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The Management Team

 

Desi Speh

General Manager/COO

Desi was born and raised in northern California and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in history. He is married to Gaby and has three children (Carter, Maya & Capella). Desi has been playing golf & working at golf courses since he was fourteen years old.  He began his career as a pro at a small nine hole golf course in Santa Barbara and within a few years earned a position as Director of Golf/Operations at Golf at Rancho San Marcos Golf Course also located in Santa Barbara.  He then moved to the bay area to serve as General Manager of Monarch Bay Golf Club in San Leandro.  While at Monarch Bay, Desi caught the attention of executives at Discovery Land and was offered the Club Manager position at El Dorado Golf & Beach Club in Los Cabos, Mexico.  Desi has most recently served as the General Manager of Seville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert, AZ for six years before moving to Arizona Country Club six years ago.
   

Kirby Putt

Director of Agronomy

With the last name "Putt", Arizona Country Club's Director of Agronomy was basically born into the golf business. His passion for the game is only exceeded by his desire to produce incredible playing conditions for our members. Kirby led the AZCC maintenance team from 1988 to 1995, and was recruited back in 2005 to take the helm. He is a great asset to the team and continues to make a positive impact through his dynamic understanding of what truly makes a course shine. Kirby's infectious sense of humor and outgoing personality, coupled with his keen attention to detail, simply places him at the top of the heap.
   

Nick Gerstner

Director of Finance 

Nick has joined Arizona Country Club as the Director of Finance.  Nick has worked in the club industry for 17 years. Previously, Nick worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for Troon overseeing financial health for Troon’s portfolio of clubs and corporate office. As a Regional Controller for Troon, Nick was responsible for accounting functions of properties in the Troon portfolio.  Nick is a Certified Fraud Examiner, who attended Georgia Southern University’s Masters of Accountancy program with a concentration in Forensic Accounting.   Nick enjoys spending his spare time outdoors with his wife Jenn, and their dog Chuba.
 

Brett Martin

Director of Membership 

Brett was born in Germany and raised in Spain and Japan, before heading to the University of Washington, on a golf scholarship.  He moved to Arizona 21 years ago and has two children, Asher and Zoe.   His golf career began at Terravita Golf Club in 1998 and his time at Arizona Country Club began in 2002 as an Assistant Golf Professional, working in the shop for 2 years and then spending the next 3 years playing and practicing out of ACC while pursuing a career as a playing professional.  Brett returned to Arizona Country Club in 2010 and took over as Membership Director in 2017.  His knowledge of Arizona Country Club and his relationship with the Membership makes this the perfect position for him and those looking to join the club. 
     

Sheryl Taylor, PHR

Director of Human Resources

A proud addition to our talented team since 2011, Sheryl brings with her more than a decade of core experience and professional expertise in Human Resources. Educated in the Northwest with academic credentials in Accounting and HR, this native of Seattle feels right at home surrounded by our lush, hundred acres of green. With a warm personality and a knack for the details, she's a perfect fit for the Club. Married to John, raising their son in both Seattle and the valley, they have enjoyed the beauty and enchantment of the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
 

George Schuldberg 

Director of Racquet Sports

George is a USPTA Elite Professional, as well as a IPTPA certified pickleball instructor. Previous to coming to the Arizona Country Club in 2020, George successfully led tennis programs at several Gold and Platinum Clubs of America. George is an enthusiastic on-court instructor, and is committed to providing members with fun and engaging experiences. As a player, he has held state and national rankings since his junior tennis days. He has been a top-10 ranked singles and doubles player in Texas, as well as top-5 nationally ranked in mixed doubles with his wife Susan Bryson. Beyond their love of tennis, George and Susan are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy being active.
 
 

Tom Kollock

Head Tennis Professional

Tom has been a Certified Member of the USPTA for 25 years and was a collegiate standout as an All-American D-III in both Singles and Doubles.  Prior to Arizona Country Club he was the Assistant Director at the La Camarilla in Scottsdale and was the Director of Tennis at Gold Key Racquet Club in Phoenix.  He has also earned an M.S. Degree in Sports Management from the U.S. Sports Academy in Alabama as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Principia College in Illinois. Tom prides himself on being patient, caring and professional first and foremost.  Add to that an organized approach to game improvement, with a cup full of talent and harwork.  If this sounds intriguing, you will find Tom Kollock an excellent mentor and coach for you and your family to better enjoy the game of tennis. Off the courts, he enjoys spending quality time with his lovely wife Bernardita and precious daughter Savanna, who will be one to watch develop into a future tennis star!
 

Nigel Spence, PGA

Director of Golf

Nigel started playing the game at an early age on the fairways of The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia where his father first taught him to swing a club. From those early lessons, his game developed and he moved to the United States on a golf scholarship to Colorado State University. After graduation, he returned to Australia and began his professional golf career gaining his PGA membership while serving as the Assistant Golf Professional at Noosa Springs Golf Club. During this time he also played well enough on the secondary tour in Australia to gain status on the Australasian Tour where he traveled and played for three seasons.

Nigel rejoined the club professional ranks here in the Valley when he began working at Whisper Rock Golf Club in 2009. He was quickly promoted to Head Golf Professional when he gained his PGA of America membership and spent three years in that role. His outgoing personality and hands on approach was recognized by the owner of Scottsdale National who offered him the Director of Golf position where he has served the past three seasons.

While traveling and playing he would visit Arizona and he fell in love with both the open spaces of the desert, and a girl named Shelly, who is now his wife and mother of his two daughters Grace (11) and Joslyn (6). Shelly and Nigel are also blessed to have two older children Amanda (23) and Cooper (21).
 

