Renee Easley
Windstar on Naples Bay
Renee regards the Membership Directors Association as an essential organization in allowing regional
membership and sales professionals to network and share information that directly pertains to the Club
Industry. The MDASF has become a sanctuary to explore ideas with peers who understand the industry
and what it takes to succeed in the membership sales profession.
Renee Easley is the Sales and Marketing Director at Windstar on Naples Bay. Originally from New Jersey,
Renee has an exceptional work ethic along with the willingness to get the job done with extensive
background in marketing and communications. Renee has served in executive positions including as a
Marketing Director, Senior Graphic Designer, and Production Manager for a number of publications,
advertising agencies and realtors here in Collier County. Renee has degrees in both Graphic Design and
Advertising & Communications which are essential to all aspects of her current position. This is Renee’s
first Membership Sales position in a Club but she has proven herself through creative marketing and
member relations paired with her genuine smile and enthusiasm. Renee has played an important role in
bringing the Windstar on Naples Bay membership to the current level with over 43 new sales in the last
15 months.
Daniela Jacob
The Commons Club at the Brooks
My name is Daniela Jacob and I have been with The Commons Club at the Brooks since Sept 2002 starting
in the Social Department, promoted to the Director of Social Activities, and one year ago I became the
Director of Membership Sales. I have always been involved with membership but took the active role in
January 2013. In addition to overseeing Membership Sales, I am the Enrichment Center Manager, which
oversees the Administration building as well as the Social programming for The Commons Club.
I was born in Germany and lived there for 7 years before moving to the East Coast of Florida. I grew up in
Cocoa Beach and went to the University of South Florida in Tampa. I completed my undergrad at East
Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy. Following college I worked in the
Long term care, Assisted living and Alzheimer care units until the opportunity at The Commons Club.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth of MDASF and to serve my fellow
Membership Directors as a member of the MDASF Board. Thank you so very much for your support.
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Nancy Russo
Vasari Country Club
Born in Hinsdale, IL, I moved to Southwest Florida in the summer of 2004 to be closer to my father and
family. Even though I had been vacationing here for years, it was important to me to explore my new
surroundings, visiting all the local “must see” attractions and thoroughly getting to know Lee and Collier
counties. My knowledge of this area has been a tremendous asset for my members throughout the years.
Over the course of my 20+ career, my professional background in the club business began with a seasonal
position at the Sanctuary Golf Club on Sanibel Island. After two seasons, I enjoyed a successful tenure as
a processor for Realty Title Services on Sanibel Island, an experience which added to my understanding of
real estate closings.
In 2005, I joined Vasari Country Club, during the challenging period through which Vasari has evolved
from Taylor Woodrow (Taylor Morrison today) to an independent member-owned community. In the
process, I have become the main point of contact for our membership. As the Director of Member
Relations, I along with my staff, oversee all aspects of the Club’s communications, real estate and
marketing activities. With a degree in Advertising Art from Triton College, managing Vasari’s website and
digital marketing materials has expanded my knowledge and creative capabilities which led to the
redesign of Vasari’s website. Our new redesigned site was completed and launched in January 2013.
Photographing members at their events has been most rewarding to capture a memorable experience.
The most fulfilling part of my job, however, is building valuable relationships with our members. I have
developed and implemented many successful special events, including the Vasari Easter Egg Hunt which
has become one of the most talked about events at our club over the years.
During my very rare free time, I enjoy the Florida lifestyle by walking, biking and spending time at our
nearby warm, sunny beaches.
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Kristina Saly
The Vineyards Country Club
I was born in New York City and have lived in the Bahamas, Mexico, New Jersey and Switzerland. As a
result, I am fluent in three languages, which is an asset when working with prospects, members and
employees from other countries. I attended and received my hotel management degree from the “Les
Roches” Hotel Management School in Switzerland. After graduation, I moved to Florida and spent 3 years
at the Boca Raton Resort & Club working as a Housekeeping Supervisor & Training Manager.
At the beginning of my 20 years in Naples, I worked at the Registry Resort in several Front Office
supervisory & management positions. I was also the President of the Quality Initiative Committee, which
was responsible for the adherence of our quality standards & training for all 3 properties. (Registry
Resort, Naples Grande and Edgewater Beach Hotel)
I started my club career in 2000 at the Naples Grande “Premier Club” as Member Services Director and in
2005 was given the wonderful opportunity to join the Vineyards Country Club as Membership Director.
Initially, being a part of the MDASF provided me wonderful networking opportunities as I transitioned
from the hotel to the club industry. The wealth of information that I garner at the monthly events, online
and through our email communications has continued to be an invaluable tool in my career as a
Membership Director. On a personal note, I also cherish the great friendships I have made through the
organization.
