Management Connection is an accredited AMC led by Crystal Thomas, CAE, MCM, CHE. She established her association management business in 2005 with the intention to provide the “high touch” approach of the private club sector in its management of associations. Management Connection provides services across multiple industries. Crystal Thomas, CAE, MCM, CHE CEO A club GM for 30 years in Canada and the United States and a recipient of the Excellence in Club Management Award, Crystal is one of the 22 industry leaders worldwide to achieve a Master Club Manager designation. After leading The Athenaeum at California Institute of Technology to Platinum Club status in 2003, Crystal founded Crystal Clear Concepts in 2005 to drive the success of other clubs as a consultant and educator. That same year, her team began managing one of California’s CMAA chapters. In 2008, she collaborated with leading club managers to unify California’s four CMAA chapters into The Golden State Chapter. Her team has managed that association ever since. Her team also manages that chapter’s foundation. Concurrently, her company has managed a legal association for private clubs in California for more than a decade. It also provides services across industry The BoardRoom magazine has twice recognized her as one of the most influential women in the private club industry and in 2019 honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Crystal is also a recipient of the Gary Player Educator of the Year Award. She has provided club industry education internationally including in China. Crystal has authored dozens of articles and three manuscripts/books, Learning to Love, Harnessing the Fear Factor and Business with a Heart. Intrigued by all aspects of human behavior, she holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Santa Monica in Spiritual Psychology. Nick Bundra, CAE COO Nick joined Management Connection full time in 2019. One of his first projects was to oversee Management Connection in becoming an accredited AMC, a process completed in July 2020. Nick is the Executive Director for CalGeo, and variously contributes to the other associations that Management Connection manages. He has extensive writing experience having ghostwritten and edited a handful of professional and personal development books and manuscripts. He began his career in human behavior consulting. Nick has three master’s degrees, including one from NYU in Sports Business, and he earned his undergraduate from Pepperdine University. Lindsay Pizarro, CCM, CCE CMO Lindsay Pizarro, CCM, CCE, has over 20 years of club industry experience, including roles at California clubs with Platinum Club of America Status. She has served as an Events Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Clubhouse Operations Manager, and General Manager. Lindsay’s skills encompass strategic leadership, event management, operational efficiency, staff development, and a profound understanding of the hospitality industry. Her experience in member relations, financial management, and adaptability underscore the valuable perspectives she offers to associations.Lindsay is the Managing Director for The Golden State Chapter of the Club Management Association of America (TGSC), the Executive Director for The Golden State Chapter Foundation and the Executive Director of the California State Club Association (CSCA). Brian L. Flowers, CPA CFO Brian is a Certified Public Accountant in California with over 30 years of experience in public and private accounting. He began his career with KPMG LLP where he primarily served publicly traded high-tech and software clients, and worked on multiple initial and secondary public offerings. Brian entered the private sector as Controller for a venture funded entertainment startup where he lead the process for filing the Company’s initial public offering. He has spent the last 10 years as the CFO for various Private Equity backed companies ranging from $10M-$100M in revenue, and has been instrumental in the successful completion of multiple mergers and acquisitions. Brian has extensive experience managing the financing and accounting needs of early stage entrepreneurial companies and has been an integral part of raising over $150 million in venture funding. Brian has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University. Sarah Anselmo Partnership Coordinator Sarah cultivates and manages partnerships and industry relationships for the associations under Management Connection. She also oversees sponsorships for golf tournaments, consistently creating opportunities for collaboration between association members and the partners and sponsors eager to develop meaningful relationships with them.With a background in event management and hospitality, Sarah has spent her career creating experiences that bring people together. Before stepping into her current role, she served as a catering coordinator and event manager at El Niguel Country Club, where she curated memorable events and built lasting connections with clients and vendors.Sarah’s global perspective was shaped by her time living in China, where she developed a deep appreciation for cultural connections. She also expanded her expertise in the beverage industry by earning the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. Whether through event planning, sponsorships, or strategic partnerships, Sarah is committed to fostering connections that stand the test of time. Sidney Bowen Director of Communications, Marketing, & Student Development Sidney Bowen is the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Student Development for CalGeo, where she leads event promotion, member engagement, and student chapter initiatives. She brings a strong background in marketing and communications, including prior experience at El Niguel Country Club, where she supported brand visibility, member communications, and event marketing.In addition to her professional marketing career, Sidney has over 15 years of experience as a singer and songwriter and has performed all over the country. Her creative background informs her approach to storytelling, audience connection, and brand voice.