MTMS2022-2023_v3
Meet the Management Staff 2022/2023
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Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club 13495 Tournament Drive Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 Phone: (561) 622-8300 Frenchman’s Creek Beach Club 400 Celestial Way Juno Beach, Florida 33408 Phone: (561) 624-3400
www.frenchmanscreek.com
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MEET THE MANAGEMENT STAFF
CINDY TEYSSEDOU …………………...12 Beach Club General Manager GINA HENKEL …………………………..12 Beach Club Food and Beverage Manager DAVID KENT ……….…………………...13 Director of Food & Beverage MARTINA HAUT ……….…..…………..13 Front of the House Manager HARRY YAMBO ……….………………..14 Senior Food & Beverage Manager STEVE KRALL ……….……....………….14 Food and Beverage Training Manager MARCO JARDIM …………………..…...14 Food and Beverage Bar Manager ERGIE OLAIVAR …………………..…...15 Sports Bar Manager SHAMS CHOWDHURY ………………...15 19th Hole Manager SONJA STUMPF …………………...…...15 Purchasing Manager JR CONGDON ………………………......16 Director of Golf WES DILLARD ……………………….....16 Director of Golf Course Maintenance STACY COLLINS ……..……………..….17 Golf Shop Manager CHRIS HORN …………………..…..…..17 Head Golf Professional KIM AUGUSTA …………………….…...17 Assistant Golf Professional PAULA BEGEL …………………….…….18 Director of Fitness & Spa TIKKY SRIEUD …………….…………...19 Director of Tennis PAULO HEXSEL …………………..…….19 Tennis Assistant Professional
MILES TUCKER... ……………………....4 COO / Executive Director BERNIE POLSELLI ……………………..5 Assistant General Manager BRAD DALEY... …………………….…...5 Executive Assistant LINDA GEORGE ………………………...6 Director of Administration KATHY O ’ BRIEN ……………………….6 Director of Community Relations STEVE THOMSON ……………………...7 Director of Landscape ASHISH GURJAR …………………..…..7 Information Technology Manager PAMELA RUDD ……………………..…..8 Marketing Director DEANNA USIADEK ……..………….....8 Director of Communications MICHAEL CHESNOVITZ ………………9 Director of Finance JANET BALDWIN ……………………....9 Assistant Director of Finance CANDY GUO …….……………………....9 Assistant Director of Finance DELLESA JOHNSON …………………..10 Director of Human Resources NAIS LOPEZ …………………………….10 Global Talent Acquisition Specialist GONZO NAVARRO …………………….11 Director of Operations SANTIAGO GONZALEZ ……………….11 Director of Facilities and Engineering
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Executive Director & COO Miles Tucker
4 Following his undergraduate studies at Cardiff Business School in Wales, where he earned a Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality Management, Miles secured a position in the much coveted graduate management training program at The Savoy Group of Hotels & Restaurants. Following an intensive 30 month program that pushed him through every department at some of the world ’ s most celebrated hotel properties, he received offers from both Claridge ’ s and The Savoy, along with an offer to become the youngest duty manager in the history of The Connaught Hotel (one of the only hotels to have perpetually maintained a place in Conde Nast ’ s Top 10 Hotels of the world rankings at the time), which Miles chose as his first management position in the industry. While working at The Connaught, Miles won an Educational Scholarship to attend Cornell University, where he earned a PDP in Strategic Hospitality Management, and started a family which now includes his two teenage children Gavin and Maia, his fiancée Kameron, and her two teenage children Christopher and Kaila . Post - Cornell, Miles spent a year at Harrah ’ s flagship Lake Tahoe resort, then transitioned into the private club Industry, taking a position as General Manager of Green Tree Country Club in Midland, Texas. After two years he was recruited to take up the same position at Sand Creek Country Club in Indiana, where he remained for three years before moving his family back to California to take on the role of GM/COO of Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach. Under Miles ’ leadership, this 1,200 member club benefited from more owner investment than at any other time in its history. In addition to securing 200 more members, the overall success of each operating area of the club improved during his four year tenure. The next opportunity came along in 2013 when Miles was offered the position of GM/COO at Hillcrest Country Club, a prestigious and storied club on the west side of Los Angeles. During his decade at the club he oversaw a complete transformation of the Club into the vibrant and family - oriented institution it is today, building a new pool complex, renovating many areas of the Clubhouse, remodeling the golf course and reimagining all of the golf facilities, developing new summer camp programs, and introducing the perennially popular Bocce League. At the same time, he established an outstanding management team who delivered record levels of member and staff satisfaction, even while addressing the significant business challenges presented by the pandemic. Hillcrest now often finds itself thought of as the best club in town, and has earned a #39 Platinum Clubs national ranking. Miles is very excited about the opportunity to lead Frenchman ’ s Creek through a similar transformation in the coming years, with the Club poised to embark on a complete reimagining of its own facilities. He can ’ t wait to dive in and do everything he can to take this already prestigious institution to the next level and beyond.
