Golden Ocala

Leadership & Partners

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is staffed by a talented leadership team assembled by the Roberts family to cover every facet of this unique, private community. The owners’ uncompromised commitment to Golden Ocala is evident through their attention to detail and the staff entrusted as stewards of the property. Each member of the Golden Ocala team brings a wealth of experience from notable ventures around the globe. Let our professional and friendly leadership team be your guide to discover the privilege of membership at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

Discover Golden Ocala

Our Leadership

joe donnelly general manager

When the Roberts family purchased Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Joe Donnelly was named General Manager to help their vision become reality. He has been involved in every aspect of Golden Ocala’s growth, including the design and development of several of the residential neighborhoods, the construction of the Golden Ocala’s Clubhouse, along with the Spa, Fitness Center and the complete renovation of the Golf Course. Joe became a PGA Golf Professional in 1990. He played professionally in events on the PGA, Canadian and Nationwide tours. Joe has over 30 years of experience in the golf club management industry. Prior to joining Golden Ocala, Joe was the General Manager at the Cape Coral Golf & Tennis Resort in Cape Coral, Florida. Joe and his wife Marny have two daughters, Brynn and Lauren.

kindel stephens director of membership relations

Kindel Stephens is a native of Ohio and is a 2013 graduate of the University of Florida. Shortly after graduating from UF with a degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, she began her career at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. She is also a licensed Realtor® with Royal Shell Real Estate. Kindel said becoming a Realtor® helped her better understand all aspects of Golden Ocala from the standpoint of the owners and developers as she is tasked to facilitate projects. Additionally she works closely with marketing companies to design and approve all marketing efforts for Golden Ocala. Kindel enjoys engaging with members and working closely with staff to organize member events throughout the year. She is an animal lover and routinely fosters dogs and cats.

rick alabaugh executive chef

Rick Alabaugh has been the Executive Chef of Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club since it opened in 2002. It was while working at a restaurant during college, as he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice, that Rick discovered his passion for food. His career plans shifted to culinary arts and he completed formal training at The Greenbrier, the historic, 5-star resort in West Virginia. In addition to working at a number of to facilities around the country, Rick previously owned a restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama before moving to Ocala. He has earned top culinary awards including The Taste of Mississippi, The Taste of Vail and the Taste of the Nation in Birmingham. In Ocala he earned the title “Iron Chef of Ocala” and was the winner of Culinary Combat, and was listed on the “Best of Best” list of local chefs. Rick said he loves to experiment with food combinations and flavors; and believes that you should provide guests with food that is innovative, fresh, and full of flavor and visually appealing as well.

thiroshan chetty director of tennis

Thiroshan Chetty joined Golden Ocala in 2005 as Director of Tennis. He was born and raised in South Africa and at the age of 16 Thiroshan was crowned South Africa’s National Tennis Champion. Since helping to open the Golden Ocala Tennis Center, he has worked to grow the program to attract national attention by offering a combination of exciting tournaments and energetic events for members and guests. Thiroshan has coached on the Women’s Tennis Association’s tour and several world class juniors, giving him experience coupled with a culture of success. Thiroshan obtained an Executive MBA from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. When he’s not on the tennis court Thiroshan enjoys playing with his children, traveling, or a game of golf.

Ryan Gray director of golf

Ryan Gray has spent his past 12 years as a Golf Professional earning his Class A PGA Membership in 2010. Ryan is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to Golden Ocala, Ryan was the Director of Golf at Honeybrook Golf Club in Pennsylvania, Head Golf Professional & Tournament Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando and Lead Assistant at The Country Club of Orlando. Ryan has worked closely with the development of the PNC Father-Son Challenge hosted in December at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando. Ryan has had extensive training with Marriott Golf & The Ritz-Carlton developing a first-class experience. Ryan most recently was named 2017 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Ryan has compiled four victories in his time playing professionally throughout the Philadelphia & North Florida PGA sections. He looks forward to spending time on the golf course with the membership. Ryan and wife Kaitlin, also an avid golfer, have a little girl Palmer.

