions of Columbia Racquets. As previously announced Joe will be retiring at the end of March 2026. A search committee is currently in the process of identifying Joe’s replacement at which point Joe will assume the role of Racquets Sports Emeritus. We look forward to celebrating Joe’s incredible career and legacy with the membership in early 2026.
Throughout 2025 the Racquets team has been expanding offerings with more clinics, structured programming, and new-member outreach. A deeper analysis/modernization of interclub league play have all found their way to the forefront of The Department’s agenda. With the financial challenges delaying the addition of a second bubble, optimized and equitable court allocation efforts through the Winter Season have prompted many new daily protocols aimed at consolidation and efficiency, ultimately leading to expanded membership utilization of the current indoor tennis facility.
Ladies Tennis at Columbia is alive and well catering to more than 170 female competitors. Supplementing the LITL League, interclub play extends to two GWTA divisions, a 50+ Team, Burgundy & Gold opportunities, and a newly minted developmental league targeting new members. Additionally, each week boasts fully subscribed “live-ball” clinics, team warmups, social games, and mixers. Both The A/B & C/D Ladies Member/Guest Tournaments were instantaneously fully subscribed. Ladies Opening Day drew record participation across seven hours to open the outdoor season in the spring.
After years of gradual building, Gentlemen’s Tennis is finally shifting into a sustained high gear. Men’s events through 2025 were often at full capacity and inter-club efforts have been consistently well attended. Morning social play is at an all time high with many weekday mornings playing host to as many as nine courts of men’s singles and doubles. ‘early bird’ men’s ‘Live-ball’ regularly caters to as many as twentyfive men weekly and has generated countless offshoot singles and doubles games. The first B/C level Member/Guest was a massive success with sixteen teams competing across two flights and the 2025 Member/Member was yet again fully subscribed with 32 competitive participants battling across two days.
The Junior population at Columbia is thriving like never before. Columbia is “home turf” to almost forty interscholastic competitors and more than twenty juniors regularly engaging in sanctioned tournament play outside of the club. The Junior Elite Clinic is expanding rapidly, and Coach Eleni’s ‘Sunday Series’ has five consecutive clinics packed weekly with our U10 participants. The social and family play supporting our junior enthusiasts is more prevalent and more consistent than ever.
We all extend our gratitude to Joe Mesmer and his Team, The Tennis Committee, Club Management and the countless member liaisons & league representatives for their unrelenting commitment to maintaining the Columbia’s Racquets program as the premiere operation in our local community.
From the Paddle Chair
Andrew Brancaccio
What an incredible season it has been! Once again, the energy on the courts was electric from the first serve in the fall to the final championship point this spring. It’s clear that the passion for paddle tennis at Columbia is stronger than ever, with fantastic turnouts and spirited competition across all our leagues and events. Our paddle community continues to be one of the most vibrant and engaging parts of the club, and I want to extend a huge thank you to all the players, captains, and pros who made this season another one for the books!
The season-long league play was the backbone of our community, culminating in hard-earned championships for four deserving teams. In the Women’s Leagues, congratulations go to Team Black Magic for their victory in the Monday League, and to Team The Bombs for conquering the Tuesday League. In the Men’s Leagues, the competition was just as fierce, with John Gray claiming the Wednesday League crown and Bertini’s Ballers earning the top spot in the Thursday League. A huge round of applause for all our champions!
Paddle League Member Guest Tournaments
Men’s Wednesday League Member Guest
The Wednesday League Member Guest had a strong turnout of 24 teams, with top honors going to:
· Penn Leachman & Peter Lamade (Flight 1)
· Andrew Brancaccio & Jake Samperton (Flight 2)
· Greg Flynn & Todd Colonna (Flight 3)
Men’s Thursday League Member Guest
The Thursday League Member Guest was another huge success with 19 teams. Congratulations to:
· Jon Pels & Scott Freund (Flight 1)
· Tom Brault & Paul Bowen (Flight 2)
Women’s Tuesday League Member Guest
The 11-team Tuesday League Member Guest was won by: Courtney Metz & Jenny Baine
Women’s Monday League Member Guest
The 13-team Monday League Member Guest was won by: Sophia Jung & Anne Smith
Paddle League Member Member Tournaments
Men’s Wednesday League Member Guest
The Wednesday League Member Member was a 16team battle on the courts with victory being claimed by:
· Remy Mooney & Clark Pastrick
Men’s Thursday League Member Member
The Thursday League Member Member showcased 24 competitive teams with our flight winners being:
· Nate Hamman & Matty Gardiner (Flight 1)
· Mac Hall & Paul Phillips (Flight 2)
Women’s Monday League Member Member
The Monday League Member Member was a fun day of friendly competition on the courts with a festive ‘Lucky Leprechauns’ theme.
In other key events, the ladies battled it out in the Women’s Over Under Tournament, with the Unders proudly claiming victory this year. We also hosted our rivals from Chevy Chase Club for the annual Connecticut Ave Cup on March 20. It was a hard-fought contest, but Chevy Chase narrowly defeated us in a 5-3 decision. We tip our hats to them and will be ready to reclaim the cup with determination next season.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on continuing to build upon this amazing momentum. Thank you again for your passion and participation.
See you on the courts!
