Joe “Joey” Rassett grew up on a golf course in a rural part of central California. After completing his senior year of high school he went on to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma on a full golf scholarship. He established himself as a top competitor in the college and amateur ranks and after completing four years of college Joe quickly set his sights on competing professionally. After competing for 12 years, four of which he sat out to injury, he ended his playing career in 1995. He quickly adjusted to the working side of the golf business and later that year became the Director of Golf at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. He has been in the business of golf for over 25+ years and “everything I have learned and accomplished” has given me the opportunity to join the River Strand team. Joe and his wife Sue have lived in Bradenton for 17 years, been married for 35 years and have two children and two grandchildren.

Bryan was born and raised in Florida, but has also spent many years in Steamboat Springs, CO. Bryan joined River Strand Golf & Country Club in February 2020. Prior to River Strand, Bryan was the Controller/HR Director at TPC Prestancia. Bryan has also worked in the property management, banking, and golf/hospitality management fields during his 15+ year career. During this time, he has developed a diverse set of skills and knowledge that he looks forward to contributing towards the success of River Strand. Bryan is motivated, detail oriented, and dedicated to providing the very best experience to all he encounters. Bryan is a graduate with a degree in Accounting, Professional Golf Management, and Hospitality/Sports Management. He currently resides in Sarasota, FL with his wife, Danielle, son, Lucas, and dog, Bailey. When he is not busy working, you can find him traveling, following sports religiously, or on the golf course.

Jennifer was born and raised in South Eastern Massachusetts. She moved to Palmetto, Florida with her daughter, Savannah, in 2018 and joined River Strand shortly after. She started here as an Administrative Assistant and moved her way up to Front Office Supervisor, Lifestyle Director and is now a part of the property management team as the Senior Community Association Manager.

Ed is a licensed CAM who lives in Bradenton with his wife Laura. He relocated from New York three years ago where he worked as a Maintenance Manager for the largest health care system on Long Island. Ed cut his teeth in property management as part of the management staff that built out a 550-unit retirement community in Manorville Long Island. From there he worked in the retail industry as a district manager in charge of multiple big box warehouses. Ed is skilled in Community Management, Operations and Budgeting, Compliance, Maintenance and Construction, Safety and Security to name a few. One of Eds biggest attributes is customer service. Ed believes he is here to facilitate the needs of the River Strand community with integrity while facilitating the needs of its residents and staff.

Responsible for overseeing maintenance, repair and upkeep operations of River Strand’s facilities. Terry provides day-to-day leadership to the maintenance team to ensure operations run smoothly and common areas are well-cared for. A hands-on problem solver, Terry optimizes the maintenance strategy to solve unique property maintenance issues. A United States Army veteran, Terry brings more than 15 years of experience in facilities maintenance, repairs and remodeling. He has worked for many different industries, such as non-profits, healthcare and residential properties. Terry was born in Texas and raised in Florida, and currently resides in Sarasota, FL, with his wife Alice, daughter Nina and a lucky rescued yellow lab named Leeroy.

Tim was born in Las Vegas and raised in Nebraska, but moved to Florida 16 years ago. Tim joined River Strand Golf and Country Club in October 2022. Prior to River Strand, Tim was the Director of Operations/AGM of the Post Card Inn Resort. Tim has overseen many different types of food and beverage operations In his 20+ years. Tim’s career started as an Executive Chef of the Waldorf Astoria in Key West, Culinary Director of the (Miami Marlins Stadium, Miami Heat AAA Arena and the Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center). Tim took over as Food and Beverage Director of the 5 star Property Playa Largo in Key Largo and Southernmost Hotel in Key West. Tim has a degree in Hospitality and Culinary Arts and Science. Tim Currently Lives in Safety Harbor with his wife of 20 years with his daughter Brooklyn & son Quinn. When not at work Tim can be found on the beach or on his boat with his family.