bob hollis director of horticulture

Bob Hollis has a 38 year career as a horticulturist. Prior to starting his position at Golden Ocala in February 2017, Bob was the Director of Horticulture for Baltimore Country Club. From a horticultural standpoint, Bob said Golden Ocala is known for the lovely gardens where weddings are performed, the large Oak trees and colorful footprint of the annual blooms throughout the property. His favorite spot so far is the beautiful garden areas spanning the rear of the Golden Ocala Clubhouse to include the veranda, patio and walkways. Bob and his wife Tina reside in Summerfield. In his spare time he enjoys gardening, fishing cooking and spending time with his family.

Robert huff director of food & beverage

Robert Huff has spent 25 years in the hospitality industry. He moved to Ocala 11 years ago from Fort Lauderdale and joined Golden Ocala in June of 2016. Before coming to Golden Ocala as director of Food and Beverage, Huff was a part of Sky Asian Fusion, Ipanema, Brazilian Steakhouse, and The Mojo Grill. He formerly operated several Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Council Oak Steakhouse locations. Robert oversees three restaurants, special events, catering, and weddings. He is also responsible for creating the wine lists and beverage menus. When he has free time, Huff likes to fish in Crystal River with his White Labrador. He’s also a golfer and has played the course for years; his favorite is No. 11 which is patterned after Augusta because it is a tough, a short Par 3 over water with a very shallow green.

ALBERTO PEROTTI Director of housekeeping

Alberto Perotti was named director of housekeeping for Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in May 2017. He brings an extensive background in hotel hospitality to Golden Ocala. Alberto manages the daily operations of both the housekeeping and facility maintenance departments. He enjoys working closely with his staff to ensure superior service and guest satisfaction. "Having the opportunity to work alongside my staff gives me great pleasure and I strongly believe the backbone of our industry deeply relies in their hands and without them, we can't function," he said. A native of Hialeah, FL, Alberto currently resides with his longtime partner of 12 years, Sharon, and their three sons. He loves spending his time with his family on days off, visiting Clearwater beach in the summer, and enjoys the sport of horse racing.

Suzie Silvestri controller

Suzie Silvestri joined Golden Ocala in 2016 as controller. She has 15 years of professional accounting and finance experience; with an extensive background in auditing, mergers and acquisitions along with financial planning and analysis. Suzie received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida. Her first job after college was with PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of global accounting firms. When Suzie has free time she enjoys participating in sports, swimming, reading and traveling.

Golden Ocala

Partners In Excellence

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is both a partner and an adjacent neighbor of the future World Equestrian Center Ocala. The unique equestrian facility includes indoor arenas, outdoor rings and stable facilities for more than 1,000 horses.

Golden Ocala is a part of the R+L Carriers Family of Companies. All companies within the R+L Family serve the same mission to provide superior service at competitive pricing through efficient operations and innovative thinking to the ultimate benefit of our customers and shareholders. Customer satisfaction is mandatory to ensure future success.

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is proud to be part of the Royal Shell Family of Companies. Royal Shell, which is also part of the R+L Carriers Family of Companies, has served Southwest Florida since 2007, providing excellence in real estate, vacation rentals, property management and more.

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

The Developers

The magic first began with the vision and desire of one remarkable family – the Roberts family – to create a utopian wonderland encircling an exquisite, grand home like no other. Those who visit the Roberts’ 1,300-acre equestrian estate are awestruck at its poetic, beguiling beauty that is indeed a fantasy brought to life. One discovers the stunning artistry of fountains, statuary and gardens at every turn.

Wishing to share the tranquil lifestyle with others, the Roberts have established a residential golf and equestrian community echoing the ambiance of their own estate – a private sanctuary where families can enjoy horseback riding, championship golf, luxury homes and superb amenities.

The Roberts family warmly invites you to join the Golden Ocala Experience – for the best that life has to offer.


Golden Ocala

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Equestrian Club, please contact us online or by phone at

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