Green Valley Country Club Announces Additions to Leadership Team

GREENVILLE, SC – February 27, 2012 – Green Valley Country Club, established in 1958, is pleased to announce the addition of Hank Samra as Clubhouse Manager and Oliver Elston as Tennis Professional. The club has also further developed their leadership team with Preston Harris serving as Membership Director, in addition to his role as First Assistant Golf Professional.

“We are excited about making these internal changes to take Green Valley Country Club to the next level as we continually strive to provide a premier level of service to our members and guests,” said Michael Kaplan, owner of Green Valley Country Club.  “Hank brings a great deal of club facility expertise with over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, while Oliver brings a great deal of tennis expertise with seven years of experience as a tennis professional. Preston, an integral part of our team, has done an outstanding job introducing our new membership opportunities to current members and guests, resulting in an increase of new members this season. ”

Samra’s background includes more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, as well as country club management. He comes to Green Valley Country Club from North Lake Country Club in Shelby, North Carolina, where he served as Club Manager.  Samra is familiar with the Upstate area through his 10 years of experience as Food and Beverage Manager and Clubhouse Manager at The Poinsett Club. Samra earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tulsa, then went on to gain his master’s degree in Industrial Management from the University Center at Tulsa. Samra is an expert in food service and club operations, as well as a CCM, Certified Club Manager, earned through the Club Managers Association of America. He also has unmatched experience in business development and member relations. As Clubhouse Manager, Samra will oversee all food and beverage operations, member socials and special events, as well as oversee fitness, swimming and tennis.

Elston joins Green Valley Country Club from the tennis program at Riverside Tennis Club.  Elston has more than seven years of experience as a tennis professional. He is a certified “Professional” with Professional Tennis Registry, an ITF member and also a 5.0 NTRP player, ranked number one in Men’s Open Singles and Doubles in South Carolina. Elston began his tennis career at Newberry College where he was named team captain for two years. He earned a degree in Mathematics and Business Administration and also a master’s degree in Business Administration from North Greenville University. As Tennis Professional, Elston’s responsibilities include the development of yearly tennis tournament and clinic schedules, teaching private lessons, overseeing maintenance of all courts and managing summer training camps, while striving to maximize strategy, shot selection and consistency at the youth and adult level. 

Harris started his career with Green Valley Country Club two years ago when he was hired as an Assistant Golf Professional. He earned a degree in Business Management from Coastal Carolina University, specializing in the PGA’s Professional Golf Management Program.  Harris also earned his PGA membership in March 2010. After discovering his natural ability to network and secure membership leads, he assumed the role of Membership Director along with the day-to-day operations of Assistant Golf Professional.  As Membership Director, Harris will act as a representative of Green Valley Country Club in the local community for membership services through outreach, marketing, sales and educational activities to build a strong client base for Green Valley Country Club.

About Green Valley Country Club
Green Valley offers quiet elegance while providing an exemplary family oriented country club experience for each member. Green Valley Country features a historic 18-hole championship golf course, newly renovated practice facility and short game area, new fitness center, tennis facility, swimming pool and array of social events. A rich history and dynamic new ownership is bringing Green Valley Country Club back to its roots as a private country club, while continuing to make quality its paramount goal. For more information, visit www.greenvalley.cc.