CELEBRATING 22 YEARS WITH ISMAEL DIAZ
Please join us in recognizing Ismael Diaz, who has been a steady and trusted presence in our Club’s kitchens for 22 years. Ismael began his career at the Club after a friend encouraged him to apply for an open stewarding position—a friendship that continues today, as the two still work alongside one another decades later.
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Ismael attributes his long tenure to the exceptional treatment he has received from the Club, its managers, his colleagues, and our members. Despite a language barrier, he shares that the kindness, respect, and cooperation shown by everyone have created a supportive environment in which he has always felt welcomed.
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A devoted family man, Ismael has two daughters—one living in El Salvador, his home country, and one residing locally. He is a proud grandfather of four and is especially grateful that his granddaughter has also joined the Club community, working in the Banquets Department while she attends school. He speaks with great pride about the opportunity the Club provides her as she pursues her education.
We are honored to celebrate Ismael’s remarkable dedication and years of service, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for all he brings to the Club.
ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHT
FAREWELL CHEF KEN
We extend our sincere gratitude to Chef Ken Gladysz, CEC, for his outstanding leadership and dedication as our Director of Culinary. Ken’s passion for excellence, mentorship, and commitment to elevating our dining experience have left a lasting impact on our Club and members. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him continued happiness, good health, and fulfillment in his well-deserved retirement.
Please join us in congratulating Ken and sharing your well wishes with him before his final day on Saturday, January 3.
WELCOME TO TEAM CHEVY
Take a moment to get to know your new colleagues, and don’t hesitate to greet them when you see them on property.
EMMANUEL ASHAMU, Director of Fitness & Wellness
Emmanuel brings over 15 years of expertise in high-performance training, having worked with military personnel and collegiate athletes to help them reach peak potential. A Charlottesville native and former collegiate offensive lineman, Emmanuel is passionate about designing thoughtful programs and fostering overall well-being.
His impressive background includes roles at Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia, and Amherst College, as well as six years with Air Force Special Operations, where he coached units in the UK and Germany. Beyond his coaching skills, Emmanuel offers deep experience in budget oversight, facility operations, and strategic planning—a winning combination for our Fitness & Wellness program.
KATIA BARTELS, Part-Time Racquets Professional
Katia competed at the collegiate level for St. Scholastica University in Minnesota, graduating in May 2025 with a BA in Global Studies and Language. She brings valuable teaching experience from Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach, VA. In addition to supporting players on the court, Katia also serves as a desk attendant in the Fitness Center, contributing to the overall member experience both on and off the court.
CHARLIE CAMPBELL, Assistant Golf Professional
Charlie graduated from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he played on the golf team. He spent the past three years at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton, Massachusetts, gaining valuable golf operations experience. Coming from a family of golf professionals that includes his grandfather, father, uncle, and brother, Charlie has been connected to the game his entire life. He is committed to building his own career in the industry and is excited to join the team at Chevy Chase Club.
DOUGLAS HEARNS, Assistant Winter Center Manager
Douglas is an experienced leader in food and beverage operations, event planning, and project management, with a career spanning from the West Coast to senior leadership roles supporting intelligence and government agencies. With international experience in more than 60 countries and dual Bachelor of Science degrees—including an international business degree from prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo—he brings a strong global perspective to his work.
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Outside his professional responsibilities leading strong teams, Douglas is committed to community service through volunteering mentoring youth and philanthropy initiatives. An avid pickleball player, he looks forward to challenging himself on and off the courts with club members and fellow coworkers at Chevy Chase Club.
CONNOR MADSEN, Assistant Superintendent
Connor grew up in Bel Air, Maryland, the son of longtime Golf Course Superintendent Matt Madsen, who has been in the profession for over 30 years. Spending his childhood on the golf course alongside his father played a significant role in shaping the career path he ultimately chose.
Connor played lacrosse in high school and at York College of PA, where he initially pursued an engineering degree before making the switch to Penn State’s Turfgrass Management program.
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Most recently, Connor served as an Assistant Superintendent at Rolling Road Golf Club. He and his girlfriend later moved to Florida, where he accepted the Assistant Superintendent position at Palmetto Pine Country Club. After two years in Florida, Connor and his girlfriend decided to return home to Maryland, where he accepted the Assistant Superintendent role at Chevy Chase Club.
CAMERON MORRA, Part-Time Racquets Professional
Cameron Morra brings exceptional playing and coaching experience to our program. She competed for both the University of North Carolina and Duke University, earning the distinction of five-time All-American. Cameron has taught players of all ages and skill levels and is excited to share her knowledge, competitive insight and enthusiasm with our members.
RAISING THE BAR AT CHEVY
Our team’s successes keep stacking up! View some of our staff's recent
achievements and congratulate them!
STEPHEN BRITTON, Director of Agronomy
Stephen has been selected as 1 of only 8 Agronomists to serve as a mentor for the upcoming Green Start Academy. This program assists in the development of Assistant Superintendents nationwide and is a meaningful recognition of the impact Stephen has had throughout his career.
REBECCA DAVIDS, MID Graduate
Rebecca originally joined the team as a youth intern the summer before her senior year at James Madison University. She returned the following summer as our youth supervisor intern before entering our Manger in Development program. Over the past year and a half, Rebecca has rotated through various positions within the Clubhouse and spending a significant time in Youth, Membership, and Food and Beverage. Through this experience, she has gained valuable insight into how our departments can better support one another.
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We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to the Front Desk operation where she will help elevate our member and guest experience. Her skills, professionalism, and warm personality have already made a positive impression on the membership and team.
Please join us in congratulating Rebecca on this exciting next step!”
NICK FUNK, Senior Assistant Golf Professional
Nick was named the 2025 Mid-Atlantic PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, an honor recognizing his distinguished service, leadership, and commitment to advancing opportunities for assistant professionals across the MAPGA. Selected from more than 1,200 members, the award highlights Nick’s overall excellence and dedication to his peers and the Association.
MICHAEL GILDEA, Director of Horticulture
Michael has been elected for his 2nd term as President of the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), a society of grounds professionals advancing the grounds management profession through education and professional development
ADAM HEMEON, DIRECTOR OF GOLF
Adam was honored with the Bill Straughsbaugh Award for the second time in his career, recognizing his outstanding involvement in charitable and community initiatives and his untiring, distinguished service mentoring PGA Professionals. The award highlights Adam’s exceptional commitment to employment and club relations, integrity, and character—reflecting positively on the PGA of America.
MARISA HARRIS, Lead Horticulturalist
Marisa attained the LEAD certification from the PGMS. This 14-month arduous program demonstrates the commitment our team has in their respective field.