By:
Marc DeWall, PGA, General Manager and Kathi Spink, SHRM CP, Human Resources
The Club's C-a-Star recognition program celebrates employees who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. Members, managers and fellow team members are encouraged to nominate individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, teamwork and dedication. At the end of each quarter, representatives from every department review the nominations and select several employees to be recognized as C-a-Star recipients.
Quarterly winners receive special prizes and are invited to a private lunch with Charlie Hill, David Hill, Marc DeWall and Kathi Spink. They also earn a place among the finalists for Employee of the Year, one of the Club’s highest honors, which is announced each January during the Employee Appreciation Party.
Although many nominations come from front-line positions, employees across the Club are recognized through the C-a-Star program. Recipients regularly represent departments including Golf Course Maintenance, Culinary, Accounting, Maintenance and Housekeeping, highlighting the valuable contributions made by every team.
Congratulations to our Q2 2026 C-a-Star recipients!
MAX REYES
If you have had the pleasure of being served by Max Reyes, you already know he embodies the perfect balance of warm hospitality and refined professionalism. Max treats service not just as a job, but as a calling — and it runs deep in his family roots.
Raised in a vibrant Latin household where culinary traditions took center stage, Max developed an early appreciation for diverse food cultures. His mother previously owned a restaurant in Schertz, Texas, and his sister is a trained chef building an impressive career in Michelin-starred establishments. This lifelong immersion in the culinary world was paired with extensive travel.
Growing up, Max and his family explored the globe, always making it a priority to experience authentic local cuisines. He also traveled extensively for competitive tennis tournaments, exposing him to different cultures and fast-paced environments from an early age.
While Max continues to deliver exceptional service at the Club, he is also focused on his future, currently pursuing a degree in accounting. His unique blend of financial acumen and hospitality expertise sparks an exciting question: might we see a brother-sister fine dining partnership in the future?
For Max, the most rewarding aspect of his role at the Club is the unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with the membership. Unlike the transactional nature of traditional hospitality venues, the private club environment allows him to truly connect with people. The next time you see Max on the floor, please join us in thanking him for his dedication, charm and outstanding service.
Andrea Rios
We are thrilled to announce the return of Andrea Rios (formerly Peterson) to the Club team, where she is already making a phenomenal impact as our new Member Relations and Lodging Concierge.
Many of our long-term members will remember Andrea from her original tenure at the Club, where she first served our community as a beverage cart attendant. Her time here proved to be life-changing in more ways than one; it was during this initial stint that she met her husband, Dillon Rios, whom many of you also know. After leaving the Club to marry and start their family, Andrea has officially returned to the fold, bringing her signature energy and dedication back to our community.
Today, Andrea balances the demands of being a dedicated mother, a supportive military spouse and a vital leader within our hospitality operations. In her current role as Member Relations and Lodging Concierge, she has quickly become indispensable.
Members who have booked Lodges accommodations recently have praised her attention to detail, noting that her commitment to going above and beyond transforms a standard stay into an exceptional experience. To her colleagues, Andrea is known as the “sunshine” of the office, consistently uplifting the team with her bright perspective and enthusiasm.
Notably, Andrea is no stranger to top honors at the Club, having previously been named our 2016 Employee of the Year. With her recent quarterly win, she puts herself in a unique position to potentially become the first-ever repeat Employee of the Year in Club history. Please join us in congratulating Andrea Rios the next time you see her around the property.
McKenzie Thibodeaux
The Club is proud to announce that McKenzie “Kenzie” Thibodeaux has been voted a C-a-Star of the quarter. This prestigious recognition marks the third time McKenzie has received the honor during her four-year tenure with the Club, highlighting her consistent dedication and exceptional performance.
Throughout her time at the Club, McKenzie has demonstrated remarkable versatility by mastering several key roles.
Beginning her journey in vital member-facing positions as a receptionist and server, she has continually expanded her skill set, leading to her current role as Communications and Social Club Manager.
In her current position, McKenzie serves as a vital link between the Club and its members. She oversees member communications, ensuring the community stays informed about upcoming activities, special events and special dining features. Beyond her digital communication responsibilities, she plays an integral, hands-on role in executing the Club’s programming. Her commitment to creating memorable member experiences was recently on full display during Mermaid Camp, where she went above and beyond by actively participating in character to delight attendees.
McKenzie’s versatility, work ethic and passion make her an invaluable asset to the team. Members are encouraged to greet her when they see her around the Ranch, where she is often busy coordinating the Club’s next major initiative and may even share a preview of upcoming events.
Chance Trevino
In just four short months at the Club, Chance has made an unforgettable impression on both our staff and membership. His vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to excellence have already earned him the prestigious C-a-Star award — a testament to the immediate, positive impact he has brought to our community.
Whether he is teaching on the green or assisting in the shop, Chance transforms every lesson, interaction and daily challenge into a positive experience. Ironically, Chance had nearly walked away from golf entirely. Coming to this Club completely renewed his lifelong passion for the sport, particularly his love for teaching.
That deep-seated love for the game is a family legacy inherited from his grandparents. Golf remains a central thread in his family connections; to this day, Chance maintains a cherished tradition of taking his grandmother out to dinner twice a week.
His dedication to service, however, extends far beyond the perimeter of the golf course. During his hours away from the Club, Chance serves his community as a volunteer with local search and rescue teams. The recent severe flooding across the Hill Country has kept his team exceptionally busy. We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Chance on our staff — someone who willingly dedicates his personal time and hazards difficult conditions to help bring loved ones safely home.
Chance has proven to be an exceptional addition to the Cordillera family. The next time you visit the Pro Shop or see him out on the course, please take a moment to say hello and welcome him to the Club.
Matt Young
If you have spent time around the Clubhouse recently, you have likely noticed a dedicated professional working tirelessly to keep our facilities immaculate.
Whether he is ensuring our spaces are pristine or rushing to hold open a door with his trademark gallantry, Matt embodies the high standard of service our members expect and deserve.
Matt’s history with our community runs deep. He originally began his career with us in 2020. After leaving for a couple of years to pursue other opportunities, he realized his true passion remained with our community.
As Matt notes, life really is better out here, prompting his welcome return to the team.
Beyond his exceptional hospitality skills, Matt brings a rich and diverse background to our organization. He has excelled in several distinct careers throughout his life, including time spent as a professional educator.
Behind his quiet demeanor lies a variety of personal talents and hobbies. Matt is an accomplished piano player — a gift he successfully passed down to his son. He is an avid swimmer and an enthusiastic golfer, making our Club environment a perfect natural fit for his lifestyle. He is also the proud father of two grown children — a son and a daughter.
With his signature shy smile and gentle manners, Matt consistently elevates the member experience. The next time you see Matt around the Clubhouse, please take a moment to thank him for his outstanding service and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.
