Two candidates are seeking a director at-large seat on the Fairfield Glade Community Club board of directors.
Incumbent Bruce Horn is being challenged by Isaac Zuercher. The Fairfield Glade Election Committee has formulated eight questions to assist property owners in becoming more familiar with the two candidates.
Additionally, the Election Committee is hosting a Meet the Candidates forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at The Center. The event will be livestreamed, and the video will be available on the website by Friday, Aug. 1.
Questions will be posed to the candidates by the Election Committee based upon current community events and suggestions received from FGCC members.
Members may submit their questions to the committee via email to fgccelection@fairfieldglade.cc or by delivering them to the Administration Office at 7827 Peavine Road.
All questions must be submitted to the committee by Friday, July 11.
The Meet the Candidates forum will provide the opportunity to learn more about each candidate and to hear the individual candidate’s position on various issues facing Fairfield Glade property owners. Candidates will be available for a brief period after the conclusion of the forum so that individual attendees can talk to them and discuss specific issues.
Note: The election committee did not correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc., in the candidates’ answers. The eight questions and the candidates’ answers are: Process questions
Why are you running for our board of directors?
Bruce Horn: I hope to continue the work we have begun on major initiatives as a Board member since 2022.
One reason for continuing is the Reserve Study initiated to ensure we maintain our physical assets as befits the level of quality our members demand.
Another reason for me to continue is the 10-year Capital Plan presented to the Community last year. Among the major projects is the new Druid Hills Clubhouse, now under construction (with the Performance Center [Golf Garage], and the new putting course [The Quarry]. Another project, and just now beginning, is the new Fire Station 1 and EMS building.
A third and probably the most long-term reason is our recently adopted Strategic Plan, and the Strategic Plan Roadmap, which was presented to Membership in May of this year.
In addition, I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with our very talented General ManagerChief Operations Officer Bill Ward, our Chief Financial Officer Jason Lambert, and our new Director of Human Resources Director Candice Neely.
They, along with the rest of the Senior Management Team and this Board of Directors, will ensure that Fairfield Glade Community Club will continue to provide an enjoyable and secure environment, a wide variety of high-quality resort-style amenities and facilities, and provide increased equity and value for our Members.
Isaac Zuercher: I am running for the Board of Directors to provide an informed perspective and ensure all members of our community are fairly represented. My goal is to work towards decisions that benefit the collective good of Fairfield Glade residents, ensuring our beautiful community remains a wonderful place for everyone, and not solely for the benefit of a privileged few.
A document entitled “Common Characteristics of Effective Directors” was included with the Board of Directors application. Which of the “common characteristics” are your two strongest and why?
Horn: The two characteristics that I believe are most important for any candidate, and best define me and my commitment to Fairfield Glade Community Club are:
I represent and reflect a deep and abiding faith in the social significance of community service.I represent the entire community and do not surrender to special interests or outspoken individuals or groups. The
“entire community”
includes members who may not have a direct relationship with any Board Member.
Zuercher: From the “Common Characteristics of Effective Directors,” my two strongest qualities are being an advocate for openness and democratic processes in Board activities and decision-making and being respectful to community club members and staff. I believe that effective governance requires transparent discussions and decisions that genuinely reflect the will and input of all residents. By fostering an environment of respect and open communication, I aim to ensure that every member of Fairfield Glade feels heard and has a true voice in the direction of our community.
What “governance experience,” such as serving on a community club committee or serving as a member of another board of directors do you have and how will that experience make you an effective member of our Board of Directors?
Horn: Because my Biography has already been posted, I will include here just those organizations where I have served since making Fairfield Glade my home.