Assistant General Manager Bernie Polselli
Bernie began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Pannell Kerr Forster where he was responsible for a client base consisting of city clubs, country clubs and other not - for - profit entities. He was the Controller at the Harvard Club of Boston and Vice President of Finance for a division of Cordis Corporation in Miami. He has over thirty - years experience in the club and hospitality industry. Bernie joined Frenchman's Creek in 1993 as Director of Administration,
responsible for the operation of the Property Owners' Association. In 2004, he left Frenchman's Creek to assume the position of General Manager at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City, Florida and then went on to become Executive Vice President of the only residential community at sea , known as “ The World ”. After extensive travel around the world, Bernie returned to Frenchman's Creek in September 2008 as the Assistant General Manager. He is a Certified Club Manager (CCM bestowed by the Club Managers Association of America, a Certified Community Manager (CAM), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and earned his MBA degree from Nova University.
Executive Assistant Brad Daley
Brad grew up on the campus of Milton Academy, an elite prep school just outside of Boston where both of his parents were teachers. His father taught Latin, French, and Italian, and his mother piano and voice. Following in his parents ’ footsteps, Brad developed a lifelong passion for languages and choral singing during his 13 years at Milton (K through 12). Brad then attended Harvard where he majored in English Literature and performed in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and with the Harvard Krokodiloes. After brief stint in New York City working in advertising, Brad was inspired to relocate to
Tokyo, where he lived for three years, working as an international account executive in a PR firm and learning to speak Japanese, before returning to the US to earn an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. After Wharton and a few years in sales at a Washington DC health care consulting firm, Brad returned to New York in 1998 and found his career passion as an executive assistant supporting dynamic executives, first at Martha Stewart, and later as executive assistant to the directors of design and merchandising at Eileen Fisher. His 13 years in New York also provided an opportunity to spend lots of time with his nephews Brad and Robbie, giving him a close relationship with them that he will always treasure. In 2011 the time seemed right to act on a lifelong dream of moving to Los Angeles. During his ten years there, Brad had a number of exciting positions, including a role as the Assistant to the Administrative Team at Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, before joining Hillcrest Country Club in April of 2017 as Executive Assistant to the General Manager. During his five years at Hillcrest, Brad thrived in supporting the GM (who was Miles Tucker, our new Executive Director), club president, and executive managers, and was the person primarily responsible for the development of Club - wide messages and event marketing campaigns. When not at work, Brad enjoys travel, working out, going to the beach, museums, and attending musical performances. He is also a performer himself in his spare time, having recently joined the Bass Section of the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches.
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Director of Administration Linda George
Linda joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in January 2001 as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director/COO. In April 2022, with the arrival of the new ED/COO, her EA responsibilities were handed over to the new EA. Linda continues to provide administrative support to the President and Board of Governors and handles the annual Committee process. She oversees the POA Office and administrative staff. Linda has over 35 years of experience supporting C - Suite executives in the public and private sectors; both for profit and not for profit organizations. Prior to join-
ing Frenchman ’ s Creek, she worked in the executive office of the Town of Palm Beach, assisting the Town Manager. Mayor and Town Council members. Among her previous positions, Linda was a Paralegal for a Florida - based NYSE, full - service stock brokerage firm assisting the CLO and in - house corporate attorneys. She was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida and has two beautiful granddaughters with a third grand- child due in November, 2022.
