Our Team
Meet The Team
Vanessa Porto
Assistant General Manager
Vanessa brings over a decade of leadership experience in the golf and hospitality industry — including five with Troon, along with a diverse international background. Originally from Spain, Vanessa is a retired officer of the Spanish Navy and spent the last three years of her military career serving at NATO Headquarters in Italy. She is fluent in four languages—Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian—which has been a tremendous asset in her global roles.
Vanessa is joined by her husband, Mike, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and their 12-year-old daughter, Maria. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing and spending time with her family. Vanessa is passionate about creating welcoming, well-run club environments and is excited to support English Turn’s growth and success in the years ahead. With a strong focus on member satisfaction, team development, and operational excellence, she is committed to enhancing every aspect of the member and guest experience. Vanessa believes in leading by example and fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships at English Turn and helping create memorable moments for all who visit.
Mike Pizzitola
Head Golf Pro
Our Head Pro Mike Pizzitola is originally from Destrehan, LA. He attended Jesuit High School and then Mississippi State University. Mike lived in Atlanta for 5 years and moved back to the New Orleans area in 2014. He has been at English Turn for 8 years. Mike enjoys playing golf with his friends and traveling. If you need any golf lessons, please reach out to Mike in the Pro Shop!
Food & Beverage Manager and Maître D
Executive Chef
Jesse Stapler
Superintendent
Jesse Stapler was born in Covington, Louisiana, and spent part of his childhood in Naples, Florida before returning to Louisiana at 16. He graduated from Covington High School, attended Tulane University, and finished his degree at Southeastern Louisiana University.
He found his passion for turf management while working in golf maintenance during college and have pursued that career ever since. He have worked in golf course management for over 24 years, serving as superintendent at Tchefuncte Country Club, Beau Chene Country Club, Metairie Country Club, and The Bluffs Resort, to name a few. He said: “I’m humbled and grateful to be part of the English Turn community and proud to help maintain the club’s heritage and standards”.
At home he has two children, Rae and “Little Jesse” (he’s 6’3″, 220 lbs.), and he is a proud grandfather to his granddaughter Effy, who is four. His dog Melody is his loyal sidekick and a veteran course worker — she’s excellent at keeping unwanted wildlife off the property.
He bring a hands‑on, experience‑driven approach to course management focused on turf health, playability, and serving our members and guests. He appreciates the warm welcome and look forward to taking care of such a great golf course
Corey Dupont
Golf Services Supervisor
Corey Dupont has been with the English Turn family since 2007. He calls it family because he has a strong relationship with the members and guests. Corey’s time at English Turn has brought experience in: coordinating day-to-day operations, establishing high standards of customer satisfaction, and excellence of multi-department management in a hospitality setting.
Corey was raised in Terrytown, LA. He Graduated from Lutheran High School in 2007, where he met his wife, Kelsey. They currently live in Belle Chasse, LA with their two beautiful twin girls, Kiley and Kinsley. Outside of work, Corey enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his daughters in sports, doing outdoor activities, going on vacation, and bringing his daughters to all the exotic petting zoos they can find.