Passion Graham, Clubhouse Manager, Seven at Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Ariz.
BY AAGD STAFF
(December 20, 2019)
From meetings to music Passion Graham has found herself enjoying the role of Clubhouse Manager at Seven at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 39-year-old has gone from having her event planning business selected to plan the welcome party for the New Jersey and Maryland delegations in 2012 to finding her way into management in the bustling golf industry.
Passion truly has a passion for all things golf.
Previously, the hospitality degree holder from Central Piedmont Community College served four years as a food and beverage supervisor at the Charlotte Country Club in North Carolina before joining Seven at Desert Mountain in 2018. She also gives back by being involved as a volunteer for the Wine & Widgets Auction and as a mentor at the World Conference. While co-chair of the Carolinas Chapter she spent time speaking to college students.
What many may not know about the bubbly personality is that she once worked with singer Fantasia Barrino on her VH1 reality television show when she was considering a career as a wardrobe stylist. Today, Passion has been recognized by the Club Managers Association of America as one of the top young managers in the country and is featured in the December issue of Club Manager Magazine. Graham is among 26 managers singled out in a “Fabulous Under 40” story who exhibit outstanding contributions to the club industry through their dynamic leadership and personal commitment to their clubs.
“There is certainly no surprise on my part or anyone that has had the privilege to meet and work with Passion that she would be part of this outstanding group,” said Damon DiOrio, CEO, Desert Mountain Club. “We are so fortunate to have her at Desert Mountain Club and leading the way at Seven.”
At the 90-acre luxury residential golf community, Graham oversaw the clubhouse opening team. The Desert Mountain Club is known as one of the finest private golf and recreational communities in the world and is the only club in the world with six Jack Nicklaus signature courses and the all-new No. 7 at Desert Mountain™. The Seven clubhouse’s sleek, modern design serves as a central, family-centric gathering space with an indoor-outdoor gastropub, state-of-the-art sound system, and two bocce ball courts. Set against a magnificent high desert backdrop with expansive, collapsible glass walls bringing the outdoors in.
It was while Graham was working at the Charlotte Country Club as food and beverage supervisor where she met her mentor, Damon DiOrio, CCM, CME.
Graham has been a volunteer for CMAA’s Wine & Widgets Auction and a mentor for the World Conference. A classically trained pianist, Graham enjoys all things musical.
