Our Staff
Z - Zafer Goncu
general manager
Zafer “Z” Goncu, our longtime director of catering and special events, has agreed to serve as City Club’s General Manager. Anyone who has ever stepped through the City Club’s doors knows Z, and we are confident in his leadership, years of experience, and ability to navigate us through this transition phase. In the meantime, you can expect to see strategic changes and service improvements around the Club in the coming weeks and months to elevate your experience and reinforce our shared expectation for the City Club to serve as the premier business and social club experience in Louisiana.
Office: 225.387.5767 ext. 302
Joshua Gary, CCM
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT manager
Joshua brings a wealth of experience to the City Club of Baton Rouge having served over 13 years at Baton Rouge Country Club as an Assistant Manager and the Country Club of Louisiana as the Clubhouse Manager. Joshua has a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism from the University of New Orleans and earned his Certified Club Manager designation in 2017.
Office: 225.387.5767 ext. 303
Cordell Walker
Executive Chef
Join us in welcoming Cordell Walker as our Club’s new Executive Chef. With his unique blend of creativity, passion for food and contagious leadership, I am confident that Chef Cordell will enhance our Club’s culinary offerings and elevate the dining experience for our members and guests.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas, with post-graduate experience in Paris, France, Chef Cordell brings impressive culinary expertise to City Club. Chef Cordell’s wide range of experience includes working at Austin’s Ventana restaurant, serving as Sous Chef for Chef John Folse & Company and Jubans, partnering with Dooky Chase on special events, serving as Executive Chef for Marriott Baton Rouge, and more.
Chef Cordell brings vast experience in creative, upscale catering that will greatly enhance club events, private events, and weddings. For member dining, look forward to Chef Cordell’s fresh perspective on fine dining, featuring Louisiana-inspired plates using local ingredients along with new dishes showcasing global flavors – all while still offering your club favorites.
Stay tuned for upcoming culinary events, special daily featured dishes, and added variety and updates to our menus - as well as a special reception for members later this month to introduce you to Chef Cordell and his culinary artistry.
Chef Cordell looks forward to meeting you on your next visit to the City Club - feel free to ask for him, as he’d be delighted to stop by your table to chat! For dining reservations or more information about booking a private event, please call 225-387-5767or email us at cityclub@brcityclub.com.
Natalie Graham
EVENT PLANner
Natalie is a skilled event planner who is dedicated to ensuring that your business function, private event, reception, or celebration is a resounding success. She will work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, and will customize menus for breakfast, lunch, meeting breaks, cocktail hour, and dinner accordingly. City Club specializes in hosting special events and parties for our Members and guests. Whether you are planning an intimate anniversary or birthday celebration, a large-scale business or social event, or even your dream wedding, we have the perfect space to accommodate groups of all sizes. Our venues range from casual to formal, and can cater to both large and small gatherings. To further enhance your experience, our dynamic duo of Kenny and Austin will be on hand to assist with every detail of your event. Their expertise and attention to detail will ensure that your event runs smoothly and flawlessly. Trust Natalie and our team at City Club to deliver an exceptional and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Kenny Roberson
Operations Manager | Trainer
Kenny has been with the City Club for over 20 years with a Commitment, and Dedication to our Members and to the Success of the City Club Of Baton Rouge. Kenny is an integral part of the team and we're all so inspired by his Hard Work, Loyalty, and Leadership. His fantastic personality and detailed knowledge of how to run the parties along with the many years of experience at the Club is responsible for the overall operations of the Clubhouse facility, including maintaining high standards in all club services and operations.
Office: 225.387.5767 ext. 316
Austin Oliva
Events Captain
During Austin’s short time at the City Club he has been a dedicated steward of hospitality with an eye for attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond his role at the club, Austin is an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and family man. Austin strives to create experiences that foster a sense of belonging among the members.
Office: 225.387.5767
Ken Milo
BAR MANAGER, mixologist
Ken is creative and fanatical about cocktails, and the art that is required to produce them. We now offer PRIVATE COCKTAIL CLASSES, an interactive educational class perfect for an intimate friendly activity, team building or cocktail enthusiast. Learn More about hosting a Private Cocktail Class >>>
Office: 225.387.5767
Mary Milton
MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Mary joined the City Club in March 2012 bringing over 25 years' experience in providing marketing, communications, and management experience from the corporate sector. While her role allows her to wear many hats, Mary's main focus is membership recruitment, growth strategies, and onboarding. Mary also leads the Club's marketing and communication channels, working with both the management team and Board to improve the total member experience and develop strategic communications plans. Please contact her to introduce a prospective member, or to schedule a tour and further explore the host of benefits that the City Club of Baton Rouge can offer with membership!
Office: 225.387.5767 ext. 308
Trish Dykes
CONTROLLER
Trish is a native of Ascension Parish, mother of two, and coaches’ wife. Trish joined the accounting department in 1998, however, decided to further her accounting knowledge in 2015. In her absence, she worked both with an accounting services group and a Medical insurance company. Returning in December 2018, she has returned with tools and knowledge to benefit the City Club. With a new outlook, she is excited to serve our members to make your experience here exceptional.
Office: 225.387.5767 ext. 315