Two Join Collins Board of Advisors

The Collins College is proud to announce the addition of two new Board of Advisors members. The college works hand-in-hand with this group of key hospitality leaders to ensure the program’s methods and practices are consistent with those of the industry and that its curriculum is aligned with industry needs. Additionally, board mentorships and internships provide Collins College students the opportunity to benefit first-hand from the experience and knowledge of this expert group, and are invaluable assets in building the hospitality leaders of the future.

DON EMERY, CCM, CCE & General Manager:

 The Riviera Country Club and The Riviera Tennis Club; Pacific Palisades, CA

Don Emery is a leadership executive and world-class educator with 27 years of hands-on customer service development experience. A graduate of Cornell University’s premier hospitality school, Emery has directed major country and yacht club organizations; taught for various professional trade groups (CMAA, USPTA and the State University System of Florida); and served as a guest lecturer at prestigious colleges and universities. He has the unique distinction of raising two private membership clubs to Platinum Club status, reserved for only the top 3% of high performing clubs in the USA.

Along with his hospitality and academic experience, he is a Board Member of Groundswell Group; a company connecting charities and sponsors; and the Japan American Society of Southern California. Emery is the current president of High Powered Leadership, a consulting firm that assists businesses and employees to achieve personal and corporate success.

 

JAMES WOOLER, EVP & General Manager of Sales and Operations: 

Young’s Market Company, LLC; Pleasanton, CA

Jason Wooler is a 20 year specialist in the wine and spirits industry. He started his career at Southern Wine and Spirits (SWS) as a merchandiser in the San Gabriel Valley and then transitioned to the Jim Beam Company to manage their execution in Californian, strategic and national off-sale chains. He was introduced to their general market as part of the brand development and innovation team. In 2000, Wooler returned to SWS as a Key Account Manager in the LA segment. His numerous roles at SWS and Pacific Wine and Spirits include wine manager, division manager and general manger for American.

In 2011, Wooler was recruited by Young’s Market as a general manager for Northern California. He was appointed to his current role by the Underwood family in June 2013. He has served on several distributor council committees as well as many brand marketing platform teams.