 

 
 

Phil Harris

Athletic & Swim Director

Phil  grew up in Parker, Colorado and attended the University of Arizona. He is married to his wife Kris and has two stepsons Jackson and Casey. He and his wife are currently adopting Madison, their vivacious one year old. Phil grew up working at the Pinery Country Club as a Lifeguard, Swim Instructor and coach of the Pinery Piranhas. While in Colorado Phil coached Year Round Swimming for the Parker Phenomena  and High School Swimming for the Ponderosa Mustangs. He also spent 6 years working for an Aquatics Management Company in Colorado. In 2005 Phil moved to Gilbert, Arizona where he was the Sports Club and Aquatics Director at Seville Golf and Country Club for the past 12 years. Phil loves teaching and coaching and is excited to continue doing what he loves at AZCC.
 

Heimo Brandstatter

Food & Beverage Director

Heimo started his journey in the hospitality industry when he was fourteen years old. Over the years his responsibilities continued to progress, leading to various leadership roles with some of the top hospitality companies in the country. Heimo’ s management experience in the hospitality industry, has taken him through many of the most desirable destinations in North America, including: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (where he is from); Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and Carmel, California; Vail, Colorado; and the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, including Encanterra, Verde River, Boulders Resort and Spa, and the coveted Arizona Biltmore. Heimo’s passion for innovative and creative food and beverage experiences for both the professional planning and execution and personal enjoyment has always been his desire and love for the industry.
 
Heimo attended Okanagan College where he studied Hotel Management and is an active member of the CMAA.
 
 

Margot Gibson

Catering Manager

Margot has led the banquet staff at Arizona Country Club for 19 years. Her expertise in set up, service and management of special events comes to us with years of experience. Her roots in the industry began as Dining Room Manager and Event Coordinator for Mesa CC and shifted to Restaurant Manager and Catering Sales Manager for the Embassy Suites Biltmore. Margot always goes the extra mile to insure member events go off without a hitch. She is the creative mind behind many of our fun filled Club events. Married to Brian for 25 years with three children and four grandchildren, she understands the ever changing needs of a modern day family
 

Paul O'Connor

Executive Chef

Paul was raised in Boston Massachusetts where he learned the love of cooking from his French grandmother.  Many of her recipes continue to be utilized in the dishes he prepares.  The majority of his career was spent working for Marriott International Hotels and Resorts.  He has also worked for the Renaissance and Hilton brand, Small Luxury Hotels and Resorts, and independently franchised properties.  He was part owner of Alchemy restaurant which was recognized through Open Table as one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States.  

Paul attended Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and has received numerous culinary recognitions throughout his career including seven Four Diamond awards, eight Golden Platter awards, and Marriott International Chef of the Year to name a few.   He has been fortunate to collaborate with celebrity chefs such as Roy Yamaguchi, Laurent Tourondel, and Paul Fleming, placing their menus and concepts in resorts and hotels.   He has also prepared meals for a long list of celebrities, including President Ford, President Bush, Bob Hope, Merv Griffin, Muhammad Ali, Paula Abdul, and the training camp for the Oakland Raiders.   

Paul has 4 children ranging in age from 15 to 29.  The most recent addition to his family is a rescue dog named Luna.   When Paul is not working or developing new menu concepts he spends time in the community garden located in his backyard that provides food to a local homeless shelter and of course cooks for his family and friends. 
 

Darryl Sherman

Outside Services Manager

Darryl is returning for his 23rd season at Arizona Country Club. He is a native of Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University. He does an outstanding job of providing for our members through his consistent leadership and maintenance of our carts, caddies, outside service staff and tracks all member play. He is married to Melissa with the excitement and joy of his little boy Jax.
     
 

 
 

Matt Brandenburg

Accounting Assistant - Accounts Receivable

Matt was born in Virginia and raised in Arizona.  He comes from a military family, strongly rooted in the Air Force.  He has a long tenure in accounting, that began with a major in business at Glendale Community College.  His experience serves the members well with a hospitality background in resorts and private country clubs.  He was honored with the Employee of the Year in 2014. In his off time, he can be found hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors.          
   

Bonnie Ramsey

Spa Director

Bonnie is a native of Arizona. She has been in the spa industry for 15 years and is a licensed aesthetician. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise about the business. Bonnie has extensive club industry experience and served the membership at Desert Mountain for 12 years. She is passionate about creating an amazing spa experience for each member and guest.  In her free time, Bonnie loves making memories with her husband and their children.
    

Van-Anh Tran

Fitness Center Manager

Van-Anh Tran She was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona as the third youngest out of 6 children with 3 sisters and two brothers. Van-Anh’s fondest memories come from wrestling, track, and marching band. From a young age, Van-Anh knew she wanted to pursue a career in health and fitness after attending a physical education class in junior high. She is now a graduate of Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor’s in Exercise and Wellness. She currently holds the following certifications: Ace Personal Trainer certification, ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification, Aqua Fitness Professional, TRX Suspension, TRX RIP, POUND PRO, and Certified Power Plate Trainer. Music has played a huge part in Van-Anh’s life and she is currently the Cymbal Instructor & Fitness Specialist at Casa Grande High School and FLUX Indoor Percussion. Van-Anh is very passionate about music and the Marching Arts as well as being optimistic about life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and hiking. Van-Anh continuously looks forward to going to work each day and bringing a positive attitude to the Arizona Country Club and its members.
 
   

Jon Jantzen

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
5668 E. Orange Blossom Ln    |    Phoenix AZ 85018    |    480-889-1505    | Copyright ©2017 by Arizona Country Club. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
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