FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 3, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is pleased to announce the appointment of its incoming Board of Directors and Officers for the 2025–2026 term. As a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the Riverwalk and enriching downtown Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk is most excited to welcome new leadership that will help continue to advance its mission. To mark the occasion, Riverwalk staff hosted a welcome reception for the incoming board members on Wednesday, October 1, 2026 at Boathouse at the Riverside, offering an opportunity for new and returning board members to connect and collaborate. The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Executive Committee for 2025-2026 will be comprised of:

• Chair, Howard Elfman – The Agency
• Vice Chair, Jack Seiler – Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink
• Treasurer, Jacqui Hartnett – Starmark
• Assistant Treasurer, Lacey Brisson – Truist
• Secretary, Alexa Lanier – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
• Immediate Past Chair, *Richard Rodriguez, Centuric
• At Large, Ann Marie Fox – Richard J. Fox Foundation
• At Large, Jim Farrick – Kunin Associates
• At Large, Melissa Fitzgerald – War Memorial – Florida Panthers
• At Large, Nadia Locke – RES
• At Large, Bill Walker – Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale, LLC

Board Members for 2025-2026 are:

Riverwalk extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing board members and officers for their dedicated service and impactful contributions, particularly to outgoing Board Chair Richard Rodriguez (Centuric), who has served in a leadership capacity on the Board for the past fifteen years. These volunteer leaders exemplify the qualities that make the Riverwalk a premier place to Live, Work and Play, and their leadership has played a vital role in strengthening Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s programs, partnerships and community engagement. “We are grateful for the time, energy and passion our outgoing board members have given to Riverwalk,” said Howard Elfman, Chair of the Board of Directors of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “As we welcome new members, we look forward to building on their legacy and continuing to enhance the Riverwalk experience for all.” For more information about Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and upcoming events, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com.

For the past four years, I’ve called Las Olas home — and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The blend of outdoor living and vibrant nightlife keeps every day and night exciting.

Professionally, I provide cybersecurity technology services to Global Fortune 500 companies through Booz Allen Hamilton. While our headquarters are in Virginia, my work takes me across the country, collaborating with security professionals to solve their most pressing cybersecurity challenges. No matter where I travel, returning to Fort Lauderdale — to my flip-flops and a Las Olas happy hour — is always a joy.

I currently lead sales for our commercial energy and software & high-tech markets, driving solutions in areas such as AI, quantum computing, and defense technologies. My career has also included serving as a chief of staff, working as an international arms dealer, and supporting multiple U.S. government agencies. Originally from New Jersey, I moved to Washington, D.C. in 2000 and never looked back. I hold both a B.A. and an M.A., having studied at Lehigh, American, and Georgetown Universities.

I’m proud to be part of Riverwalk and look forward to contributing to the vibrancy and success of our community.

Driven by a deep understanding of the challenges that homebuyers face, he founded 4Ever Lending USA with the mission of making mortgage lending more transparent, personalized and creative. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded across multiple states, offering a wide range of loan solutions from governmental loans, to non-qualified mortgage, hard money lending and business financing specifically tailored to each client’s unique needs.

While many mortgage brokers shy away from “first-timers,” Dalaei welcomes the opportunity to work with first-time homebuyers, first-time investors and first-time builders — offering customized solutions designed to help them succeed, with no experience required.

Dalaei is known for stepping in when others step back, often assisting clients in complex or time-sensitive situations, essentially, earning him the nickname of “The Mortgage Rescuer.” His client-first approach and emphasis on his 10-year plus experience have made him a trusted advocate for buyers, builders and investors alike.

Dalaei joined Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale to support its mission of enhancing and growing the city’s community. As a passionate entrepreneur and resident, he sees Riverwalk as a vital space for connection, growth and opportunity — values that align with both his business and personal philosophy.

In under a year, he has transformed Core Construction’s statewide presence — relocating its headquarters to Downtown Fort Lauderdale and refining its focus on public safety, education, civic and health care projects.

A sixth-generation Broward County native, Kiess is the grandson of longtime Fort Lauderdale High School football coach and marine biology teacher Bill Haynes, and the son of a Broward Sheriff’s Office firefighter. This deep-rooted legacy of public service inspires his commitment to building projects that strengthen and serve the community.

A proud graduate of Broward County Public Schools, Kiess has led dozens of school construction projects across the district, driven by a personal passion to give back to the system that helped shape him.

Now raising two young sons in Broward, Kiess brings both a professional and personal investment to his work. He is an active supporter of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, aligning with its mission to foster a vibrant, connected downtown along the New River. Whether revitalizing city skylines or reinvesting in public institutions, Kiess leads with purpose — grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the community he proudly calls home.

Originally from Bogota, Colombia, I moved to Broward County in 1999 to study at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and transition into art and design. I am proud to call Fort Lauderdale my home, with its vibrant blend of diverse cultures and beautiful vistas that inspire my art every day.

Claudia Castillo ART studio provides quality original artwork, sculptures, gifts, accessories, jewelry and collectables. The gallery exhibits my artwork and gives opportunities to other emerging artists to showcase their work. I am blessed to have exhibited my work nationally and internationally in Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, Korea and Japan. I am very passionate about helping my community by serving on various boards and non-profit organizations to expand culture, art and diversity.

I am grateful to be recognized as the 2025 Artist of Impact by ArtServe. This honor, along with previous awards, including the South Florida Business and Wealth Magazine Cultural Diversity Award and the 2023 Humanity Art Prize, fuels my dedication to diversity, inclusion and innovation. It’s been humbling to have April 23 declared Claudia Castillo ART Studio Day by Wilton Manors.

Joining Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is an opportunity for me to connect more with the dynamic Downtown arts and entertainment business community. Visit Claudia Castillo Art Studio and let’s discuss ways to support Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s growth and vision.