Director of Community Relations Kathy O’Brien
Kathy began her employment in September 1985, with the McArthur Foundation and then with developers Haft & Gaines when they purchased the property in Jan- uary 1986. In 1992, when Haft & Gaines turned over the property to the French- man ’ s Creek Property Owners ’ Association, Kathy became the point of contact, working in sales and in the POA office. She has been on the property since its in- ception, making her the longest employed staff member. Among her many responsibilities, Kathy provides administrative support to the
Architectural Review Board and serves as the staff liaison between the Property Owners ’ Association and homeowners. She works closely with Security and Landscaping and servers as the liaison between members and vendors to address their daily requests. Prior to moving to Florida from Buffalo, NY, Kathy, managed women ’ s health and fitness clubs for 15 years. She moved to Florida with her husband, Mike, in 1985. Kathy has three granddaughters whom she adores.
Property Owner’s Association Mission Statement The purpose of P.O.A. is to provide security, convenience, and a one- stop shopping atmosphere for Frenchman’s Creek homeowners/members.
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Director of Landscape Steve Thomson
Steve graduated from the US Army Military Police Academy in 1975 and received a Military Honorable Discharge in 1977. Steve went on to play semi professional Ice Hockey; playing against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Spectrum with over 20,000 spectators and in Lake Placid, Home of the Olympic Ice Hockey Team. From 1971 to 1985, Steve worked in the Marine Construction field with George Schneider, Inc. and was a self - employed marine contractor from 1986 - 2008; an expert in the field on the Jersey Shore. Throughout this time, Steve discovered his love for Florida by visiting the Florida Keys every Winter. In 2005, Steve retired, sold his home and business and purchased a home in Stuart, Florida. In 2006, he re - entered the work force; obtaining a Florida license in Marine Construction, which he continues to hold today. In 2007, Steve worked with Pinkerton Security at the Witham Air Force and in 2008 he joined Elite Security at Frenchman ’ s Creek. In 2010, Steve joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as the Landscape Director.
Information Technology Manager Ashish Gurjar
Ashish is originally from India and speaks four languages. He joined the French- man's Creek Engineering Department in 2007 and shortly thereafter was promoted to the IT Department where he works as the System Analyst.
He completed his bachelor ’ s degree in Computer Engineering from MS University of Baroda, Gujarat, India. Ashish earned his Microsoft Certification in 2000, which includes Microsoft Certified System Engineer and Microsoft Certified Profession- al. Ashish has 15 years of experience as a System Analyst and IT Administrator. He heads the Information Tech- nology Department and is responsible for the Network at Frenchman ’ s Creek.
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Director of Business Development Pamela Rudd Pamela joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in March 2015 to oversee the Marketing, Real Estate and Communications. She began her marketing career in 1987 and shortly after obtained her Florida Real- tor license, specializing in commercial property management and sales. Pamela ’ s experience includes branding development, lead generation, event promotion, real estate development, to name a few.
She was nominated for Outstanding Achievement—Women of the Workplace Award in 2001 and received a Gold, Silver, and Bronze ADDY Award from the American Advertising Association in 2003. Pamela has served on the Boards of many organizations and charities, including Friends of the Bandshell and Ocean Walk Village Alliance. Director of Communications Deanna Usiadek
Deanna joined the Frenchman's Creek Marketing Department in December of 2021. In her previous role, Deanna was the site lead for communications at Pratt & Whit- ney, an aerospace jet engine manufacturer in Jupiter, Florida. Her responsibilities included internal and external communications, customer relations and business development, employee engagement, and charitable giving. She is excited to join the Marketing Department in her new role at Frenchman's Creek. She believes timely, effective communication is critical to achieving shared goals and building a culture with members, staff, and executive leadership. In addi- tion, she looks forward to supporting a private country club and the lifestyle that
this prestigious club has to offer to all members. Deanna has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and will also serve as staff liaison for the Marketing and Communications (MAC) and LINK Committees. Deanna and her husband, Daniel, consider themselves extremely lucky to have their grown children and fami- lies (including two grandchildren) living nearby in the local area. Deanna and her family enjoy frequent beach visits, boating, fishing, and golf.
