The man who has led President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club for three decades is retiring.
Bernd Lembcke, Mar-a-Lago’s executive vice president and managing director, announced his retirement in a letter to members dated May 30 and provided to Palm Beach Daily News by a club member.
Lembcke will be succeeded in the position of general manager of the club by Andrew Kiser, who has worked at Trump properties since 2007, according to Lembcke’s letter.
“As I reflect on the past 30 years, I am filled with deep gratitude for each of you and the incredible memories we’ve created together,” Lembcke said in the letter. “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to know you and your families, and to be part of a community that has become more than just a club, it’s been a second home, rich with laughter, milestones, and lifelong friendships.”
Lembcke has been a fixture at Mar-a-Lago, which was transformed into Trump’s “Winter White House” during his first term and assumed that status once more following Trump’s second inauguration in January.
Kiser started his work for the Trump family in 2007 as a server at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Lembcke said. Kiser rose through the organization, serving as food and beverage leader at Trump National Bedminster before being named general manager of Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New York, in 2018, the outgoing general manager wrote.
“I have every confidence that Andrew will bring a fresh energy, thoughtful vision, and steadfast commitment to the continued growth and success of the club,” Lembcke said in the letter.
Heather Rinkus, who was Lembcke’s assistant, will be promoted to assistant general manager, Lembcke wrote.
“Heather has long been a pillar of excellence at the club,” Lembcke wrote. “Her deep familiarity with our members, strong grasp of club operations, dependable leadership, and unwavering support from the Trump family make her the ideal partner for Andrew.”
Ending the letter, Lembcke thanked club members for “30 unforgettable years.”
“I will carry the memories, friendships, and shared successes with me always,” he wrote.
Lembcke’s tenure in Palm Beach predates Mar-a-Lago.
Before working for Trump, Lembcke was food and beverage manager at The Breakers Palm Beach resort. In a 1985 file photo from The Palm Beach Post, Lembcke’s sons Peter, 6, Alex, 5, and Eric, 2, present flowers to Princess Diana during her visit that year to the historic resort.
Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Bernd Lembcke, longtime manager of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, to retire
Reporting by Kristina Webb, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
