FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – December 5, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality welcomed the community to the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 1^st in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos featured a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll featuring traditional, larger-than-life puppets and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This new Day of the Dead celebration was a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture. With audience participation through costuming, face painting and mask making, South Florida demonstrated it’s continued appreciation of this vibrant cultural experience. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Mexican Consul General Eliel Campuzano Mendiola and event co-producers Genia Duncan Ellis of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Jarred John of Damn Good Hospitality welcomed attendees to the event and shared a proclamation from the City of Fort Lauderdale proclaiming Downtown Day of the Dead a new Fort Lauderdale tradition!

The Skeleton Stroll, lead by traditional Day of the Dead puppets and a mariachi band, started at Esplanade Park and proceeded down SW 2^nd St to packed crowds before continuing along the scenic Riverwalk and culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees enjoyed the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party.

“With the help of our great friends at Las Olas Capital Arts and artists Heather Neiman and Stephanie Leyden, we were able to welcome a few new puppets for this years festival,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead will continue the traditions honoring Mexican heritage, building community and sparking joy and wonder in attendees that the community has grown to love.”

The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration was produced by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), with major support from the City of Fort Lauderdale and in partnership with the Mexican American Council, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami and Las Olas Capital Arts. Additional support comes from Rick and Flo Celender, Florida Blue, Morningstar Storage – FAT Village, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Kamora, Swiggle, Tequila Supremacía, Broken Tree Vodka, Producer Mezcal, S. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine.

For information about upcoming Riverwalk events visit GoRiverwalk.com/signature.

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.