Fairfield Glade Community Club, Director-at-Large, TreasurerFairfield Glade Rotary Club, Past President and Member RotarianUpper Cumberland Diversity Advocates, Founding Member, TreasurerAvalon Center volunteer with Second ChanceFairfield Glade Rotary Foundation, Founding Member, TreasurerFairfield Glade Resident Services, Board MemberFairfield Glade Community Club, Racquet Sports Committee, ChairFairfield Glade Neighborhood Watch Coalition (FGNWC)Veterans and First Responders, Board Member
Zuercher: I currently serve as the Chair of a National Association of Homebuilders 20 club. This role has provided me with invaluable governance experience, requiring me to collaborate and problem-solve with diverse professionals from across the country. Additionally, for over 20 years, I have successfully managed Zurich Homes, a thriving homebuilding company that has constructed hundreds of homes in Fairfield Glade. Managing this organization at scale requires constant communication and decision-making with a diverse range of individuals, including employees, customers, contractors, Fairfield Glade employees, and local government officials. This extensive experience in leadership, fiscal responsibility, and connecting with people at all levels will enable me to be an effective and approachable member of our Board, ensuring every voice matters.
What is the most important reason why Community Club members should vote for you as a member of our Board of Directors?
Horn: My commitment to Governance, Finance, Strategy, and Leadership, which are the essential pillars of responsible stewardship. This, along with my dedication to the betterment of our community over the last two decades, demonstrate why I should receive the Member’s vote.
We have come quite some way in the 32 years since the “Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions” were written in 1997, and I believe that as we continue to mature as a community we must embrace and manage the changes we are facing today, and plan and prepare for the inevitable changes in the coming decades.
Zuercher: The most important reason Community Club members should vote for me is my unwavering commitment to serving as a dedicated voice for them on the Board. I am focused on ensuring that the interests and needs of all Fairfield Glade residents are at the forefront of every decision, fostering a community where transparency, fairness, and thoughtful stewardship are paramount. I will be a tireless advocate for our members, working to uphold the values that make Fairfield Glade such a special place to call home.
Content questions
What have you learned from your review of the FGCC Covenants & Restrictions (C&Rs) and Bylaws? Why was that important? What would you change?
Horn: Our current C&Rs have served us well over the last 32 years and reflected the needs of those interested in parties who helped us grow as well as protecting the rights of those participating in our growth.
Our C&Rs, just like our U.S. Constitution, has a mechanism to amend governing documents. Amendments are sometimes needed to address the changes in the world around us, the desires and needs of the community as we progress, and as our community matures. We are engaged in such an opportunity now.
As a current Board member, and after much review and discussion, it is my firm belief that the proposed amendment to our C&Rs is in the best long-term interests of the community, and we should adopt the proposed amendment.
A few reasons for approving the amendment include:
Thoughtful growth and phased development.When water, roads and sewer are installed, a lot is considered “improved,” and these lots have higher financial impact.This development would begin in the next 5 years and will likely take decades to complete.
I encourage every member of our community to read the “Covenants & Restrictions Amendment Fact Sheet” available on the Member website.
It is also important that an update to some of the language in the C&Rs is undertaken to better reflect today’s common understanding of terms and definitions. This would help clarify some of the articles in the document.
Zuercher: From my review of the FGCC Covenants & Restrictions (C&Rs) and Bylaws, I’ve learned that while these foundational documents have served our community well for over 50 years, they now grant the declarant a level of authority that no longer fully aligns with the current needs of our established Club. It’s important because ensuring our governing documents are current and equitable empowers our property owners. I would advocate for the Club members to seek independent legal review to carefully assess and propose changes that balance historical context with modern community governance, allowing property owners more sensible and productive use of their land where appropriate.
The Board of Directors has developed and presented a What was the most important positive information you learned from the plan presentation? What part of the plan do you feel needs more work and why?
Horn: The plan reaffirmed and adopted the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the community. And since these anchor everything we are, and want to be, the plan answered the questions: “Is the mission still relevant?” Yes, “Does the vision inspire action?” Yes, “Are our values clearly stated and reflected in the plan’s priorities?” Yes.
