Our Team

Brad Shupe

General Manager

Brad comes to Champions Retreat with an impressive background in hospitality leadership and operational excellence. Before joining the Club, Brad was President and COO of Alder and Gen Next Foundation, both non-profit membership organizations. He also served as General Manager and COO at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, CA. Brad is a PGA Professional and a member of the Club Management Association of America.

Aksel Theilkuhl

Executive Chef

Aksel joined our team as Executive Chef at the end of March. He graduated with a Culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University. After graduating, he got the opportunity to work under Chef Laurent Tourondel, the Executive Chef and Partner in the BLT Restaurant Group, for 6 years. Aksel went on to become Executive Chef at The DeBruce in Catskills, New York. The DeBruce made Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants in America” list and Conde Naste Traveler’s list of “Best Hotels in the World.” Before joining Champions Retreat, Aksel was the Executive Chef for Xanterra Travel Collection, located in Yellowstone National Park. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and the Food & Beverage team.

Stacey Padgett

Human Resources

Stacey Padgett is a certified Human Resources Professional with 30 years’ experience in the private club industry. This has provided her the opportunity to work in all areas of HR including recruiting, onboarding, training, employee relations, performance management, leadership training and development, workers compensation, benefits, and safety. She is in her 11th year at Champions Retreat. Stacey and her husband Robert reside in Riverwood Plantation and have two daughters and one son.

Kelly Pickard

Membership & Marketing

Kelly is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Communication Studies. Her diverse background in retail, product strategy, global sourcing, events, and client relations gives her a solid foundation for collaborative strategy and attention to detail. Most recently, her role was Senior Manager of Customer Experience & Events at Augusta Sportswear. Kelly’s work extends passed the office as an advocate and board member of the PLAYS Sports Coalition and as a board member of the Augusta Sports Council. In her spare time, you can find Kelly with her two children, Kendall and Clay at a soccer field, park, hiking trail, or pool. She is also an active member of Steven’s Creek Church and a fan of live music.

Travis Newman

Accounting & Member Billing

Our Club Controller, Travis Newman, recently joined the team at Champions Retreat Golf Club in May 2023. He is responsible for member billing and all financial aspects of the Club. After graduating from Augusta State University, Travis began his professional career in public accounting as an auditor for one of the largest firms in the Augusta area. Most recently, his role was Finance Director for a global leader in healthcare. With over 20 years of experience, Travis has an analytical mind and an in-depth knowledge of corporate finance and accounting principles. Travis is an avid golfer and coach, who enjoys traveling, listening to live music and spending time with his twin girls here in Augusta.

Mike Rymer

PGA

Mike has over 20 years of elite, private golf club experience. A highly skilled and accomplished player, Mike’s playing resume boasts winning the Maryland State High School Individual Championship, being a member of the Ole Miss Men’s golf team, playing in 3 PGA Professional National Championships and the PGA National Assistants Championship. Mike has excelled at teaching the game of golf and takes a huge interest in his student’s successes. An attention to detail and providing the best possible member experience are a daily focus here at Champions Retreat under Mike’s leadership. Mike and his wife, Erin, and their two children live in Evans.

Barry Rewis

Golf Course Superintendent

Barry Rewis completed his degree in Golf Turf Management from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, Georgia. After graduating, Barry moved to Savannah to start his career at the Landings Club where he would work his way up from Assistant Superintendent to Golf Course Superintendent with the responsibility of 36 holes. In 2008, Barry accepted an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent position just south of Charlotte, NC at The Club at Longview, a Jack Nicklaus signature design course. Shortly after, he was promoted to Golf Course Superintendent and learned a great deal of knowledge from one of his mentors, Ray Avery. Barry, his wife Anne, and two boys Tanner and Tate live in Evans.