Frenchman’s Creek Mission Statement The Mission Statement is the principal belief of our company. It must be known, owned and energized by all. Personalized Service, Enriching Relationships and a Quality Lifestyle will make Frenchman’s Creek the Number 1 Community in South Florida.
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Director of Finance Michael Chesnovitz
Michael was born and raised in New Jersey where he learned at an early age the joys of putting round numbers into square holes. After deciding against pursuing his dreams of becoming a starving jazz musician and obtaining degrees in Accounting and Economics from Rutgers University, Michael began his accounting career, spending the next 12 years in Retail accounting. In 1992, he was hired by Dow Jones and Co, forecasting circulation data for both the Wall Street Journal and Barron ’ s Magazine. In 2003, Michael moved to South Florida and found his way into the world of
Country Clubs as the Assistant Controller and later the Controller at The Club at Admiral ’ s Cove. Then in 2013, Michael joined the Accounting team at Frenchman ’ s Creek as Controller, and in 2018, was promoted to Director of Finance. Michael lives in Royal Palm Beach where he spends most of his free time spoiling his two dogs, Sadie and Lexi. Assistant Director of Finance Candy Guo
Candy is originally from China, joined the Frenchman ’ s Creek Team in 2003 after completing her Hospitality Management degree from the Brussels Business Academy in Belgium. Beginning her career in Food and Beverage as a management trainee, she soon transferred to Accounting, serving in various capacities over the years until she was promoted to Senior Accountant in 2012. She earned her CHAE (Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive) certification in 2009 and is currently
pursuing her master ’ s degree at Florida Atlantic University with the goal of completing her CPA certification in the next few years. Candy was recently promoted to Assistant Director of Finance. Candy lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband Lerry and son Adam. They enjoy cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Assistant Director of Finance Janet Baldwin
Janet always knew that she wanted to be in the hospitality industry and started her career at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott in 1998 in the Accounting Department learning all aspects of hotel accounting. In 2002 she moved to Rhode Island with her family for a year and worked for the Procaccianti Group, a hotel management company, as a Corporate Staff Accountant. Janet found her way back to South Florida a year later working back at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, a property purchased by the Procaccianti Group, as the Accounting Manager.
Then in 2007, Janet decided to get into private clubs and became the Assistant Controller and later the Controller at The Club at Admirals Cove. Janet Joined the accounting team at Frenchman ’ s Creek as Controller in May 2020. Janet lives in Jupiter with her two daughters, Arica and Alexis, and her dad.
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Human Resources Director Dellesa Kirk-Johnson
After graduating from Alabama A&M University with a bachelor ’ s degree in Telecommunications, Dellesa began her career in the Hospitality industry with the
Ritz - Carlton Hotel Company in 1993. She completed her MBA from Nova Southeastern University in 2002, and was then promoted from the Director of Training and Organizational Effectiveness to the Director of Human Resources. In 2014, Dellesa joined the Hard Rock Corporate Office in Orlando as a Human Resources Consultant. Later that year, she was recruited by the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place, where she was responsible for leading the pre - opening team and implementing the Human Resources procedures. Following the successful opening of the Wyndham Grand Jupiter, Dellesa joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as the Human Resources Director in April of 2016. She uses her 20 plus years of hands - on operational and strategic leadership experience to head our Human Resources Department.