Chef Matthew Lewis discovered his passion for food and cooking at a very early age. He attended the Art Institute of Colorado for Hospitality and Culinary Supervision and worked his way through college at various Bistros, Cafes, Restaurants and hotels in Denver before landing his first Executive Chef position at the Carambola Golf Course in St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Prior to joining River Strand, Matthew was the Executive Chef at TPC Prestancia Golf and Social Club. Matthew is married to Nicole and they have two boys; ten-year-old Ethan and 9-year-old Evan. Matthew is excited to be a part of the River Strand team and looks forward to meeting you all.

Brian is a Class A Certified Professional in Golf Operations with the PGA of America. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning 20+ years. He was born and raised in Cincinnati where he received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati while playing on the golf team. Brian moved to Florida in 1998 to live the dream of playing golf year-round and became the Head Golf Professional at Crescent Oaks Country Club. From there he went on to serve 9 years as the General Manager/Director of Golf at Plantation Palms Golf Club in Tampa, 4 years at Legacy Golf Club and most recently 6 ½ years at The Eagles Golf Club.

Robby Boyd, comes to us with over 12 years of experience in golf course maintenance. He is a class A member of the GCSAA. Robby came from TPC Prestancia where he did a complete turn around and worked very close with management and members. He truly cares what the member’s desire and exceeds beyond expectations every time. He came to Florida from Texas in 2019, Timarron Country Club and from there, Shady Valley Country Club, Hawks Creek Golf Club and did an internship at Boot Ranch Country Club. Through the years, he has overseen and grown in golf course renovations such as greens, fairway, tees and bunker renovations. Robby has volunteered at PGA tour events and hosted many USGA qualifiers. He had a love for golf at very young age and followed his dreams. Robby prides himself on consistent course conditions and developing strong golf course maintenance teams. He is happily married with two beautiful daughters and is very excited to join River Strand.

Tony Acosta joined the River Strand family as Director of Racquet Sports in August 2022, spending the last 15 years as Head Tennis Pro at Laurel Oak Country Club. Tony was certified with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and is currently certified with the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). His tennis career has included working in country clubs, tennis resorts, government run facilities and is best known for developing and expanding junior programs and as a junior development specialist. Tony has been a 4-time Nationally ranked tennis player with a serve that has been known to reach 130 mph, ranked #15 Nationally in singles (1999) and ranked #1 in doubles (1999) in the Men’s 35 Division, USPTA Grand Prix Circuit. Tony is also a U.S. Navy and Gulf War veteran.

Kellie has extensive experience in Event planning, Marketing and the Food & Beverage Industry. She comes from an exceptional background in business development and management. Originally from Rhode Island, her career started when she was working for a Floral, Greenhouse and Gift shop. Her passion for flowers gave her the drive she needed to become a high style floral designer specializing in Weddings and special events. She continued her career as a Social and Corporate event coordinator in Hollywood, FL. With over 20 years in the industry, Kellie is joining us from St. Petersburg Yacht club where she excelled as the Banquets and Events Manager before coming aboard at River Strand Golf & Country Club. She is excited for the opportunity to create fun activities, events, social outings, and lifestyle for the River Strand Community.

Laura joined River Strand Golf and Country Club in March of 2020. Prior to that she was at TPC Prestancia as the Club Concierge. She received her Hospitality Management degree at Western Carolina University. After receiving her degree she worked for The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in many different roles. Laura resides in Sarasota, FL with her husband, Matt, and three children, Taylor (15), Ryan (12) and Emily (12). Laura loves to spend time with her family and cheer for her three children while they are playing soccer, basketball or flag football.

Nancy became part of the River Strand Golf and Country Club family January 2023. Prior to River Strand she was the Director of Human Resources at Palm Aire Country Club for 26 years. Nancy is a member of the Society of Human Resources and is always looking to improve in her role as HR. When not at work she can be seen volunteering, paddleboarding, and working on crafts. Nancy has two grown children and looking forward to grandchildren in the future.