Our professional staff is committed to delivering exceptional service and helping you create the most memorable of experiences. Our guests are treated like members, and members treated like family. And we greet you by name, which is easy because most of our staff has been here for more than a decade!
Al joined the management team at Desert Horizons in February 2020, he is an accomplished leader with extensive experience leading private clubs and exclusive hotels including Tradition Golf Club, Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the Vintage Club in Indian Wells and various leadership positions in exclusive hotels including the Ritz Carlton Hotels and the Mission Inn Hotel. He earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and is currently working to earn his certification as Certified Chief Executive (CCE) as well as certification as Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM). Additionally, Al has obtained certification as Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Al is married to Cary, they have two sons, Christopher and Jonathan. Al and Cary have lived in the desert on and off since 2006.
Kathy was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and is fifth generation here. She started her marketing and sales career at United Airlines in Chicago and San Francisco, worked in Marketing and Customer Experience for Sprint in Kansas City, and then moved to Honolulu as the Director of Marketing Communications and Branding for Hawaiian Telcom. Most recently, she served as the Senior Manager of Membership and Guest Services at The Living Desert, and then as the Director of Membership and Sales at The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. Kathy earned her BBA with a major in Travel industry Management, and a Master’s in International Management. She and her husband Dan have two sons, Sterling and Sean, and a fur baby, their shih tzu Kahlua. They are avid travelers and have been to 5 continents, 16 countries, and 30 states.
Dorene came to us from Siena Community Association in Las Vegas, where she held the position of Maintenance Office Manager. In addition to providing support to the maintenance team which maintained 2,100 homes, she supported various committees such as Landscape, Properties, Community Standards, Safety, and Resident Services. For the past year, Dorene has dedicated herself to Desert Horizons as our Architectural and Landscape Manager creating procedures, policies, and supporting the Architectural and Landscaping Committee while also running the HOA Office. Due to her great dedication and experience, she now wears the title of Community Manager.
John studied Business Administration in his native country, Colombia where he earned his degree. Since then, he has worked in country clubs for over 33 years gaining experience in accounting, human resources, and clubhouse management. Before joining the Desert Horizons team, John spent five years at Marrakesh Country Club as the Controller and then Interim General Manager. There, John was heavily involved with the HOA and their recent renovation. He has been married to his amazing wife for over 16 years and is the proud father of two daughters, Valeria and Camila.
Debra grew up in Southern California and later moved to San Diego where she graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Graphic Communication. Her roll in membership started in San Diego at The University Club atop Symphony Towers. She later accepted a promotion and transfer to the Coachella Valley as Membership Director assisting with three newly purchased country clubs. She has been enrolling new members at various clubs for over 25 years! Debra is a proud mom and her daughter, Micah, recently graduated from CSUSM in San Marcos. As a big advocate for local animal adoption, Debra has her hands full with two recent adoptions, Ellie and Hunter. Her activities include hiking, and boot camp fitness. When she is not assisting members at the Club, you will find her teaching fitness classes at a local gym!
I always thought my dream was to be a news producer; after graduating from UCR with a Mass Media degree, I returned to the valley and worked for a local newspaper. Soon, I discovered my true passion was in the hospitality industry after working as a barback during a wedding in a private club. I was hooked and never turned back; I went back to college, where I got a degree in Hospitality Management and Business Administration.
I spent over 25 years working in private clubs; Marrakesh Country Club was my house for 21 years, and accepting the Clubhouse Manager position at Desert Horizons is an honor. I love creating cultures, and I have a low employee turnover record. I just went over a clubhouse renovation, and I have the experience of what it takes to open the doors again to its members.
I am very passionate about mentoring people; during my tenure at Marrakesh, I mentored 29 young people who are making a difference today. I am glad that DHCC has a scholarship program.
I love the food and beverage industry, and with my wine knowledge background, we will deliver quality wine and cocktail mixology to our new clubhouse along with great menus.
I coached the Coachella Valley High School volleyball team and was a CIF volleyball official for over 20 years. I love to learn new things and travel.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Nick started playing golf when he was two years old and states: “my first club was a persimmon 3 wood that I used to hit the back side of the head, that is how my dad figured out I was left-handed”. Nick got into golf course maintenance by accident, saying that “his original plan was to become a dentist and be a member at a club, not work at one”. Nick and his wife, Lindsey, have two children, Hunter and Harper. The family also includes a dog, Molly. He got his start in clubs working in outside services at Apple Valley Country Club where he started as seasonal help and ended up working his way up to superintendent. Nick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management and Ornamental Horticulture from Cal Poly Pomona in 2007. In 2013, he took a job as Superintendent at the O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs until he joined DHCC in March of 2022.
It is a privilege for me to join the Desert Horizons family.
I have worked in the private country industry for the last 16 years. While working in the club industry, I found my passion and future career working in private country clubs. I went on to earn a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in management. I spent 16 years at Marrakesh Country Club, working in every food and beverage department position. At Marrakesh, I was a key team member in reopening their renovated clubhouse.
I belong to CMAA (Club Management Association of America). I am currently working on my manager certification and learning more about wine. I am passionate about food, wine, and mixology. I enjoy crafting cocktails and mocktails and creating new drink recipes tailored to members’ preferences. My strength is to deliver excellent customer service. I loved to travel to the wine country to learn about wines.
I also spent four years as a cross-country coach for the College of the Desert. There, I had the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and mentor athletes who went on to compete at California State Championships.
I look forward to meeting all members and to serving you.
Grant is entering his ninth season here at Desert Horizons Country Club, where he started as a Golf Professional and quickly discovered the vital roll physical and mental wellness play in enhancing one’s life and golf game. Grant now spends much of his time coordinating the fitness, wellness, and courts programs as well as working with Desert Horizons Members to get back to what they love. Whether that’s golf, pickleball, tennis, hiking, or bocce ball, Grant and his fitness team will guild you along the way.
Hailing from Ohio, Grant takes pride in being born and raised there and proudly identifying as a devoted Ohio State Buckeye fan.
