Meet The Team

The Metropolitan Club team is comprised of professionals that have been in hospitality in hospitality for the majority of their careers. Our primary objective is to make sure there are no hiccups at your event and ensure all our clients feel well-serviced and greatly considered throughout the planning process as well as the day of their event. We look forward to working with you.

A woman with long brown hair and blue eyes wearing a red blazer over a black top, standing indoors with a textured brick wall and plants in the background.

Richard Pellini - Operations Manager

Richard’s career started at The Metropolitan Club approximately 10 years ago. Doing every job in the back of the house, he gained a familiarity of the facility and its people. He left to pursue work in other restaurants and other industries, including granite manufacturing, before coming back full as our operations manager. Dedicated to making sure every event is executed perfectly, Richard brings a positive attitude that trickles down to all the service staff.

In his free time, he likes to watch football and spend time with his wife, Kayla, and little brother, Anthony.

Alise Stallworth - Sales Coordinator

Alise is the newest member of our team! Her career has been in events and hospitality for the last four years working for notable organizations such as the Orlando Magic and The University of Central Florida. She recieved her bachelor’s degree in Event Management from UCF and has built a passion for creating memorable expereinces through events. At The Metropolitan Club she serves as the primary liason between clients and management and supports our sales team in bringing your events to life.

In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, finding new creative hobbies, and reading.

A man wearing a black chef coat with the name 'Chef Mauro X' embroidered on it, smiling in a warmly lit, modern restaurant or lounge setting with a brick wall background and some seating furniture.

Mauro Xochicale - Executive Chef

Mauro has been in the foodservice industry for over 25 years. He’s been a key addition to several food preparation teams at country clubs and hotels, including Indian Hills Country Club, Horseshoe Bend Country Club, W Hotel, and Holiday Inn. He joined The Metropoiltan Club in 2016, and is responsible for the consistent food excellence is facility is known for.

In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his health, spending time with his kids, and playing soccer.

A man with dark, curly hair and a beard, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, standing in a warmly lit indoor space with a brick wall, plants, and furniture in the background.

Emma Harrell - Sales Manager

Emma career has been entirely in hospitality, starting on the marketing and operations side before transitioning to sales. After doing social media for Melinda’s Southern Cuisine, she moved to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Starting as a service assistant, she slowly transitioned to their sales team after mastering every role along the way. At the Metropolitan Club, she’s gained a reputation as someone who acres deeply about their clients’ events and making sure it’s well coordinated and seamless they day of.

In her free time, she likes to paint, spend time with friends, and stain glass.