Carolyn Kepcher

Carolyn Kepcher is an American business executive known for her leadership in real estate, golf club management, and media. Kepcher attended Mercy College on a volleyball scholarship, earning a degree in marketing. After graduation, she became sales and marketing director of a golf club outside New York City, where she was responsible for preparing the property for bank auction. The property was eventually sold to Donald Trump.

Kepcher's strategic approach to property management led Trump to hire her as director of sales and marketing. After four years, she was promoted to general manager, and later became chief operating officer of Trump National Golf Club Westchester and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, overseeing more than 250 employees at each location. In these roles, Kepcher managed daily operations and directed the development of multi-million dollar golf course and clubhouse construction projects.

Kepcher gained national recognition as one of the judges on reality television show "The Apprentice," where she evaluated contestants' performances alongside Donald Trump. Her direct and insightful critiques contributed to her reputation as a business leader and television personality.

Building on her television experience, Kepcher authored the business book "Carolyn 101: Business Lessons From the Apprentice's Straight Shooter," which reached No. 2 on The New York Times Best Seller List. The book offers practical workplace strategies and anecdotes from her career in business and real estate.

After leaving the Trump Organization, Kepcher founded Carolyn & Co. Media and WorkHerWay.com, companies focused on providing career services and support for women in business. She has also contributed her management expertise to the nonprofit sector through Graham-Pelton Consulting, Inc., and served as a career advice columnist for the New York Daily News. Kepcher continued her involvement in the golf industry as vice president and general manager of Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Connecticut, and later as chief operating officer and general manager of Redding Country Club.

Kepcher is a frequent speaker at business seminars and conferences across the United States and has consulted with public figures, including Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her media appearances include the Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America, and Fox Business. Kepcher has received the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel award and the Stevie Award for Women in Business in the category of Women Helping Women. She is also among the few non-cast members of Saturday Night Live to recite the show's iconic opening line.