Champion Hills Club has announced the hiring of Ellen Perkins as its new General Manager, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in private clubs and hospitality operations to the premier mountain destination.
Perkins most recently served as General Manager of The Colony Foundation & Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Fla., where she oversaw operations for a 1,000-plus-unit residential community and led a transformation that earned Troon’s “Icon Facility of the Year” honors in 2022.
Known for her relationship-driven leadership style, Perkins has built a reputation for elevating service standards, strengthening team culture, and deepening member engagement.
“I am a visible, people-first leader who believes strong culture, clear communication, and operational discipline all go hand in hand,” Perkins said. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating an environment where members feel connected, valued, and proud of their club.”
A Natural Fit for Champion Hills
Perkins’ background aligns closely with Champion Hills’ model, which combines championship golf, dining, wellness amenities, and a vibrant residential community.
“Champion Hills is a special place,” Perkins said. “The natural setting, the quality of the golf, and the overall lifestyle creates an incredible foundation. It’s an exciting time to be here and help guide the club into its next phase.”
A Focus on Community and Member Experience
At Champion Hills, Perkins said her initial focus will be on listening, learning, and aligning the club’s offerings with the needs of its membership.
“We want to make sure everything we do reflects what the membership truly values,” she said. “That means taking the time to understand the full community and creating an experience that feels both elevated and personal.”
Champion Hills partnered with Troon, the world’s leading golf management company, during the search process. Troon assisted with candidate evaluation and industry insight, helping ensure a strong alignment between the club’s culture and leadership experience.
Perkins steps into her role as Champion Hills - home to one of America’s top 50 private residential courses - continues to build on its reputation as one of the premier golf clubs in the nation.
Getting to Know Champion Hills GM Ellen Perkins
Champion Hills recently welcomed Ellen Perkins as the club’s new General Manager, bringing with her a wealth of hospitality and club leadership experience. Ellen’s career has been shaped by a passion for relationships, member experience, and creating welcoming environments, and we recently sat down with her to learn more about her background, what attracted her to Champion Hills, and what excites her most about the club’s future.
Q: What drew you to Champion Hills, and why was this the right opportunity for you?
My husband and I spent 26 years in Florida working in various branches of the industry, but over time we found ourselves wanting to return to something that felt more like home. He grew up in Tennessee, and I grew up in Vermont, so mountain living has always been part of who we are.
We were really looking for a more relaxed lifestyle in a mountain environment. Champion Hills gave us that opportunity personally, but professionally it was equally exciting.
This club is special. Between the natural beauty of the property and the golf course, there’s a strong foundation here, and Champion Hills also offers so much more than golf.
Q: What excites you most about the future of Champion Hills?
It’s an exciting time for the club because there’s a clear desire to continue evolving and improving while still honoring what makes Champion Hills special.
The golf is obviously world-class, but the overall experience matters just as much. Members today are looking for a lifestyle club - a place where they can enjoy golf, wellness, dining, friendships, and family experiences all in one setting - and Champion Hills provides all of that.
Q: Your background is unique for a club executive. How did your career path unfold?
I attended Princeton University and studied political economy. After graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C., and I was working for a think tank for an underprivileged inner city school development program. I quickly realized that while I believed in the cause, that type of work wasn’t for me.
What I discovered is that I really enjoy creating tangible experiences for people, being able to directly impact someone’s day in a positive way. Hospitality gave me that.
Eventually, I transitioned into the private club world because I loved the relationship aspect of it. In clubs, you build ongoing connections with people and become part of their lives over time.
Q: How has your economics background helped you in the club industry?
People joke sometimes that I “didn’t use” my degree, but honestly, I use it every single day.
Understanding economics helps you see both the micro and macro picture - how broader trends affect member expectations, operations, and long-term planning. Clubs today require strategic thinking, operational discipline, and relationship management all at once.
Q: What’s something members might be surprised to learn about you?
I used to have a master diver certification and an offshore captain’s license. My husband and I owned a sailboat for a number of years before we had our son.
Q: What do you enjoy doing away from the club?
We’re looking forward to embracing mountain life and discovering some new hobbies now that we’re here.
I do a lot of reading, and I’m hoping to spend more time hiking and exploring the outdoors. I may even pick golf back up again, and I told my husband I may finally give pickleball a try.
Q: As you settle into your role, what will your initial focus be?
Right now, my biggest priority is listening and learning.
Every club has its own culture and personality, and I want to fully understand what Champion Hills members value most before making any major decisions. The goal is to continue elevating the experience in ways that feel authentic to the club and meaningful to the membership.
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Life at Champion Hills moves at just the right pace — active when you want it, peaceful when you need it. Days unfold across the course, courts, trails, and club, while evenings bring people together over great food, conversation, and a full calendar of social experiences. Set within the beauty of Western North Carolina, the club offers a private, year-round lifestyle that blends outdoor recreation with a vibrant dining and social scene.
Schedule your visit, come see for yourself what makes Champion Hills so special.
For more information or to schedule a tour, click here or call (828) 696-1962.
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