If elected, I look forward to helping the MDASF continue to grow, enhance its programming and bring
more valuable information and learning possibilities to our association. I would like to give back to the
organization that has been so rewarding and beneficial to me.
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Donald J. Sawin
Imperial Golf Club
Highly motivated and extraordinarily dedicated hospitality executive. Enjoyed 25 continuous years of
service at various destinations for Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International. Adept at analyzing customer
preferences and creating long-term relationships that lead to member retention, revenue generation and
increased profitability. Proven leader with superb interpersonal, organizational and motivational skill set.
Equally versed in management, food & beverage operations and sales & marketing.
Work Experience
Imperial Golf Club – Naples, Florida
Director of Membership Sales
2012 to Present
Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort – Naples, Florida
Director of Membership Sales
2010 - 2011
The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples – Naples, Florida
National Sales Manager
2005 – 2009
Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa – Marco Island, Florida
Director of National Accounts
2000 - 2005
Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa – Marco Island, Florida
Director of Recreation
1996 - 2000
Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa – Marco Island, Florida
Senior Sales Manager / Executive Meeting Manager
1992 - 1996
The Long Island Marriott - Uniondale, New York
Restaurant Manager / Restaurant Supervisor / Banquet Manager
1984 – 1992
Education

Associate of Science Degree in Hotel Technology Administration from Nassau Community College –
Garden City, New York. Graduated Cum Laude.
Associations / Affiliations

Current member of: CMAA, CMAA Future Leaders, MDASF, PCMA, Extraordinary Leader Program,
Corporate Sponsorship Committee for the American Cancer Society
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Kacie Stratton Shields
The Twin Eagles Club
My name is Kacie Stratton Shields and I have held the position of Member Relations Manager at The
TwinEagles Club since September of 2012. I have worked in the Club industry for the past five years, and
in hospitality for eleven years. Growing up in northern Minnesota on a small resort that my family owned
and operated, I was able to experience the hospitality mindset at a very early age. In 2005 I moved to
Florida, working at a beach front resort, and then later attending Florida Gulf Coast University. While at
FGCU I received my Bachelor of Science in Resort & Hospitality Management, as well as a minor in
Marketing. Over the years, my work experience started in Golf, moved to Food & Beverage, and then to
Marketing and Membership. While in the Fort Myers/Naples area I have held positions at Shadow Wood
Country Club, Palmira Golf & Country Club, Quail Creek Country Club, and The TwinEagles Club. During
my time at FGCU I was the Vice President, and then President of the Club Manager’s Association of
America Student Chapter. While serving as President I increased membership numbers, spearheaded
several fundraisers, and facilitated the student group’s status change to an official CMAA “Chapter”. I
have been an active member of the CMAA since 2009, attending several conferences and educational
sessions. If I were elected as a board member for the Membership Directors Association of Southwest
Florida I would use my diverse background and leadership experience to help enhance an already
wonderful organization.
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Jennie Taylor
Quail West Golf & Country Club
As a native of England and former high school teacher of English and Physical Education, I moved to
Florida in 1995 as a managing partner in a successful restaurant business.
My extensive career in the Club business in Florida over the last 18 years has included experience with
the PGA Tour at TPC Prestancia in Sarasota, Riverwood Golf Club in Port Charlotte, The Quarry in Naples
and, for the last two years, at Quail West. That experience has been predominantly as a Membership
professional, but has also encompassed golf operations, food and beverage, and event planning.
As a member of the visionary original Founding Board of the MDASF in 2006, I am committed to
developing the professionalism of our industry and enhancing the role of the Membership Director. With
broad management experience in corporate, developer and member owned Clubs, including
establishment of a new Club, and promoting membership growth in the aftermath of developer
bankruptcy, I believe I have a well rounded knowledge of the many challenges that we face as
Membership Directors. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Board of the MDASF, and am
excited by the potential challenges of the position.
Married to a golf course superintendent, with a teenage son who is a scratch golfer, I have a keen interest
in golf, and enjoy giving back to the community through fund raising activities.
Professional Affiliations:
 PCMA – Professional Club Marketing Association
 Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) – Golf Events Chair – Naples Chapter
(Recipient of 2009 EWGA National ‘Women Who Lead’ Award - presented at the 2010 EWGA
National Conference at Pinehurst, NC
 Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) GHIN: Current Handicap Index – 12.3
 Florida Notary: Commission #EE175080
 Women’s Council of Realtors – Affiliate member
 Bonita Estero Association of Realtors (BEAR) - Affiliate member
 Florida Realtor 1997 (inactive)
 First Tee Naples/Collier
 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, Fund Raising Coordinator since 2000.
 Committee member for annual EWGA Pro-Am to benefit the PACE Center, Immokalee, and LPGA
Girls’ Golf.
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