Board of Directors Minutes
Country Club Wrestling Association of America
2006 - 2025
NOTE: Routine meetings are recorded in condensed format.
Meetings of particular significance are recorded in expanded format.
2006
MEETING 2006-1 | March 15, 2006 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison | Absent: None
Business: Organizational meeting under new governance structure. Officers confirmed. Committee assignments made. Budget approved. All motions carried unanimously. Adjourned 11:47 AM.
MEETING 2006-2 | September 9, 2006 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison | Absent: None
Business: Convention report. Financial review. Membership report (387 clubs, down 11 from prior year). All motions carried. Adjourned 10:52 AM.
2007
MEETING 2007-1 | March 14, 2007 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison | Absent: None
Business: Routine. Budget approved. Membership: 378. Adjourned 10:30 AM.
MEETING 2007-2 | September 8, 2007 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison | Absent: None
Business: Routine. Convention report. Adjourned 11:15 AM.
2008 - EXPANDED
MEETING 2008-1 | March 12, 2008 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison | Absent: None
Business: Routine. Membership shows unexpected increase to 423 (up 45). Chairman expressed cautious optimism. Adjourned 10:45 AM.
🔴 MEETING 2008-2 | June 15, 2008 | EMERGENCY SESSION (Telephonic)
Present: Herold (Chair), Pemberton, Morrison, Whitfield, Ashworth | Absent: None | Quorum: Yes (5 of 5)
Called to order: 2:00 PM Eastern
PURPOSE: Emergency session to address Executive Director vacancy.
BACKGROUND:
Executive Director Margaret Ashworth Connelly submitted resignation effective May 31, 2008, citing family obligations. Position has been vacant 15 days.
ITEM 1: VACANCY REPORT
Chairman reported unsuccessful efforts to recruit replacement at budgeted compensation level. Market rate for comparable positions exceeds Association resources.
ITEM 2: DUAL OFFICE PROPOSAL
Chairman proposed Amendment XI authorizing dual office arrangement whereby Chairman may also serve as Executive Director. Key provisions:
- Separate compensation for each position
- Single signature satisfies dual-approval requirements
- ED may assume duties of other vacant positions after 30 days
DISCUSSION:
Dir. Whitfield expressed concern re: concentration of authority.
Chairman noted Emergency Powers may be triggered within 12-18 months if membership trends continue, rendering concern moot.
Dir. Pemberton noted cost savings and administrative efficiency.
Dir. Ashworth expressed support given family connection to Chairman.
MOTION (Pemberton/Morrison): Adopt Amendment XI as proposed.
VOTE: 4-0-1 (Whitfield abstaining)
CARRIED.
MOTION (Ashworth/Pemberton): Appoint John Patrick Herold as Executive Director effective immediately, at compensation to be determined by Compensation Committee.
VOTE: 4-0-1 (Herold abstaining per conflict)
CARRIED.
Adjourned: 3:17 PM Eastern
MEETING 2008-3 | September 20, 2008 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Pemberton, Morrison, Whitfield, Ashworth
Business: Convention report. Amendment XI ratified by membership (voice vote, no objection). Compensation Committee report: approved separate compensation for Chairman ($87,500) and ED ($92,500) roles. Dir. Whitfield noted for record her continued reservations. Adjourned 11:30 AM.
2009 - EXPANDED
⚠️ EMERGENCY POWERS TRIGGERED ⚠️
MEETING 2009-1 | March 15, 2009 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Pemberton, Morrison, Whitfield, Ashworth | Absent: None
Called to order: 9:00 AM
ITEM 1: MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Secretary reported January 2009 membership count: 487 clubs.
February 2009 count: 498 clubs.
Current count (as of March 14): 496 clubs.
Chairman noted membership had fallen below 500-club threshold specified in §10c(a), automatically triggering Emergency Administrative Authority.
ITEM 2: DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY STATUS
MOTION (Pemberton/Ashworth): Board formally acknowledges that Emergency Administrative Authority under §10c is now in effect and shall remain in effect until membership returns to Historical Membership Levels (1,412 clubs) per §10c(c).
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0)
CARRIED.
ITEM 3: AMENDMENT XIII
Chairman presented proposed Amendment XIII clarifying emergency provisions, including:
- Definition of "Historical Membership Levels" as 1963 peak (1,412)
- Addition of catch-all authority provision
- Personal liability protection for good-faith emergency actions
MOTION (Morrison/Pemberton): Adopt Amendment XIII as presented.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0)
CARRIED. Effective immediately.
