President’s Circle Expands At Greater Wellington Chamber

The President’s Circle of the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce is an exclusive membership level designed for prominent local business leaders, community figures and entrepreneurs. It offers a unique opportunity for established individuals and businesses to gain additional visibility and influence within the community while supporting chamber initiatives.

The unique membership opportunity has expanded, with the chamber recently announcing four appointees to the President’s Circle, including Jane Garifo, Stuart Hack, Brion Lawler and Elizabeth Rochaine.

Jane Garifo — Garifo is a full-time Wellington resident, accomplished entrepreneur, rental property owner and competitive dressage rider with a deep passion for the equestrian lifestyle and thriving local businesses.

Her entrepreneurial journey spans decades, beginning as an owner and operator of multiple restaurants in New York before transitioning into the technology sector, where she served as a co-buyer and assistant to a CEO. Between 1992 and 2012, while dividing her time between New York and Florida, Garifo contributed to the success of numerous ventures, including her role as co-owner of Computer Logic Group, while continuing to operate Sport Horses by Springer and managing her rental properties. She recently expanded her portfolio to include real estate investing.

Alongside her business accomplishments, Garifo has built an impressive career in the equestrian world. Beginning as a hunter/jumper rider and trainer, she advanced to become a Grand Prix dressage competitor, earning her bronze, silver and gold medals. She is also the proud mother of three daughters.

A dedicated leader within the chamber, Garifo previously served as chair of the chamber’s equestrian committee and currently holds the role of secretary on the executive board. Now fully rooted in Wellington, she is passionate about connecting the equestrian community with local businesses to foster growth and prosperity for all who live in — and love — Wellington.

Stuart Hack — Hack is the managing member of Hack Tax and Accounting Services, providing tax and accounting services to individuals and small businesses since 1988. He has worked closely with high-net-worth individuals, including investment banking executives and business owners, providing them with individual, trust, estate, business and not-for-profit tax preparation and advice. Hack prides himself on getting to know all of his clients so well that he can serve them on an ongoing basis.

Hack holds degrees in mathematics and accounting from the State University of New York at Albany, where he also served as one of the play-by-play voices for Albany State Great Dane football and basketball. He is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents.

Hack is a past president and former treasurer of the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce, as well as former ambassador chair. A Wellington resident since 2005, he lives with his wife of 34 years, Diann. They have two children, Leah and Corey. In his spare time, this lifelong New York Mets fan watches most sports, and in 2015 performed two stand-up comedy shows at the Palm Beach Improv. His internet sports-talk radio show, Hack Attack on Sports, ran for two years and had national sports writers, media personalities and former athletes as guests.

Brion Lawler — Lawler is a Certified Financial Planner professional. He has dedicated more than 20 years to helping his clients meet their financial needs. Whether they are planning for retirement, saving for their children’s or grandchildren’s education, or looking to preserve their wealth, Lawler helps clients make informed decisions on their investment strategies. He enjoys making the complex, simple.

Lawler has a passion for working with his clients to discuss financial strategies designed to fit their unique situations. He specializes in discretionary advisory services through the Private Investment Management program.

Before entering the financial services industry, Lawler graduated from the University of Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology. He worked as a medical technologist in hospitals and with the American Red Cross in the Charlotte, N.C., area. In 2004, Lawler changed careers and moved into the financial services industry. He is currently with the Palm Beach office of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Lawler has been married to his wife, Laura, for 26 years, and they live in Wellington with their daughter, Ana, and dog, Mako. In his free time, he enjoys aquatic activities, such as swimming, kayaking and scuba diving. Aside from the Greater Wellington Chamber, he sits on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County.

Elizabeth Rochaine — Serving as the chief operating officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Rochaine brings a wealth of operational leadership and strategic healthcare experience to the role. Prior to her current position, she was the COO at HCA Florida Capital Hospital in Tallahassee, where she led more than $75 million in capital projects.

Rochaine’s career also includes leadership roles as assistant administrator at Wellington Regional Medical Center and associate administrator at the George Washington University Hospital. In these capacities, she successfully oversaw departmental growth and spearheaded the implementation of key service lines.

Rochaine holds a healthcare MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management and a Master of Science degree in hearing and speech sciences from Vanderbilt University. Rochaine earned her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Florida, graduating summa cum laude and being inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society.

A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Rochaine is recognized for her commitment to excellence in healthcare management. She is also deeply engaged in community service, having completed Leadership Central Palm Beach and having held leadership roles within the Association of Junior Leagues International. Rochaine lives in Wellington with her husband Matthew, daughter Madeline, son Elliott and their dog Ruby.

Learn more about the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce at www.wellingtonchamber.com.