Human Resources Manager Nais Lopez
Nais was born and raised in Colombia and moved to Central Florida in 2002. Her hospitality journey began in the Culinary/F&B Department at Disney Resorts and because of her passion and love to the hospitality industry she later transitioned to the Human Resources Management field at Staffix Inc. In 2009, Nais transitioned to the Marriott Brand and during her time at the resort
she successfully held many positions including Recruiting Manager as a contractor, Human Resources Coordinator, and Food and Beverage Manager. On July 2021, Nais joined the Frenchman ’ s Creek team as a Global Talent Acquisition Specialist bringing over 18+ years of hospitality experience.
Human Resources Mission Statement The purpose of Human Resources is to maintain the service standards of Frenchman’s Creek (i.e. selection of employees, training, employee morale and recognition).
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Director of Operations Gonzalo Navarro
Originally from Chile, Gonzo has over 30 years of experience in hospitality management. He began his career as Banquet Manager at The Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to joining Frenchman ’ s Creek, Gonzo was the Corporate Assistant of Food and Beverage for the Continental Hotels and Resorts Companies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gonzo joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in 1995 as Executive Steward responsible for the F&B Back of the House operations. In 2005 he left Frenchman ’ s Creek to assume the position of Florida East Coast Director of Facilities with WCI Communities in
Palm Beach, Florida. After five years of successfully opening four new communities from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Gardens, he returned to Frenchman ’ s Creek as Director of Club Operations. Gonzo has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Nova Southeastern University as well as holds a Florida Real Estate License. Director of Facilities and Engineering Santiago Gonzalez
Santiago joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in 2022 as the Director of Facilities and Engineering, just in time to lead our new Clubhouse project. He brings 15 years of experience in construction, administration and maintenance. He began his career in facilities management after participating in the design and construction of a manufacturing plan in 2007/2008. He went on to graduate as a mechanical engineer in 2009. In 2015, he moved to south Florida and became a licensed general contractor and
from 2015 to 2019 he ran his own construction company, serving Dade - Broward and Palm Beach Counties. In 2019, Santiago was recruited by The Riviera Country Club as their Director of Engineering and Construction where he was responsible for commissioning and implementing the maintenance plan for their new facilities. Santiago graduated from FIU with a masters in Engineering Management - Construction Track. He was born and raised in Colombia.
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Beach Club Manager Cidalia Teyssedou
Cindy was born in Portugal and came to the United States with her large family; settling in Boston, Massachusetts. Her career in the hospitality field began in Boston area hotels. She worked at Sonesta and Hyatt Hotels before joining the Swiss Hotel where she met Mr. Goswami. During her time in Boston, she also gained experience from the Ritz - Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels. In September of 1995, Cindy joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as the Main Dining Room Manager and was soon after promoted to Director of Catering and Special Events. Then in 1998, she left Frenchman ’ s Creek to become the Food and Beverage
Manager at the Polo Club in Boca Raton, in 2004 she joined Old Palm Golf Club as the Club Manager, she was responsible for the hiring and training of new staff and getting the club ready for it ’ s grand opening in 2005. She also gained more experience working at Admirals Cove and La Gorce Country Club. In 2014, she found her way back to Frenchman ’ s creek where she is now heading the operations at the Beach Club. Beach Club Food and Beverage Manager Gina Henkel Gina was born in Berlin, Germany. She graduated from Brillat - Savarin - School, Germany's largest vocational school with a focus on hotel and hospitality management. After 6 years experience in Andel ’ s by Vienna House, Gina decided to venture to America for an internship program in 2015. She joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as a server and bartender at the Beach Club. In October 2017, Gina was promoted as Dining Captain. During the summer season she worked in Lake Naomi, Pennsylvania and 2 seasons in Quaker Ridge Country Club, New York, to gain more experience. After a season in Lake Naomi, Gina came back to Frenchman ’ s Creek as Beach Club Food and Beverage Assistant Manager. Gina has been the Beach Club Food and Beverage Manager since October 2020.
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Director of Food & Beverage David Kent David is a dynamic food & beverage leader with more than 20 years of quantifiable results in resorts, fine dining and beverage sales. David has developed and implemented several programs to increase guest satisfaction, food & beverage costs and financial strategies. David is passionate about building and managing strong teams through collaboration, trust and mutual respect among all team members.
