Steve Rockoff was asked to get involved with our organization in 2007 by founding chairman and his real estate business partner Dick Sheehan. Steve served as Vice Chairman and together they reinvigorated our organization through the difficult recession of 2007 and 2008. As a result of many hours and tireless effort, Steve was instrumental in securing our founding charter as a chapter of First Tee in 2009.
Steve then became Chairman in 2011. Through his ten years as Chairman, our organization has experienced tremendous growth and each year impacts thousands of children and veterans in our community.
“It has been a fun and rewarding ten years,” said Steve. “I could never have envisioned the success that we have enjoyed. We have an engaged board of directors, dedicated staff and coaches and fantastic support from country clubs and the entire community.”
In December, Steve was recognized and honored as a Community Giant by the Inner City Youth Golfers’ organization (pictured above left) for his dedication to the community and game of golf. He is also Chairman of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Hall of Fame Committee and Secretary of the Governing Board of the Loxahatchee River District.
Steve will remain on our board as a director. Other notable accomplishments under the tenure of Chairman Rockoff:
• Organization expanded from Palm Beach to Martin, St. Lucie and Broward Counties
• Dyer Park golf facility completely renovated in 2012 and clubhouse replaced in 2013 totaling $1 million in improvements
• Established three chapters’ Advisory Councils to advise our governing board of directors and implemented a strong committee structure
• First Tee students have grown from 200 per year to over 2,000 per year
• Special Needs students have grown from 100 students to over 500 per year
• Veteran participants have grown from 20 to over 350 per year
• Organization distributed $34,000 in college scholarships last year
• Five of our students participated in First Tee national events last year including the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach
• Organization continues to produce students playing college golf each year
• Recognized as a Chapter Chairman Emeritus