Champion Hills Club has hired Ellen Perkins as its new General Manager. Perkins brings ,more than 25 years of leadership experience in private clubs and hospitality operations to the premier mountain destination in Hendersonville, N.C.
Best known for its Tom Fazio-designed “Mounain Masterpiece,” Champion Hills is a private boutique club in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, located just south of the acclaimed “Main Street Town” of Hendersonville and 45 minutes from Asheville.
Perkins most recently served as GM of The Colony Foundation & Bay Club in Bonita Springs, FL., 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.
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.
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.
Feature Photo: Ellen Perkins (Champion Hills)