The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Michael McCormack, CMAE’s Director of Education, has officially earned the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
This globally recognised certification is a benchmark of excellence in club management and is awarded to professionals who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, leadership, and dedication to continuous learning and industry advancement.
Michael’s accomplishment holds special significance within the CMAE family, as one of our own education leaders achieves this hallmark of club management excellence. As Director of Education, Michael has been instrumental in shaping and delivering the MDP programme that help industry professionals reach new heights. Now, he has successfully navigated the rigorous CCM examination himself—leading by example.
Torbjorn Johansson, CEO of CMAE, commented:
“This is a proud moment for CMAE. Michael has not only contributed immensely to our education framework, but now joins the growing network of Certified Club Managers, proving his own dedication to lifelong learning and professional excellence. His CCM status adds even greater value to the work he does for our members every day.”
Michael shares his thoughts on this momentous achievement in an exclusive Q&A:
Well done on achieving the CCM, Michael McCormack. How happy are you right now?
Thank you very much! I’m absolutely delighted to have achieved the CCM designation. It’s a proud moment for myself and my family. It has taken a lot of time, effort, and commitment to reach this point. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited about the opportunities it opens up for me to continue growing and contributing to the Club industry.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. I would not have got to this point without the guidance and help from a select few very important people who have always been there for me.
Compared to other people sitting the CCM Exam, you felt a bit of extra pressure. Tell us about that.
It’s true, being the Director of Education definitely added a bit of extra pressure. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to set a good example for others who are on their CCM journey. I wanted to make sure I upheld the standards and values that I encourage others to aim for. At the same time, it motivated me to prepare thoroughly and gave me a deeper appreciation for what our candidates go through. It’s made achieving the designation even more meaningful to me.
You sat the CCM Exam Review Course as a delegate. How did that feel compared to facilitating MDPs being in charge?
Sitting in the exam review course as a delegate was a different but exciting experience for me. I’m now so used to being in the facilitator role, guiding others through their learning journey, that stepping back into the delegate seat really reminded me what it feels like to be a learner again. It was humbling but also refreshing and I really did enjoy it, even if I was exhausted by the end!
It also gave me a great insight on how valuable this CCM Review Course is and reinforced how important it is for future candidates for the CCM Exam. It also reminded me of how critical it is to keep challenging ourselves, no matter what stage we are at in our careers
What about your own CCM journey? What will you remember the most? You have done all 6 MDPs either as a delegate or as a facilitator, what are Your highlights from them?
My CCM journey has been incredibly rewarding and full of memorable moments. What I’ll remember most is the people I have met, the sense of community, the friendships, the support, and the shared passion for our industry that I have experienced along the way. Having completed all six MDPs, both as a delegate and a facilitator, I’ve had a unique view of the learning process from both sides.
Some of my highlights include the amazing discussions with colleagues, the lightbulb moments when complex ideas suddenly clicked, and the personal growth that came from pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Every MDP brought something new, and it’s those shared experiences with so many talented people that will stay with me forever.
What would be your next thing to focus on now?
Achieving my CCM has been a major goal of mine since I started on this journey back in 2015, and now my focus is on continuing to grow both personally and professionally. I want to use what I’ve learned to support others on their journeys, whether that’s through mentoring, facilitating, or helping to develop new education programs. I’m also keen to keep learning. The CCM is an incredible milestone, but it’s not the end for me. There’s always more to discover, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me.
Anything else you want to share with people thinking about becoming CCM?
I would say, absolutely go for it. The CCM journey is challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your career and your personal development. It’s not just about passing an exam, it’s about growing your knowledge, building your confidence, and connecting with an incredible network of people who are passionate about Club management. If you commit to the process and trust yourself, you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve.