ITEM 4: EMERGENCY ACTIONS
Chairman reported intention to exercise emergency authority to:
- Reduce Board meeting frequency if needed
- Defer non-essential expenditures
- Consolidate staff positions
Board expressed support.
Adjourned: 11:45 AM
MEETING 2009-2 | September 12, 2009 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Pemberton, Morrison, Whitfield, Ashworth
Business: Convention report. First Annual Emergency Powers Report presented (see separate document). Membership: 467. Adjourned 11:00 AM.
2010 - 2013
MEETING 2010-1 | Mar 14 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:30
MEETING 2010-2 | Sep 11 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:45
Membership EOY: 467
MEETING 2011-1 | Mar 13 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:15
MEETING 2011-2 | Sep 10 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:30
Membership EOY: 445
MEETING 2012-1 | Mar 11 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:20
MEETING 2012-2 | Sep 8 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:45
Membership EOY: 423
MEETING 2013-1 | Mar 10 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:30
MEETING 2013-2 | Sep 14 | LV | Quorum: Y | All present | Routine | Adj 10:15
Membership EOY: 398
2014 - EXPANDED
MEETING 2014-1 | March 9, 2014 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Pemberton, Whitfield, Ashworth | Absent: Morrison (excused - France)
Business: Routine spring meeting. Budget approved. Membership holding at 398. Dir. Morrison absence noted; relocation to France increasingly permanent. Adjourned 10:30 AM.
MEETING 2014-2 | September 13, 2014 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Pemberton, Whitfield, Ashworth | Absent: Morrison (excused)
Called to order: 9:00 AM
ITEM 1: REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP COLLAPSE
Chairman reported catastrophic membership decline in Q2-Q3 2014.
Year-end projection: 267 clubs (down 131 from prior year, -32.9%).
Primary factors identified:
- Closure of Midwest Regional Wrestling League (47 affiliated clubs)
- Bankruptcy of Southwest Wrestling Alliance (29 affiliated clubs)
- General economic conditions affecting club dues collection
ITEM 2: EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Chairman outlined emergency cost reduction measures implemented under §10c authority:
- Staff reduced from 4 FTE to 1.5 FTE
- Office relocated to Chairman's residence (temporary)
- Publication schedule reduced to digital-only
- Committee activities suspended except Credentials and Ethics
Board expressed support for measures taken.
ITEM 3: DIRECTOR MORRISON
Chair noted Dir. Morrison has not attended meeting in 18 months due to France relocation. Board discussed requesting resignation. No formal action taken; Chair to confer with Dir. Morrison.
Adjourned: 12:15 PM
2015 - 2024 (Summary)
2015-2016
- • Dir. Morrison resigned (2/28/15) - Seat 3 vacant
- • Amendment XIV (succession clarification) adopted
- • Dir. Ashworth health concerns noted
- • Membership: 234 → 212
2017
- • Dir. Ashworth resigned (8/15/17) due to stroke recovery - title "Director Emerita" conferred
- • Board reduced to 3 Directors + Chair
- • Membership below 200
2018-2019
- • Dir. Pemberton resigned (8/31/19) - health reasons
- • F. Harrington Whitmore III appointed to Seat 1 (9/15/19)
- • Membership: 187 → 178
2020 - COVID-19 Pandemic
- • Amendment XV adopted (virtual conventions authorized)
- • September 2020 convention held virtually (67 attendees)
- • Dir. Whitfield resigned 12/31/20 citing difficulty of virtual participation
- • Board at minimum size: Chair + 2 Directors
- • Membership: 167
2021-2024
- • M. Castellano-Wright appointed to Seat 2 (3/1/21)
- • Return to in-person meetings (2022)
- • First non-decline year since 2008 (2022: membership stable at 156)
- • Rev. Dr. Thornton Ashworth-Collins appointed to Seat 3 (6/15/23) - also appointed Chaplain
- • Full Board (3 Directors + Chair) for first time since 2017
- • Membership 2024: 145
2025 - CURRENT YEAR
MEETING 2025-1 | March 9, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Quorum: Yes
Present: Herold (Chair/ED), Whitmore, Castellano-Wright, Ashworth-Collins | Absent: None
Called to order: 9:15 AM
ITEM 1: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of Meeting 2024-2 (September 14, 2024) approved without amendment.
ITEM 2: FINANCIAL REPORT
Chairman presented Q4 2024 and year-end financials. Operating deficit of $4,200 offset by convention revenues. Reserve fund stable at $47,500. Dir. Whitmore moved to accept; seconded Dir. Castellano-Wright. Carried.
ITEM 3: MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Current membership: 142 clubs (down 3 from September 2024).
