Blogs (Blogs)

Meet the Team Behind Polo Club: The Heart of a Thriving Community

Running the Polo Club is truly a massive, collaborative effort. Every department and each staff member plays a unique role in creating the Polo Club experience that our members know and love. Whether their work is in the spotlight or behind the scenes, every person contributes to making our club an incredible place.

Today, we're excited to introduce the incredible team behind Polo Club.

First Impressions: Safety and Security
The Polo experience begins at the gates, where our security team ensures a welcoming and safe entry for members and guests. Chief John Riddle, our Director of Safety and Security, oversees a dedicated team of 40 officers. With experience in law enforcement, Chief Riddle brings professionalism and high customer service to Polo. His team handles over 10,000 member calls yearly, manages nearly a million annual entries, and monitors over 300 cameras around the property.

Maintaining the Beauty: Facilities and Common Areas
The beautiful, manicured grounds of Champion Boulevard are under the care of Ray Valdez, our Director of Facilities and Common Area Maintenance who has also managed our holiday events for the season. Ray and his team of 17 are responsible for maintaining everything outside the golf and tennis courts, covering main roads, parking lots, and over seven square miles of perimeter, plus 60 lakes. They also oversee the upkeep of Polo's clubhouse and all Polo-owned buildings, performing regular checks to ensure every facility is in prime condition.

Exceptional Dining Experiences: Food and Beverage Team
Leading Polo's vibrant dining scene is Antonio Campolio, Director of Culinary and Dining Operations. Antonio has transformed our menus and reimagined the front and back of the house, leading a team of over 150 staff members, including chefs, servers, bartenders, and more. Antonio's dedication to quality is evident—from in-house smoked salmon to delightful pastries crafted by our Executive Pastry Chef, Devin Cowan. Complementing Antonio's vision is Jermaine Langeveldt, Director of Food and Beverage, Assistant Director Rosie Trevino, and an accomplished culinary team that raises the bar for dining in South Florida.

Unforgettable Events and Social Gatherings
Our events and catering teams transform every corner of Polo into beautiful venues for the more than 500 events we host annually. Catering and Events Manager Joe Alvarenga has been a creative force behind Polo's social and cultural events for nearly a decade, organizing everything from cabaret series to live music concerts. With their planning expertise, the Polo Club has become renowned for its over-the-top, memorable events.

Wellness and Fitness: Keeping Members Active
The Director of Sport and Fitness, Eric Wilkinson, leads our spa and fitness wing. With a team of 40 personal trainers, therapists, and fitness attendants, Eric's group helps keep our members fit and energized. They manage everything from personalized fitness programs to rejuvenating Polo Club spa treatments, fostering a balanced and active lifestyle.

Premier Tennis and Pickleball Facilities

Our tennis and Boca pickleball tournament programs are among the most comprehensive in South Florida. Tennis & Pickleball Director Laurent Leclerc and Tennis & Pickleball Assistant Director Arnaud Delanoe head a team of 18 that ensures members enjoy 22 tennis courts and 18 pickleball courts. Programs tailored for every skill level bring together competitive and social players in our outstanding facilities.

World-Class Golf Program
For golf enthusiasts, Director of Golf Pat Breton, Marybeth Corrigan, Joe D'Annunzio, and Golf Course Maintenance Director Jake Tenopir provide one of the best golf experiences. With 36 holes and a thriving pro shop, our golf team welcomes members for nearly 60,000 rounds yearly and oversees various leagues and events.

Behind the Scenes: Administration and Support

The heart of Polo's behind-the-scenes operations includes our IT, HR, finance, marketing, and membership teams. Mike Weeks and his IT team keep our tech running smoothly, while Director of People and Culture Gabriela Muriel ensures our staff feels supported and engaged. Debra Johnson, our CFO, leads the club's financial operations, working closely with all departments to balance budgets with member experience. In marketing, Assistant Director Monica Isaza-Deal and Membership Manager Vannia La Hoz bring new members to Polo and communicate our exciting events and updates.

Finally, with the daily support of the Board of Governors, our General Manager Lily Hang and Assistant GM Lorant Botha lead this talented team to consistently create exceptional experiences for our members.

We hope this introduction gives you a glimpse into the dedication and hard work behind the scenes at Polo Club. Our team's passion and expertise make Polo a place where members can truly thrive and enjoy each day.