After attending Weston Michigan University, David began his career in Chicago working alongside Restaurateur Rich Melman and Lettuce Entertain You, overseeing the day to day operations at Joes ’ Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. After being recruited by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, David relocated to Scottsdale, AZ overseeing the Beverage Operations for the Western Kierland Resort & Spa. In 2011, David joined Marriott International as General Manager of Lincoln Steakhouse, located inside the prestigious Camelback Inn. Following a successful 8 years with Marriott David joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as Director of Food & Beverage in 2022. Director of Catering & Events Martina Haut
Originally from Germany, Martina worked for the Steigenberger Group in Frankfurt, where she completed her apprenticeship. She then worked for the Raffles Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg. Since joining Frenchman ’ s Creek in 2002, Martina has successfully moved up the ladder starting as a Trainee in the Grille Room, then to Captain at the Beach Club and later in Food & Beverage as the Reservations Manager. She was further promoted to Food and Beverage Office Manager, then to Catering Manager and Main Dining Room Manager.
After a short time as the Communications Manager she returned to the Food and Beverage team as the Director of Catering & Events. Martina then took a brief sabbatical and returned to Frenchman ’ s Creek where she wore several hats including Front of the House Manager and overseeing the Food & Beverage Operations at the Main Club.
Food and Beverage Mission Statement The purpose of the Food and Beverage Department is to enhance the image of Frenchman’s Creek to its Members and their guests, through frequent patronage, maximum satisfaction, and highest perceived value .
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Senior Food & Beverage Manager Harry Yambo Harry is a graduate of Mercy College, Bronx, NY with a degree in Business Management. He began his career managing the finances for several companies in the greater NY area, before relocating to Florida. He quickly changed gears and began his hospitality career as a corporate trainer for Brinker International. He was then recruited by the prestigious Breakers Hotel and engulfed himself into the world of fine dining, managing several restaurants within the 5 - Star Palm Beach resort. In 2021, he joined our Accounting department as a Senior Accountant and with his background in hospitality, he was promoted and will now be an integral part of our Food & Beverage department. Food and Beverage Training Manager Steve Krall Steve recently joined our Food & Beverage Department, where he will bring his extensive experience in hospitality, member services and training. A graduate of Cleveland State University, Steve aided in the development of the caddie program for Old Palm Golf Club and was instrumental in the organizational and set up of club events. This experience allowed him to work alongside touring pros such as Greg Norman, Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson, to name a few. With Steve ’ s strong connection to hospitality, he later joined Hunters Run Country Club as the Director of Training. Steven prides himself on interacting with all members, ensuring member satisfaction. Food and Beverage Bar Manager Marco Jardim A graduate of North West University, South Africa, Marco went on to earn a certificate in Hospitality & Tourism from Florida Atlantic University. Marco started his career at Lochenheath Country Club in Traverse City, MI. and with a layover in Philadelphia, PA., he settled in Florida leading the beverage team at Jupiter Hills Country Club for the past 5 years. His professional experience includes training and coaching of all associates and the planning of inventory and cost controls in the beverage department. He recently completing his WSET Level 1, certification in August 2022. Marco was recently married and in his spare time he is an avid Rugby player.
