Meet Our Team

MEET OUR TEAM

Fred Ode | President and Owner

No matter what Fred Ode does, he does it with undeniable passion and excitement. Fred received his Bachelor’s from Ohio University and spent a few years teaching math and business courses, as well as coaching track, wrestling, and golf. After taking a few programming courses at Cleveland State University, he found a passion for programming, which led to his successful construction accounting software company – Foundation Software. As a long-time member of Columbia Hills Country Club and an avid golfer, it was no surprise when he purchased it in April 2014. Since then, he’s made it his goal to create a self-sustaining Club, as well as improve the overall experience for members.

Fun Fact: Fred spent a total of two years traveling the world between teaching jobs. One was spent living out of his car (a converted Pinto) and the other was spent hitchhiking across the U.S. and hiking through Europe.

Michael Jaeger | General Manager

Mike was born and raised in Medina, Ohio. He attended the University of Akron, then moved to Las Vegas for a few years. Prior to beginning his golf career, he worked as the Marketing/Promotions Director for Clear Channel in Jacksonville, Florida, and Rubber City Radio Group in Akron. Before joining us at Columbia Hills, Mike spent over eight years honing his professional golf skills between Rawiga Country Club and The Lakes Golf & Country Club in Columbus.

Jerry Hawks | Head Golf Professional

Lynne Cook | Membership Services

Lynne has been with the Club since 1996. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Baldwin Wallace, and has held many different positions at the Club, mostly working with members and prospects. She is the “voice” that usually answers the phone whenever a member calls, and one of her many talents include being able to recognize a member just by hearing the sound of their voice.

Favorite thing about working at Columbia Hills: With her passion for membership, Lynne enjoys learning about the Club’s history and imparting it to prospective members when they visit the Club.

Abigail Katitus | Event Coordinator

Abigail joined the Columbia Hills team in July 2020 as a server while pursuing her studies in early childhood education. After a year of serving weddings, Abigail discovered a passion for the hospitality industry. She is from Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and attended Lorain County Community College. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Fun Fact: Abigail is one of six kids, her youngest sibling is actually our Head Valet at Columbia Hills.

Danielle Drury | Clubhouse Manager

Danielle joined us in August 2015 as a server and quickly proved her dedication and talent. She transitioned to our management team, where she has continued to excel. Originally from North Ridgeville, Ohio, Danielle attended Kent State University following her high school graduation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending summer days relaxing by the pool and playing with her dogs, Nala and Riley.

Fun Fact: Danielle’s true passion is traveling, her dream vacation would consist of a three week tour of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Danielle Castro | Dining Manager

Danielle is a seasoned veteran here at Columbia Hills. She began here in 2013 and since then has held varies positions. Danielle has been a concierge, server, pool manager, saute chef and has recently be promoted to Dining Manager. She grew up in Columbia Station, Ohio and graduated from LCCC with a Business Associates Degree with a minor in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. In her free time she enjoys lounging out by her pool with the company of her family and friends.

Fun Fact: Danielle enjoys conjuring up delicious cocktails and scrumptious snacks for her cookouts that she hosts.

Robert Harrison | Executive Chef

Robbie began his culinary journey with our club in 2014 as a line cook immediately after graduating high school. Through dedication and hard work, he was promoted to sous chef in 2018. Seeking to further develop his skills, Robbie then moved to Clearwater, Florida, where he worked in a five-star hotel. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for Japanese/Asian fusion cuisine and the art of sushi rolling. We were delighted to welcome Robbie back to the Columbia Hills family as our executive chef for the 2023 season.

Fun Fact: Robbie has an impressive culinary history, having cooked for celebrities like Jon Travolta, Tracy McGrady, Michael Symon, and Myles Garrett.

Adam Kestner | Sous Chef

Adam has been the Sous Chef at Columbia Hills Golf and Swim for a little over a year now. He has 4 children, spanning from ages 1 to 11 years old. Adam has been cooking all of his adult life. He started out working at Ponderosa Steakhouse and continued his career in various settings; from local diners all the way to some of the largest corporate steakhouses in the country. Adam has become known here at Columbia Hills as “The Meat Guy”.

Seth Namestnik | Golf Course Superintendent

Seth grew up in Columbia Station, a born native to the Cleveland area attending Ohio State, studying Turf Grass Management. In 1998 he began working at CH in maintenance for about 10 years during his younger days. After college he moved out west for several years working on golf courses. In 2011 he found his way back home to Ohio, and worked at Columbia Hills as Golf Course Superintendent for a few years. In 2016 he returned again to help sustain the club under new management.

Favorite thing about working at Columbia Hills: The smell of fresh cut grass in the morning, watching the sun rise over the course.

Daniel Dick | Clubhouse Maintenance Manager

Dan has been in his trade for 30 years, taking great care of our Club. He spent sixteen years working at Saint John Newman’s Catholic Church, and has over a decade of experience at Columbia Hills. When Dan is not working, he enjoys fishing, camping, golf and being able to relax and grill on his patio.

Favorite thing about working at Columbia Hills: Dan enjoys hearing the birds chirping and watching the sunrise over the golf course on warm summer days