NEWS - Residential Real Estate

SBJ Staff Report

Nov 14, 2011 - The Ford Plantation in Richmond Hills has announced the hiring of Nick Cassala as CEO and General Manager, an accomplished real estate, resort and club executive, according to the residential community’s management company.

In his new position, Cassala will oversee service for Ford Plantation members, serve as a key partner with the community’s board of directors and offer strategic leadership for all club business. He brings more than 25 years of experience in real estate development and club management to his position at The Ford Plantation, according to Club President Bill Coad.

“The search committee was tasked with finding an individual with strong financial acumen and vast knowledge of marketing and sales in a club environment,” said Coad. “As the search process went on, it became clear that Nick was the perfect choice for this position. We are delighted to welcome him to The Ford Plantation and know our members will be extremely impressed with his professionalism, warmth, insight and experience.”

Before joining The Ford Plantation, Cassala served as the President of Residential Development for The St. Joe Company in Jacksonville where he was responsible for management of several highly amenitized residential communities, as well as long-range planning for future development opportunities.

During his career, Cassala has held senior executive positions with various elite clubs and resorts including Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Penn.; Vice President and General Manager at The Deerwood Club in Jacksonville, Fla.; and General Manager at Weston Hills Country Club in Weston, Fla.

He has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. and is a certified club manager and a member of the Urban Land Institute.

“The Ford Plantation is renowned for its excellence as a Southern sporting club and Low Country community,” said Cassala. “I am excited to be part of its illustrious history and tradition.”

The Ford Plantation community is an 1,800-acre site overlooking the Ogeechee River with amenities that include a Pete Dye golf course, a deep water private marina, coastal sport fishing, stocked natural lakes, sporting clays, an equestrian center, tennis, a fitness center, pools, canoeing, kayaking, walking and hiking trails, a full service day spa, and full-service food and beverage operations.

Travel + Leisure Golf has repeatedly recognized The Ford Plantation as one of “America’s Top 100 Golf Communities.” Town & Country magazine also named The Ford Plantation one of the “top seven safe havens in the country,” according to the company.

The Ford Plantation is located on the site of the former antebellum rice plantation owned by automobile magnate Henry Ford who built his winter retreat on the property in the 1930s.