From the Columbia Foundation President
Susan Guzman
Fiscal Year 2025 was another banner year for the Columbia Foundation — a year marked by growth, generosity, and a deepened commitment to supporting our Columbia Country Club family and the broader community surrounding the Club. Through financial assistance, educational support and community partnerships, the Foundation strives to uplift individuals and families — fostering growth, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
Commitment to Club Employees
The Foundation continued to prioritize programs that uplift, support, and celebrate the employees who make Columbia Country Club exceptional.
· Nearly $20,000 in direct financial support was provided to employees facing unexpected hardship, offering timely assistance and peace of mind in moments of need.
· Nearly $30,000 in education grants helped employees and their dependents pursue professional development and higher education.
· Nearly 300 turkeys distributed during Thanksgiving 2024 brought holiday cheer and gratitude to employees and their families, establishing a new Club tradition that is continuing into 2026.
Employee Family Scholarship Fund
A highlight of 2025 was the launch of the Employee Family Scholarship Fund, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous Club member donor. In its inaugural year, four dependents of Club employees were awarded scholarships to pursue college degrees in diverse fields ranging from Criminal Justice and Mechanical Engineering to Construction Management. The program has ambitious expansion plans for FY 2026 –all with the goal of empowering employee families to confidently pursue their academic and professional dreams.
The Columbia Foundation Board of Directors
Susan Cook-Guzman, President
Mark Belles, Vice President
Catherine Gallagher, Secretary
Yogini Patel, Treasurer
Scott Huguely, Assistant Treasurer
Susan Apgood, Director
Kathleen Barker, Director
Katie Drossos, Director
Mark Johannessen, Director
Jerry Kraisinger, Director
Bill Lawler, Director
Betsy Pothier, Director
Scott Talbott, Director
Catherine Zimmermann, Director
Frank Cantrel, Ex-Officio
Columbia Employee Voices
“Because of the Foundation’s support of my education, I was able to focus more on my studies without the constant stress of financial burdens. This grant not only relieved pressure from me but also from my parents, who have worked so hard to prepare me for this stage of life.”
“Thanks to the Foundation’s commitment to investing in students like me, I am able to pursue my goals with greater focus, determination, and confidence. This grant also serves as a source of encouragement, reminding me that my hard work and aspirations are recognized and supported by my community.”
“Because of the Columbia Foundation, I have been able to pursue my academic goals within the Club Management Association of America business program. I am fulfilled by my ability to tell other Club staff members about the EFSF so they can flourish and achieve their life goals.”
Celebrating Our Community
Through the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund, local DMV non-profits continue to receive financial support for their good works, particularly those who are active in the Club’s Montgomery County area. In FY 2025, the Foundation supported:
· Veterans and first responders through a grant to Hero Dogs
· Neighbors facing food insecurity through a grant to Nourishing Bethesda
· Children needing supplemental summer education through a grant to Horizons Greater Washington
When the Club and the Foundation partner together, good for the community grows exponentially. The First Tee Honorary Guest Program is a collaborative initiative that provides local high school students opportunities to “tee it up” at Columbia in more ways than one. In 2025, three local high school students graduated from the program, and three new students joined, benefitting not only from rounds of golf, but also from meaningful mentorship opportunities with Club members.
Looking Ahead
With each new year, the Foundation reaffirms its mission to provide support, education, and opportunity — strengthening not just our Club community, but the local neighborhoods that make up our shared home.
Columbia Country Club
Senior Management
Bill Jankowski, General Manager
Elizabeth Blanco, Director of House Services
Andrew Crawford, Golf Course Superintendent
Steve Delmar, Head Golf Professional
Laura Gaige, Director of Catering
Brandon Gross, Executive Chef
Emily Ince, Director of Membership & Communications
Stephen Enright, Chief Engineer
Joseph Mesmer, Director of Racquet Sports
Steve O’Grady, Director of Finance
Dana Shorb, Director of Fitness
Nevin Xavier, Director of Clubhouse Operations
Columbia Country Club Employee Spotlight
2025 Highlights & Milestones
(1.) Jorge Zuniga welcomed his first grandchild, Alina Leila Zuniga on March 14, 2025.
(2.) Food & Beverage Managers Zach Maier and Ryan Kennedy joined Chef Taylor Leach this year representing Columbia at the Masters.
(3.) Chief Engineer of 44 years Billy Marlow turned in his tool belt for some Commanders season tickets. Billy has passed the torch to the well deserving Stephen Enright!
(4.) Youth Counselor Cassidy Craven graduated with her master’s in political science from American University.
Head Golf Professional Steve Delmar won both PGA MidAtlantic Section Stroke Play #2 Championship & Head Pro Championship.
Steve Delmar and Kelly Ridgway tied the knot in August!
(6.) Membership Coordinator Sarah Houmes and Assistant Superintendent Brad Leitz tied the knot in Cancun, Mexico on March 24, 2025.
(7.) Congratulations to House Services team member James for receiving his United States citizenship!
(8.) The Restaurant Sous Chef Machoy Valmond, aka the ‘Island Boi’, served up a winning chili to claim the title of 2025 Chili Cook Off Champion in February.
Alexis Nunez and Linsy Ramirez from our Green department welcomed their baby boy Jayden Jeremiah on February 6, 2025.
Columbia welcomed Andrew Crawford, Golf Course Superintendent this Spring.
(10.) Guadalupe Flores Torres welcomed baby boy Rafeal Mario Torres on Monday, October 6, 2025.
(11.) Food and Beverage Katherine Rivas tied the knot with Columbia alumni Marcos Ponce on August 23, 2025.
(12.) General Manager Bill Jankowski and his family welcomed a new puppy, Charlotte!
