Meet The Staff
HGRD General Manager
J.B. Belknap
239.731.4569
Email: [email protected]
J.B. Belknap has served as the Herons Glen Recreation District General Manager since 2019. He is an active member of the PGA of America and has over 25 years of experience in the Golf and Country Club industry. J.B. holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
J.B. understands the passion for the exceptional member lifestyle that has been created at Herons Glen; he is proud to participate in the enhancement of the District facilities. J.B. is responsible for all aspects of daily operations in accordance with good golf course management practices and all relevant government regulations. His depth of knowledge of the food and beverage, maintenance and merchandising sectors of the golf course industry make him the ideal leader and advisor.
J.B. spends his free time at home with his wife and daughter where family time includes raising and riding their horses. His “Open Door” policy applies both at work and at home.
Click here for a Fun Fact about J.B.!
Assistant General Manager
Karon Bennett
239-731-4566
Email: [email protected]
Karon joined the Herons Glen Team in 2020. She has spent the majority of her career in the hospitality industry performing administrative duties for county clubs and non-profit associations throughout Southwest Florida. While she enjoys marketing related tasks such as website design, menus, flyers, QR Codes, videos, and photography, Karon’s real passion lies in making handmade home decor items that she sells at local craft fairs.
In Karon’s free time, she remains actively engaged in the local community by attending art classes, concerts, flea markets, and wedding shows as well as dining at the newest restaurants. Karon, her husband and their dog reside nearby in Cape Coral, Florida. She is also the proud mother of a son and a daughter-in-law who live nearby. Karon is enjoying the newest addition to the family, her first grandchild, Melody Joyce.
Karon completed her degree in Graphic Design at Southwest Florida College. She truly values the opportunity to serve the membership at Herons Glen and looks forward to being a “Go To” person for many years to come.
Click here for a Fun Fact about Karon!
Activities & Events Coordinator/Office Manager
Wendy Shea
239.731.4533
Email: [email protected]
Wendy is a native Floridian from Coral Gables, Florida. Wendy graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Restaurant and Hotel Administration in 1984. After graduation, Wendy opened a gourmet ice cream and candy store in San Luis Obispo, California. Missing Florida, Wendy moved back to Miami in 1986 and worked as a Membership Director for the Kendall-South Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. In 2007, Wendy moved to the North Port area with her family and has been an important part of the Herons Glen administration team since September 2008.
In 2019, Wendy had a new house built in Port Charlotte right across the street from her family’s house. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her immediate family, her two dogs and cat and spending time on the water fishing and diving.
Click here for a Fun Fact about Wendy!
Director of Golf & Grounds Maintenance
Tim Kortanek
239.731.4541
Email: [email protected]
Tim Kortanek is a Midwestern guy who spent the majority of his childhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. He began playing golf as a teenager and quickly fell in love with being outdoors and playing the game. During high school he started working at the local golf course because he loved working outside, not to mention he had the benefit of free golf! Tim pursued a career in golf and obtained his bachelor of science degree in agronomy while at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Tim’s first Assistant Superintendent position was at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL. He loved working there but did not like his daily commute from Homestead, FL. On a work trip to Naples, FL in early 2000’s he noticed how the golf industry was booming on the West Coast. Soon after he traded his sunrises for sunsets for a position as Assistant Superintendent at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples. After one year at Grey Oaks he received his first Superintendent position at Shadow Wood Country Club in Estero, FL. After five years there he took another Superintendent position at Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club in Naples where he worked for four years before joining the Herons Glen team.
Tim and his wife have two daughters and son. In his downtime Tim enjoys exploring different parks, beaches and rivers throughout the country. His love of the game of golf continues and he plays as many different courses as possible. When Tim is not playing golf you most certainly can find him either playing his guitar or paddle boarding somewhere nearby.
Click here for a Fun Fact about Tim!
Executive Chef
Rodrigo Maldonado
Office Phone: 239.731.4544
Email: [email protected]
Executive Chef Rodrigo Maldonado was the executive chef at Twin Isles Country Club in Punta Gorda from 2019 until 2024 and has worked in hotels, restaurants, and country clubs. His diverse background has enhanced our operations. He is a solid addition to our team.
Facilities Maintenance Manager
Nate Baers
Office Phone: 239.731.4535
Email: [email protected]
Food & Beverage Director
Janine Stepanich
239.731.4581
Email: [email protected]
Growing up along the Jersey Shore and eventually making her way to Naples, Florida, Janine embarked on a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. Her experience began in 1988 at Wyndemere Country Club, where she honed her skills as a server and bartender. Over the years, Janine had the privilege of working at several esteemed golf clubs, immersing herself in the operations of club restaurants and cultivating a deep understanding of the industry. Janine is passionate about curating memorable experiences for Herons Glen residents and guests, drawing from her extensive background in the industry to elevate every aspect of our offerings.
Financial Controller
Lynn E. Brew, CHAE
239.731.4547
Email: [email protected]
Lynn has been with Herons Glen since June of 1999 when she began working as an accounting clerk for the developer, Coolidge Fort Myers Realty. She currently holds the position of Financial Controller with the District. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero, FL and a Certified Hospitality Account Executive certification through the Hospitality, Finance and Technology Professionals (HFTP) organization. Lynn was born on Long Island in East Meadow, NY and has lived in New Hampshire, Gainesville, Miami and currently resides in Port Charlotte. She is the mother of three children and several dogs and cats.
