John Tanner ’09, assistant general manager at The Yale Club of New York City, is a rising star in the hospitality industry. Rooted in the strong foundation of discipline and service he developed at Kellenberg Memorial High School, John has built a career defined by operational excellence and professional development. Through the support of The Yale Club, he has earned multiple executive certifications from top-tier universities, achieved certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and is currently eligible to sit for the prestigious Certified Club Manager designation. A champion for the future of the industry, John also serves on the board of directors for the NYC Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, where he co-chairs the education committee to mentor the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Your career in hospitality leadership has led you to a senior role at one of New York City’s most prestigious private clubs. What has guided your professional growth and leadership style along the way?
Throughout my career, the guiding principle has been a consistent commitment to personal and professional development. I began in the hotel industry, where I learned the fundamentals of hospitality and service, and later transitioned into the private club sector, where the focus on community, tradition, and member experience added a uniquely meaningful dimension to the work.
A significant portion of my professional growth has been shaped by the opportunities and investment made by the Yale Club of New York City. The Club has supported my development not only through expanded leadership responsibilities but also by encouraging continued education through the Club Managers Association of America. Through this support, I pursued several business management certifications focused on private club management, leadership principles, and food and beverage operations, along with a chief operating officer certification. These programs were completed through institutions including the University of Houston, Cal Poly, Michigan State University, and Georgia State University.
In 2025, I earned certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers and recently became eligible to sit for the certified club manager examination. Each of these experiences reinforced an important lesson: meaningful leadership requires a commitment to lifelong learning.
Beyond my role at the Yale Club, I serve on the board of directors for the New York City Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, where I am a co-chair of the education committee. Being involved at the chapter level allows me to contribute to the development of future leaders while continuing to learn from peers across the profession.
While I am proud of the milestones along the way, I remain mindful that no career is built alone. Mentors, colleagues, and organizations that invest in your growth play an enormous role in shaping your path. I have been fortunate to work alongside leaders who set high standards and challenged me to continue developing, and their example continues to influence how I approach leadership today.
How did your time at Kellenberg help shape your work ethic, discipline, and leadership approach?
Kellenberg fosters a strong sense of community rooted in mentorship, faith, and accountability. That environment encourages students not only to succeed academically but also to develop character and a sense of responsibility to something larger than themselves. Those values became a lasting foundation for my personal and professional life. The school’s emphasis on integrity, service, and discipline continues to influence the way I approach leadership today.
Athletics also played an important role in shaping my mindset. As a member of Kellenberg’s wrestling program, I experienced firsthand the commitment required to pursue excellence in a demanding sport. Wrestling teaches you that success is built through preparation, perseverance, and discipline long before results appear.
I was fortunate to become a Catholic High School State Wrestling Champion during my time there, an accomplishment made possible by the guidance of outstanding coaches and the support of teammates who pushed each other to improve every day. Coach Vincent Contino once shared a lesson that has stayed with me ever since: “Pain is largely in the mind. When you learn to overcome it in a sport that demands relentless discipline, you begin to understand that mentality is everything.”
Looking back now, I realize how fortunate I was to be in an environment where teachers and coaches invested so deeply in their students. Many of the lessons learned during those years continue to guide the way I approach both challenges and opportunities today.
Was there a teacher, coach, or mentor at Kellenberg who had a particularly meaningful impact on you?
Several teachers and coaches influenced me during my time at Kellenberg, but one who had a particularly lasting impact was Coach Chris Alfalla. His influence began early in my Kellenberg journey during the Latin School program when he introduced me to the sport of wrestling—a sport that ultimately shaped my discipline and mindset in many ways.
Coach Alfalla often reminded us to “leave nothing out on the mat.” It was a simple phrase, but it carried a powerful message: show up prepared, give your best effort every day, and never walk away wondering whether you could have done more.
What made Coach Alfalla such an impactful mentor was not only the standards he set but the belief he instilled in his athletes. He encouraged us to understand the difference between being good and striving to be great—and that greatness requires discipline, commitment, and a willingness to push beyond what feels comfortable.
Looking back now, what stands out most is not simply the accomplishments from those years but the mentorship that made them possible. Coaches like Coach Alfalla dedicated tremendous time and energy to their students, and that investment leaves a lasting impact. It is something I try to carry forward by supporting and mentoring others in my own career.
In your role as assistant general manager, what excites you most about the work you do?
What excites me most is the opportunity to contribute to an institution with extraordinary history, scale, and purpose while working alongside an exceptional team of professionals.
The Yale Club of New York City operates as a complex organization, with more than 300 employees and approximately $53 million in annual operations, while serving thousands of members. Being entrusted with helping lead the day-to-day operations of such a historic and vibrant community is both a responsibility and a privilege.
The Club is recognized as one of the Platinum Clubs of America and among the Distinguished Clubs of the World, placing it among the top private clubs globally. Those recognitions reflect the dedication of the entire team committed to delivering exceptional service.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is mentoring and developing future leaders within the hospitality profession. Hospitality is ultimately a people-driven industry, and investing in the growth of others is one of the most meaningful parts of the work.
While leadership roles carry responsibility, the success of an institution like this is ultimately the result of hundreds of professionals working together toward a shared goal. Being part of that team—and helping support their success—is one of the aspects of the job I value most.
When I look back on my journey so far, I recognize how fortunate I have been to learn from mentors, colleagues, coaches, and teachers who helped shape my path. The lessons I gained at Kellenberg—discipline, accountability, faith, and service—continue to guide me in both my professional and personal life.
While I am proud of what I have accomplished, I view it less as a destination and more as part of an ongoing journey of learning and growth. My hope is to continue building on those foundations while supporting and mentoring others along the way, just as so many people once helped me.
