ATLANTA, GEORGIA – On February 7, 2018, East Lake Golf Club (ELGC) announced Chad Parker has been named President and General Manager (GM). Parker, a 22-year veteran of East Lake Golf Club served as General Manager / COO of the Club since 2015. Parker also played an instrumental role in leading the modifications to the Club’s golf course in 2016, which resulted in the nines being reversed.
“Over two decades, Chad has built an impressive track record of commercial, operational and strategic accomplishments,” said Tom Cousins, Chairman Emeritus of East Lake Golf Club. “He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring others. His wealth of experience will be a valuable asset for the Club in the years ahead. Chad is emblematic of the deep talent our management has developed at East Lake, and I could not be more pleased about his appointment to this critical role.”
Reporting to Parker will be Daniel Laterza, the Club’s newly hired Assistant General Manager, Ralph Kepple, Director of Agronomy, Dave Purdie, Tournament Director, Drew Dunn, Head Golf Professional, Caroline McGill, Director of Marketing & Special Initiatives and Krista Cardinal, Retail Manager.
“I am excited and honored to take on this role and look forward to partnering with our talented leadership team to deliver memorable experiences for our members, guests and partners, “said Parker. “All of us who work at East Lake are driven to fulfill Tom Cousins’ vision for this community and others like it around the nation.” “We are fortunate to have incredible partners in this effort including our membership, the PGA TOUR, Golf Channel and others.” “These are exciting times for our organization and I’m thankful to Tom Cousins for his confidence in my abilities as a leader.”
Rick Burton said, “Congratulations to Chad on his appointment. I have seen his growth first hand as his supervisor for most part of 20 years.” Chad realizes that he must always be a good steward in order for East Lake to maintain its rich heritage and values and I am sure he will.”
Concurrent to Parker’s appointment, Rick Burton, Chairman of East Lake Golf Club, will retire after a distinguished 21-year career at East Lake Golf Club. Burton has been instrumental in cultivating the Club’s corporate membership, which has steadily grown during his tenure. He also oversaw a major overhaul to the Club’s facilities in 2008 and along with golf course architect Rees Jones, led every major adjustment to the golf course since 1996, positioning the Club for growth for years to come.
Over the last several years Burton’s role has been evolving from a day-to-day management role to more of an advisory role as he transitioned the Club’s leadership responsibilities to Parker. Burton will remain on the ELGC board and will become a Senior Advisor of Golf Initiatives with Nonami LLC, another Tom Cousins related entity. His primary focus will be the Charlie Yates Golf Course.
Cousins said, “During his more than two decades at East Lake, Rick has been a consummate leader who will be remembered by everyone in our organization. His leadership, especially during the formative years, as to our growth as an organization and set the stage for many great things, including being named the permanent home to the TOUR Championship.”
Parker said, “I want to thank Rick for his support and advice over the past 20 years. He has been instrumental in my development as a leader and I’m grateful for his years of experience in the golf industry as we navigate this transition.”
East Lake Golf Club also announces that long time Controller & Clubhouse Manager Theresa “Terri” McClendon will retire in February 2018. McClendon, has faithfully served the members of East Lake for more than 22 yrs.
“I have enjoyed serving the members and guests at East Lake during my tenure,” said McClendon. “I am proud to have been part of such an amazing community redevelopment project and wish to thank Tom Cousins for his vision and opportunity to be part of it.”
Parker said, “During her more than two decades at East Lake, Terri has positively impacted every aspect of our operation. As Controller, she has been instrumental in the Club maintaining a stellar accounting reputation. As Clubhouse Manager, she has dutifully maintained our facilities with the utmost care, and we are forever grateful for her service.”