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Sports Bar Manager Ergie Olaivar
Ergie is originally from the Philippines where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of the East in Manila. After graduating college in 1986, Ergie worked at Crown Cruise Ships for 8 years, where he advanced from a dishwasher to a maître d ’. In 1996, Ergie joined Frenchman ’ s Creek as a server at the Beach Club and shortly after he was promoted to the Assistant Beach Club Manager. In 2001, Ergie came over to the Main Club to manage the 19th Hole where he remained. He can now be found managing one of the temporary dining facilities. 19th Hole Manager Shams Chowdhury Shams was born in Bangladesh, where he received his Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration, Accounting & Social Sci- ence. After college, Shams was employed with several airlines— Sobina Air, British Airways and National Carrier, working as a flight attendant. Shams joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in 1994 through a local job fair. He started his Frenchman ’ s Creek career in the Food and Beverage department where he continues to serve the membership. Originally from Germany, Sonja began her hospitality career in 1990. She joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in the fall of 2000 as a Food & Beverage Management Trainee and experienced all of the dining outlets, working primarily in the Main Dining Room. In 2002, she participated in a summer intern program at the Ausable Club in upstate New York as F&B Captain. After returning to Frenchman ’ s that fall, Sonja was promoted to Captain at the Beach Club, and then again promoted to Assistant Manager. In 2004, Sonja joined the Food & Beverage office, where she assisted the Office Manager and in May 2005, she was transferred to The Grille Room as Manager. While filling her role as Manager of The Grille Room, Sonja as- sisted the Main Dining Room Manager with special events, functions, re- ports and budgeting. In May 2006, Sonja decided to leave Frenchman ’ s Creek, but returned in November 2009, as the Main Dining Room Manager. Since September 2010, she has been in charge of the Purchasing/Receiving Department. Purchasing Manager Sonja Stumpf
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Director of Golf J.R. Congdon J. R. Congdon is a 25 year member of the PGA of America and is also a longtime member of the Club Managers Association. Prior to becoming a golf professional, J.R. played collegiate golf at Mississippi State University and the University of Kentucky, where he lettered at both schools. A native of Kentucky, J.R. entered the golf business in 1986 as an Assistant Golf Professional at La Gorce Country Club located in Miami Beach, Florida. He was promoted to Head Golf Professional at La Gorce in 1989 and served in that capacity until 1994, at which time he accepted the position as Director of Golf at Frenchman's Creek Beach and Country Club. In the summer of 1999, J.R. took over the Director of Golf responsibilities at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida. From Woodfield, he moved to the Ritz - Carlton Golf Club Jupiter as a Golf Executive. Then in 2004, J.R. was recruited by the owner of the Tesoro Club, a private club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His task was to help develop the ultimate private golf club experience. Within a few months, he was promoted to Director of Club Operations and helped bring online both golf courses, the swim and racquet club and the completion of the 115,000 square foot Tesoro Clubhouse. J.R. was deeply involved in the pre - planning and the execution of a PGA Tour event called the Ginn Classic, which was held at Tesoro in 2007. In the fall of 2009, J.R. joined the Verandah Club in Fort Myers, Florida as the General Manager. The Verandah Club is a 36 - hole Cupp & Nicklaus golf and residential community. The financial crisis had taken a heavy toll on Verandah and J.R.'s initial task was to restore membership pride in the Club. He was also tasked with restoring the physical condition of the facilities, golf courses, and to stabilize the Club's financial health. Once those objectives were achieved, his focus became and still remains, providing an exceptional hospitality experience. Director of Golf Course Operations Wes Dillard Wes graduated from Gateway State College in 1994 with an Associate of Science in Golf Course Operations. He joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in 1994 as the Assistant Superintendent of the North Course and was promoted in 1996 to Superintendent. Then in 2004, Wes was promoted to the Director of Golf Course Operations. Wes has more than 20 years golf maintenance experience, including tournament experience at The Players Championship, 1998 TPC Sawgrass. He has previously served as a Director for the Palm Beach Golf Course Superintendents ’ Association.
