Mayor Marion Barry (L), Vertice (M), Chief Jefferson (R)
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Vertice recruiting for the police force.
19 YEARS, VERTICE GORE
Vertice is a familiar face at Chevy Chase Club; keeping our community safe for nearly two decades. His dedication, professional experience, and sense of humor have made him an important part of the Club.
His career in security began long before he arrived at Chevy. He served 31 years with the Washington, D.C. police department, where he worked alongside countless officers and witnessed some of the country's most historic moments. Throughout his career, he provided security for prominent political figures, including Mayor Walter Washington, Mayor Marion Barry and worked during major events, such as the March on Washington. After retiring from the police force, he continued serving the public through 11 ½ years in court security and another 3 ½ years with the Department of Justice.
Retirement never quite suited him. Wanting to stay active and connected with the community, he joined the Club and quickly became a valued team member. Through his dedication and professionalism, he has made a meaningful impact on security operations and helped maintain a safe and welcoming environment throughout the Club.
One of his fondest memories at the Club is of a cat he named Leroy, whose refusal to get close to anyone always amused him. More than anything, he enjoys seeing the people who walk through the Club each day and being part of a community that keeps him engaged and active.
Please join us in recognizing Vertice for his many years of dedicated service and the positive impact he continues to make at Chevy Chase Club.
REST IN PEACE: Willie Smith
We are saddened to share the passing of Willie Smith, a beloved retired Winter Center Bartender who was part of the Chevy Chase Club team for over three decades before retiring in 2010.
Many current and longtime team members had the privilege of working alongside Willie and remember the lasting impact he had on the Club community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.
RAISING THE BAR AT CHEVY
Our team’s successes keep stacking up! View some of our team's recent
achievements and congratulate them!
RACQUETS TEAM SHARES EXPERTISE
Uros Petronijevic and Taylor Newman led a feeding seminar and competition for fellow teaching professionals at Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach on Sunday, June 7. The session provided an opportunity to share best practices, strengthen industry connections and represent Chevy Chase Club among racquets professionals.
JAKE DARLING | Horticulturist
The newest addition to the Gazebo Garden is Jake’s interpretation of a wattle fence, a design inspired by traditional English gardening style. Traditionally made from flexible wood woven between vertical posts, this version takes a more relaxed approach to complement the garden’s informal character.
Sitting low to the ground, the fence gently outlines the flow of the path with a loose weave made from a variety of branches. We are grateful for Jake’s creativity and talent, which continue to add thoughtful beauty to the Club’s gardens.
WELCOME TO TEAM CHEVY
Please take a moment to get to know your new colleague!
JANE POETKER
Director of Facilities
We are pleased to announce that Jane Poetker will be joining the Club as our new Director of Facilities on Monday, July 13.
Jane brings extensive facilities and operations experience from both private clubs and hospitality organizations, where she has led large teams, managed major capital projects, and overseen multimillion-dollar budgets. She is known for her hands-on, collaborative leadership style, and strong commitment to operational excellence.
Outside of work, Jane is an avid runner who has completed multiple marathons and enjoys spending time with her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Please join me in giving her a warm Chevy welcome.
FAREWELL ANNIKA
Please join us in bidding farewell to Annika Summers, our Youth Manager, who will be relocating next month to be closer to her family in Houston, Texas.
Annika began at the Club in the fall of 2022 as a Youth intern, and her enthusiasm, dedication, warmth and kindness were felt immediately. After graduating from the University of Houston, Annika joined the team full time as our Youth & Family Activities Manager and Summer Camp Director.
In her four years at the Club, Annika has transformed our Youth department and programming. Through her vision, hard work and genuine care for our youngest members, she helped build a department that has created countless memories for Chevy families. Her impact can be seen in the programs she developed, the relationships she formed and the joy she brought to children, families and fellow team members alike.
Annika’s presence will be deeply missed throughout the Club, but we are incredibly grateful for all she has given to our community. Please join us in thanking Annika for her many contributions and wishing her all the best in this exciting next chapter.
SUBMIT A WHO WE ARE SHOUT-OUT
Great work deserves to be recognized! If you’ve seen a teammate go the extra mile, show exceptional care, or make a difference, send them a Who We Are Shout-Out—we’d love to celebrate them.
¡El buen trabajo merece ser reconocido! Si has visto a un compañero dar la milla extra, mostrar un cuidado excepcional o marcar la diferencia, envíale un Who We Are-shoutout. Nos encantaría celebrarlo.
