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.

Mark Hennie, PGA | General Manager

Mark is a born and bred Clevelander, although he did spend some time out west figuring out exactly what he wanted to do as a profession. He attended the University of Colorado for his undergraduate degree and then moved to Arizona for six years. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and previously worked for the United States Golf Association and then the Arizona Golf Association. Mark moved back to Cleveland in 2011 and joined the Columbia Hills team as a golf professional, before becoming the General Manager in May of 2014 where he has been hard at work ever since.

Fun Fact: Mark worked on a 100,000 acre ranch in Wyoming one summer in college. Also, his favorite hole is #9, because how could you beat the view.

Michael Jaeger | Head Golf Professional

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.

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.

Jennifer Miller | Wedding Coordinator

Jennifer came to Columbia Hills in 2018 after graduating from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management. She is a creative and vivacious individual that loves to help everyone. She has been living in Cleveland for three years now and enjoys exploring different local shops and restaurants with her friends. When Jenn is not at work you can catch her thriving in her small business, working out, or spending time with her cat Audrey!

Fun Fact: Jennifer interned at Columbia Hills as an Event Assistant before coming on full-time!

Danielle Drury | Director of Dining and Events

Danielle has been an employee at Columbia Hills since August 2015. She began her career here as a server and worked her up by joining our management team, where she has been thriving ever since. She was raised in North Ridgeville, Ohio and attended Kent State University after High School graduation. When Danielle is not here at Columbia Hills you can find her laying in her pool during the summer or 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.

David Rhoades | Clubhouse Manager

David joined Columbia Hills in August of 2016. He was born and raised in Amherst, Ohio and graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Management. He has spent most of his career in the food and beverage industry in a management role. When David isn’t working, he enjoys spending time outdoors whether it be playing a round of golf, taking Xena (his dog) on and adventure or playing softball. When you see him in the clubhouse be sure to introduce yourself and offer feedback, as he is open to your suggestions!

Fun Fact: David is an avid bowler who has a high game of 290, and is still chasing a perfect game

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

Adam Kestner | Sous Chef

Adam has been the Sous Chef at Columbia Hills Golf and Swim for a little over a year now. He is happily married with 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”.

Fun Fact : Executive Chef Patrick and I grew up together in Wellington, OH. We’ve been friends for over 20 years now.

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 | 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.