meet the board
The Alachua Business League (ABL) is dedicated to fostering a thriving local business community. Our Board of Directors is made up of business owners, employees and retirees, all of whom have the desire to share their knowledge and experiences with the members. It is this group effort that keeps the ABL focused on its progress and forward direction.
our dedicated team
Michele Lee - President
Michele Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across various industries. Her journey began with ventures in real estate, fitness centers, and vending routes before she founded Optimal Station, an innovative automated retail and experiential marketing company based in Alachua, Florida. Recently, Michele conceived and launched the visionary "Good Life Station," a pioneering smart city cafe to foster community engagement and support local businesses in downtown Alachua. This initiative connects residents and attracts visitors, contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, Michele actively mentors entrepreneurs in the automated access and marketing sectors. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating positive team cultures underscores her leadership in both business growth and community involvement. Michele approaches challenges as opportunities for growth and believes in the power of support and mentorship from those who have paved the way. She is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve success, regardless of obstacles. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, dedication, and commitment to advancing business opportunities and community engagement through The Good Life Community initiatives.
Valentina McConnell - Vice President
A resident of Alachua, Valentina has 4 children and 4 step children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also, being a cancer survivor she is a strong promoter of 5K For The Cause and Relay for Life! She loves sports, meeting people and helping people whenever she can and has a kind heart! Valentina loves both of her jobs! One in the office of Dr. Mitch Fearing and the other as a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics! Between the two jobs, she has you covered inside and out. Being one of the members of the Alachua Business League’s Board of directors, she is focusing on learning lots of new stuff and looks forward to meeting lots of wonderful folks.
Mark Rizzotto - Secretary
Mark has lived in the Alachua/High Springs area since the beginning of 2000. He is currently semi retired. Mark joined the ABL in 2018 for the Main Street Festival, but has since found he can serve the community and the local business owners better from the inside. Having been a business owner on Main Street, he is a strong supporter of revitalizing the downtown area for the benefit of the business owners and residents alike.
Marilyn Vanover - Treasurer
Marilyn retired from banking in 2020, having been the manager at Renasant Bank (formerly Alarion Bank) since 2006. She has been a member of the Alachua Business League since 2003 and has served as both Vice President and Treasurer. She is involved with the Alachua Main Street festivals, usually coordinating the registration table on the day of the festival. She feels that the Alachua Business League is a great community organization designed to help small businesses grow and to be involved in the growth of the City of Alachua.
Joan Sroka - scholarship chairman
Joan has three adult children that she raised right here in Alachua plus six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Currently a full-time Realtor in Alachua and the surrounding counties for over 24 years, Joan has a variety of business experiences that started as a restaurant manager in South Florida. After relocating to Alachua County, she and her sister purchased a small Child Care Center in Gainesville. They immediately had an addition built for an occupancy of 99 children and stayed full with a waiting list every year for 10 years. After that she went on to renting a retail space on Main Street in Alachua and opened a Christian Bookstore. Having to battle the emergence of online shopping, she sold the business and joined Horizon Realty of Alachua. Soon after that she joined and has been an active member of the Alachua Business League over 20 years and continues to have a successful full-time Real Estate career. Joan continues to be invested in the growth of the City of Alachua.
Bill Smith - consultant
Joy Hampson - Consultant
Lindsay Rizzo
Lindsay brings a wealth of experience in analyzing and developing programming for unique properties. With an educational foundation in planning, real estate, design, and historic preservation, she skillfully leverages her expertise to shape and enhance the built environment. A proud resident of Alachua since 1999, Lindsay has developed a deep understanding of the community's needs and aspirations. Her tenure as the Alachua CRA Coordinator allowed her to directly contribute to initiatives aligned with the city's growth strategy. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lindsay serves on the board of the Alachua Women's Club, further exemplifying her commitment to local leadership and community enrichment. As a board member of the ABL, she is eager to contribute her vision and expertise to support the sustainable growth and prosperity of Alachua.
Shasta Schoellhorn
Shast is a dedicated and accomplished commercial real estate agent with over a decade of experience serving Alachua and the greater North Central Florida region. A proud resident of Alachua for the past 11 years, Shasta is raising her two wonderful daughters, who attend Alachua Learning Academy. Shasta is deeply committed to her community. She was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce for her active participation and contributions. She serves as an advisory Council member to the Ronald McDonald House, demonstrating her passion for supporting families in need, and currently chairs the Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors. Shast is thrilled to have been chosen to sit on the board of the ABL, where she continues her mission of enhancing the quality of life in the "Good Life Community." With her steadfast dedication , community focus, and industry expertise, Shasta is a trusted advocate for both her clients and her community.
Joe Hancock
Widely known as the "Racer-Banker," Joe brings 28 years of experience in mortgage banking and real estate. He takes great pride in helping people achieve their dream of home ownership, guiding them seamlessly through the home buying or refinancing process. Beyond real estate, Joe's passion for racing runs just as deep. As the founder of Hancock Racing, Raw Karting, and Karting 4 Kiddos, Joe channels his passion into a mission of giving back. Through these ventures, he spearheads initiatives to raise funds for charities, individuals and causes, demonstrating how racing can make a meaningful impact on others' lives. Joes commitment to community service is equally notable. He has served as president of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and the Alachua Optimist Club. Joe is also the owner of Moxie Media, a fast growing video production and digital marketing company. Moxie Media specializes in empowering businesses without dedicated marketing teams, to help them elevate their brand and reach new levels of success.