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Golf Shop Manager Stacy Collins
Stacy joined Frenchman ’ s Creek in September 2007 as the Golf Shop Manager. She has been in the golf industry for over 30 years; working in the golf shops of such clubs as: The President ’ s Country Club, Palm Beach Country Club, The Breakers, Old Marsh, and Old Palm. Stacy is originally from Minnesota and earned her bachelor ’ s degree in Business Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach. Stacy ’ s husband, Tim, has been the Director of Golf at The Breakers Palm Beach for 25 years. They have a son Jack and a daughter Sullivan. In her free time you can find Stacy playing sports with her kids or pursuing her 3rd degree black belt in MMA. Head Golf Professional Chris Horn Chris was born and raised in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. He started playing golf at the age of 12 and soon realized his passion for the sport. Chris graduated from University of Central Lancashire with First Class Honors in Sports Management. Chris began his career at Frenchman ’ s Creek in 2011 as a trainee. In 2012, he became the outside operations supervisor. During this time, Chris partnered with his former University to provide Frenchman ’ s Creek with the resources to recruit future trainees. In 2014, he was promoted to an Assistant Golf Professional. While serving in this position, Chris began to take the steps to become a Class A PGA Professional. He officially received this certification and title in 2020. This past September, Chris became the Head Golf Professional and looks forward to continuing to build relationships throughout the club by offering his expertise and experience in the sport of Golf.
Assist. Golf Professional Kim Augusta
Kim Augusta has been working as an Assistant Golf Professional at Frenchman ’ s Creek since November 2017. She was born and raised in Rumford, Rhode Island where she played golf at St. Raphael Academy on the boys team. Through this experience , Kim was able to earn a full scholarship to the University of Miami where she also earned her degree in Psychology in 1993.
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Director of Fitness & Spa Paula Begel
Paula was born and raised in Central New York and has over 40 years of experi- ence in the Physical Medicine and the Fitness industry. She earned her Associ- ate in Applied Science in 1992 as a Physical Therapist Assistant. In 1996 she became a Licensed Massage Therapist and Nationally Board Certified. Paula is a Continuing education provider for massage therapists
offering “ Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils ”. Paula is a Certified Holistic & Clinical Aromatherapist. She has formulated for private clients as well as a Forbes Four Star resort and developed Spa treatments. She has been published in several peer reviewed journals. She owned and operated Long Life Wellness and Medical Spa from 1996 - 2020. Paula has been a personal trainer and aerobics instructor since 1983. Paula is a 6th Degree Black Belt and Sensei, starting her Martial Arts journey in 1992. Paula joined Frenchman ’ s as a Massage Therapist in 2020 and has quickly grown into the Fitness and Spa Director role. She looks forward to many years here in this demanding yet rewarding career.
Golf, Tennis and Fitness Operations Mission Statement The purpose of the Sports Division is to create fun and wellness in daily life at Frenchman’s Creek.
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Director of Tennis Tikky Srieud
Tikky grew up in Thailand playing all types of sports but decided on tennis at the age of 14. She represented the Thailand Junior Tennis Team, competing around Asia from ages 16 to 18. In 1985, Tikky came to the United States on a tennis scholarship and graduated from Palm Beach State College with a degree in Hospitality Management .
Tikky joined Frenchman's Creek in October 1988 as the Director of Tennis, in charge of the operations and maintenance of the entire tennis facility. She manages a very active tennis and pickleball program, which includes social and instructional events, interclub matches, competitions, holiday and kids programs, and runs and upscale tennis pro shop with fashionable apparel and top - of - the - line equipment.
Assistant Tennis Professional Paulo Hexsel
A native of Brazil, Paulo played competitive junior tennis in South America, reaching high rankings and earning a Division 1 college scholarship to play for the University of Tennessee at Martin. Paulo brings Frenchman ’ s Creek members his knowledge as a touring pro and division 1 player, as well as 15+ years of experience as a Tennis Director of Resorts and Athletic Clubs.
For many years, alongside international Australian coach Bob Butterfield, Paulo directed the International Academy of Tennis (IAT) in Hilton Head Isl, SC and Miami, FL. During this time, he developed junior players from Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Africa, England, Germany, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the U.S., ultimately sending over 60 players to play for NCAA Division I universities. Paulo has spent the last 15+ years as Executive Tennis Director of exclusive tennis clubs; such as the La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach and the Beverly Hills Country Club in Los Angeles, CA, where he managed all areas of tennis operations, and worked with kids and adults of all ages and levels.
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13495 Tournament Drive Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Tel: (561) 622-8300 Fax: (561) 624-2790 www.frenchmanscreek.com
11/3/2022 4:24 PM
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