2019 Mead Grady Award

Michael Smith – ECM, CCM, CCE

The Country Club of Rochester – Rochester, New York

Michael Smith, ECM, CCM, CCE has been General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at The Country Club of Rochester since October 2015. Michael began in his GM role by leading a $6 million capital improvement project, which has added key family-focused amenities, featuring casual dining, a year-round golf simulator, a state-of-the art fitness center and a zero-entry pool.  

Michael began his career in hospitality at The Rochester Yacht Club. From there, he furthered his career in management and leadership roles at The Union League Club of Chicago, Hilton Restaurant Group and the Country Club of Ithaca. Prior to leading the team at The Country Club of Rochester, Michael served as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Penfield Country Club.

Michael’s professional accomplishments in his 28-year career include receiving the 2008 Willmoore H. Kendall Scholarship; served on Board of Directors for the New York State Chapter and was the recipient of the 2018 Rich Regan Club Manager of the Year Award. Michael is a Rochester Institute of Technology alum who is active in working with students from the hospitality program at RIT and Niagara University. Michael, his wife Sandy and their son, Javier, enjoy traveling and hiking in the Adirondack Mountains in their spare time.