Non-renewals: Woodland Hills CC (CA), St. Andrews Club (FL), Riverside CC (CT).
No new member applications pending.
Emergency Powers status: ACTIVE (year 16). Historical threshold remains 1,412 clubs.
ITEM 4: 2025 CONVENTION PLANNING
Convention dates confirmed: September 11-14, 2025, The Mirage.
Theme: "Tradition and Tomorrow" (73rd Annual Convention).
Expected attendance: 50-55 delegates.
Dir. Castellano-Wright reported contract negotiations with venue proceeding; room rate held at 2024 level.
ITEM 5: MUSICAL PRODUCTION UPDATE ⭐
Chairman reported on "Country Club Wrestling: The Musical" world premiere scheduled February 28, 2026 in Atlanta. Discussion of Association involvement and promotional opportunities. Board expressed enthusiasm for exposure to new audiences.
MOTION (Ashworth-Collins/Whitmore): Authorize Chairman to negotiate official CCWAA endorsement and licensing arrangements.
Result: Carried unanimously.
ITEM 6: LEGACY EXEMPTION REVIEW
Pursuant to §8(d), five-year review of Legacy Exemption status conducted. Executive Director (performing Ethics Committee function under Emergency Powers per §10h(c)) confirmed continued qualification of Chairman under Legacy Exemption criteria. Documentation filed.
ITEM 7: COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Dir. Whitmore presented Compensation Committee findings. Committee (Herold, Herold as ED, Whitmore) reviewed officer compensation.
RECOMMENDATION: No adjustment to Chairman ($92,500) or Executive Director ($97,500) compensation for 2025.
Chairman abstained from vote. Dir. Whitmore moved to accept; seconded Dir. Ashworth-Collins. Carried (3-0, Herold abstaining).
ITEM 8: ANNUAL EMERGENCY POWERS REPORT
Chairman presented 2024 Emergency Powers Report (16th annual). Actions taken: Routine administrative functions only. No extraordinary measures. No bylaw amendments. Report accepted and filed.
ITEM 9: DIRECTOR EMERITA UPDATE
Dir. Castellano-Wright reported on welfare check with Barbara Ashworth (Director Emerita). Mrs. Ashworth, 94, residing at assisted living facility in Washington, D.C. Rev. Dr. Ashworth-Collins offered prayer of thanksgiving for her continued health.
ITEM 10: OTHER BUSINESS
Discussion of potential outreach to lapsed member clubs. Chairman to draft communication strategy for Board review at September meeting.
ITEM 11: NEXT MEETING
Next regular meeting: September 13, 2025 (Convention weekend).
Adjourned: 11:15 AM
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ John Patrick Herold
John Patrick Herold
Chairman and Executive Director
MEETING 2025-2 | Scheduled September 13, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV
Regular Board meeting to be held during 73rd Annual Convention weekend.
2026 - UPCOMING
SPECIAL PUBLIC BOARD MEETING
World Premiere Event - February 28, 2026
Location: Druid Hills Golf Club Ballroom, 740 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA
Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026 • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Format: Special Public Board Meeting held in conjunction with "Country Club Wrestling: The Musical" world premiere
"Welcome, distinguished members and honored guests! The Country Club Wrestling Association of America cordially invites you to participate in our Special Public Board Meeting, held in conjunction with our historic return to Druid Hills Golf Club—the very birthplace of our organization."
📋 Voting Participation:
As ticket holders to the Musical premiere, attendees have full voting privileges on all motions presented before the Board. This unprecedented public participation opportunity reflects the Association's commitment to transparency and member engagement.
🏛️ Historical Significance:
This meeting marks the Association's return to Druid Hills Golf Club, one of the seven founding clubs represented by the incorporators in 1952. Douglas Pemberton Smith of Druid Hills served as the organizing force and first Director of the CCWAA.
Note: Voting participation requires valid ticket to the Musical performance. Meeting minutes will be published following the event.
MEETING STATISTICS
Total meetings (2006-2025): 48
Average meetings per year: 2.5
Meetings achieving quorum: 48 (100%)
Chairman/ED attendance: 48/48 (100%)
Meetings lasting over 2 hours: 2
Unanimous votes: ~95%
Dissenting votes recorded: 3 (all Dir. Whitfield)
Special public meetings: 1 scheduled (Feb 2026)
CERTIFICATION
I certify these minutes accurately reflect the proceedings of the Board of Directors from 2006 through 2025.
JOHN PATRICK HEROLD
Chairman and Executive Director
Date: March 15, 2025
Questions About Board Proceedings?
For inquiries regarding Board minutes or governance procedures,
please contact the CCWAA administrative office.
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