The next critical step is to initiate a comprehensive Fairfield Glade Community Master Plan to connect all the major initiatives such as 10-year Capital Plan, Capital Reserves, Amenity Capacity, and more.
We do have the 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ROADMAP that has been developed and adopted. The ROADMAP will be further developed with Operational detail, including milestones, metrics, and funding.
Zuercher: The most important positive information I learned from the 2024 Strategic Plan presentation is the Community Club’s investment in pursuing a strategic growth path for our community that allows for thoughtful development in a fiscally responsible manner. However, I believe the plan requires further refinement because it currently functions more as a vision than a fully actionable blueprint. This is due, in part, to a perceived lack of accountability on the part of the Board of Directors in consistently following through and enforcing its provisions. I would work to ensure that any strategic plan is robust, clearly defined, and prioritizes the interests of all residents, with clear metrics for accountability and transparent progress reporting.
The Community Club is moving forward with the Racquet Center expansion project. As a Board Member how would you measure the success of this sizable investment in the community?
Horn: A detailed project plan with clear milestones and budget.
Regular monitoring and progress reporting on all aspects of the project.
Immediate response and corrective actions when appropriate.
Successful completion with demonstrated increase in defined metrics which include user participation, facility availability, increased revenue.
Zuercher: The Racquet Center expansion project, being an amenity overwhelmingly requested by residents, holds great promise for our community. As a Board Member, I would measure its success by several key factors. Primarily, high and sustained member utilization and satisfaction would be crucial indicators, demonstrating its value as a vibrant community hub. Additionally, I would assess its contribution to bolstering the appeal of Fairfield Glade and its positive impact on enhancing overall member property values. Ensuring that such amenities, which are popular and frequently used by a majority of members, are designed to be largely self-funding would also be a key measure of their long-term success and sustainability for our not-for-profit club.
Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit club. Activities and investments in the community are funded partially through (1) individual user fees paid by members, guests, and visitors and partially through (2) community assessments paid by POA members. As a Board member, what changes would you support in how community activities and investments are funded?
Horn: Pay-to-Play has been the operating philosophy and our basic source of user fees. Those fees naturally increase yearly in response to economic impacts, some of which are outside our control such as inflation and unforeseen maintenance. Some increases are in response to user demand and increased usage, and the need for expansion of our existing amenities, and the addition of new amenities as part of the capital plan.
In order to avoid undue burden on our Members, we recently updated our Lot Transfer Fees in order to recognize the need for fairness in funding our amenities with better participation of those now coming to live in Fairfield Glade.
It is important for those coming here to enjoy this lifestyle and avail themselves of these amenities are able to contribute accordingly.
As to POA assessments, they are evaluated as part of the budget process every year with the acknowledgement that these assessments are the necessary investment in our community and the future.
It’s not easy to arrive at POA assessments, and they are the result of months of work with the department heads, senior managers, the FAC, CFO, GMCOO and the Board of Directors. This effort, which includes external data sources and forecasting services, is then presented to the Membership.
The needs of the Community to thrive is the goal.
Zuercher: As a not-for-profit club, Fairfield Glade’s funding structure, relying on individual user fees and community assessments, is fundamental. As a Board member, I would support strategies that ensure our investments are sustainable and fair to all members. This includes advocating for popular amenities and activities, such as the Racquet Center, to be funded substantially through user fees where appropriate, allowing them to be largely self-sustaining. Furthermore, I believe it’s imperative to review and potentially adjust funding contributions to ensure all entities, including any significant landholders or developers, contribute their fair share to the community’s overall well-being and growth, reflecting current market realities and the ongoing needs of our residents.
The application packet of each individual candidate may be viewed on the Community Club’s Election web site fairfieldglade.com. Each application provides a brief profile of the candidate, including biographical details, contact information, and a photograph.
The Election website is available by logging onto your member account at fairfieldglade.com, scroll to the 2025 Board of Directors Election tile and select LEARN MORE.