Our Team

A native of Spring Valley, New York, Ron discovered a passion for creating and enjoying great food and parlayed it into a career in hospitality.

After studying at the Culinary Institute of America and graduating from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Ron had the opportunity to spend his early career gaining experience in some of New York’s finest dining establishments. Café des Artistes, The Guggenheim, and Metropolitan Museum of Art and his own restaurant, Pair of 8’s, are on the list of places that flourished under his leadership.  In addition to his experience in NYC, he has also spent time in Maryland and Pennsylvania working with the Inn at Perry Cabin as well as Stephen Starr. When it comes to wining, dining, entertaining, hosting and celebrating, Ron couldn’t be a better fit for us here at City Club Raleigh.

Outside of work, Ron enjoys spending time with his wife, son and very fluffy dog, Mookie, getting to know his new hometown of Raleigh, NC. He’s also been known to run the occasional marathon (the NYC Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN have both listed him as a participant), pick up a racquet on a tennis court and strum a guitar from time to time. If you get a chance to stop by the Club and introduce yourself, he’d be happy to get to know you. 

Email Ron at ron.didner@clubcorp.com 

Ashley Melville made the move to Raleigh from Minneapolis, Minnesota three years ago, and hasn't looked back since. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Management and concentrations in Biology and Spanish, she put her liberal arts education thoroughly to work by pursuing corporate and nonprofit sales positions which led her to her role as Membership Director here at City Club Raleigh.

Most recently, she has built a strong network in the downtown Raleigh community through her work as the Director of Business Development for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. In that role, she managed downtown's beloved programs like First Friday Art Gallery Walk and Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week in addition to developing and executing membership and fundraising initiatives. 

Outside of work, the majority of Ashley's time is taken up by her two rescued pitbull puppies, Leo and Stitch. However, if the dogs have gotten enough exercise to let her out of the house, she also enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, salsa dancing, and exploring all that downtown Raleigh has to offer. 

Email Ashley at ashley.melville@clubcorp.com 

Ioannis Theodorou was born the United States and as an infant moved to Greece, the homeland of his father. His passion for food and paréa, or casual partying and entertainment, as well as an appreciation for old world quality service, and impeccable taste in fine dining are all part of the fabric of Mediterranean culture that has surrounded him throughout his life.

Early on, Ioannis began his culinary career as a restaurateur with the Stergiopoulos Family, a knowned dynasty of Greek cuisine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also gained experience with the iconic Greektown of Chicago, the dining and nightlife district on the Near West Side of the City. Following his time in the Midwest, Ioannis studied at Wake Technical College in the AAS program of the Culinary Arts, and has worked in the Raleigh food and beverage industry since 2003. With nearly 15 years restaurant and catering sales in the Triangle, Ioannis served 8 years with LM Restaurants, 7 years with Landry’s Corporation, and is excited to bring his talent and drive to join the team at City Club Raleigh. 

Ioannis’ number one goal is always guest satisfaction. He holds true to a personal commitment to quality service and attention to detail that at every event. Among Ioannis’ strengths is the ability to deliver top-notch experiences that exude the spirit of those he serves. His passion for service can be summed up as follows: “Serving good food and seeing humanity happy is my life.” Ioannis is married and is raising three beautiful children in Raleigh.

From Greenspring Valley, Maryland, Ahmed found his passion for the hospitality industry when he worked as a bartender while studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The attention to detail needed in his field of study translated into many awards and recognitions for his beverage programs and bar knowledge. 

Running one of the top wine cellars and beverage programs in Baltimore, at an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, led Ahmed to hosting cocktail classes, wine dinners and events of all sorts. It was during his tenure there that his passion and ability to host events evolved. 

Through his more than 15 years in the hospitality industry he has served as bartender, Beverage Director and General Manager of some of the top restaurants in Baltimore making him a multifaceted and dynamic Private Events Director with a keen eye for the details that make for an amazing experience. 

He truly enjoys providing his guests with an unforgettable event and finds satisfaction in knowing that they have been well taken care of. When not at work, Ahmed likes to enjoy time with his husband, tend to his vegetable garden, cook, paint and take his dog, Crockett, on hikes.

A proud native of Cary, Joy is a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte where she studied corporate communication with a concentration in studio art. She brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. 

Joy began her career at the Club in December 2012. Before joining the Club, she worked in the hospitality industry on the beautiful islands of St. John and St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. 

Joy has built rapport with many Members of City Club Raleigh and enjoys helping to make people’s experience at the Club both personal and meaningful. From planning, marketing and executing Member events and traditions to serving as the liaison for Club committees, she thrives seeing Members connect and enjoying the Club.

Email Joy at joy.matheny@clubcorp.com 

Hailing from Chicago, Illnois, Patrick Ewald brings over 8 years of hospitality to City Club Raleigh. A certified sommelier, Patrick is passionate about providing exceptional wine and food service to our Members. He leads, inspires and educates our employee partners to provide outstanding service and create magic moments for our Members. Whether he is hosting as the sommelier at our Wine Tastings, co-hosting foodie events or crafting an innovative cocktail menu, Patrick strives to elevate the Member experience at the Club. 

On his spare time, Patrick forages for local produce and enjoys carpentering.