June 20, 2022
The Union Club of Cleveland has announced Preston Smith has been named as the new GM/COO. Charles Anderson, who has been the interim general manager for the last several months, will continue until Mr. Smith’s position commences mid-July.
Smith had previously worked at the Union Club for 18 years through various roles, culminating as director of dining services in his final role. It was in this director position where he cultivated relationships with our long-term members and honed his leadership adroitness.
Smith went on to serve other clubs in the Cleveland area to garner further management skills, budgeting/profit generation knowledge and operations development strategies. He spent time doing this at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, The Wembley Club in Chagrin Falls and most recently as the general manager of Shaker Heights Country Club in Shaker Heights.
The Union Club is fortunate to welcome back Smith. “We look forward to Preston re-joining our Union Club family,” said Mr. Paul L. Rupert, the club's president. “Preston is already well respected by many members and associates of the Union Club.”
“The Union Club is what ignited my passion for the club industry," explained Smith. "The day I peeked into the ballroom from the dish room, I knew there was something more significant for me. At that time I committed to learning all I could, advancing my career, and becoming the GM. After I departed from the UC in 2016, my goal remained to return as the general manager,” Smith continued.
The Union Club is a winner of BoardRoom magazine’s Distinguished Club award, putting the club with some of the nation’s best business and city clubs. The club is also a 5-Star Platinum Club of America award winner. The history of the Union Club spans 150 years this September and is studded with names of national and international importance: leaders of business, industry, philanthropy, and government, including five U.S. Presidents.
