On June 2, the Riverwalk Team joined Riverwalk trustee and executive members and corporate partners at The Fitz south of the river. Attendees were treated to The Fitz’s lively décor and fantastic music, great drinks and food from Dominick’s Pizza. Thank you to our sponsor Dynamix Cloud Computing, and our great host, The Fitz.
The Fitz
503 SW 2nd Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Cody Kiess is a recognized leader in Florida’s construction industry, admired for his bold vision and strong community ties.
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.
I am an artist and business owner of Claudia Castillo ART studio, an art gallery in Fort Lauderdale. I founded Color Designers in 2001, a design services company.
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.
On April 7, Riverwalk members and corporate partners decamped to YOLO on Las Olas for Get Downtown, Riverwalk’s twice-a-year general membership reception.
Attendees and future members enjoyed YOLO’s signature ambiance, great food and libations while engaging with Riverwalk staff and board members. Thank you to all of our members and corporate partners for your continued support, and to our partners at YOLO for hosting another great event.
As a Fort Lauderdale area native, my Riverwalk membership means so much to me. I was born in Broward County and my family has owned and operated Florida Intervault, a private safe deposit facility, on Galt Ocean Mile for more than four decades.
I attended high school in Fort Lauderdale and earned my first undergraduate degree here, as well. I saw so much growth and positive change during that time — so much of it along the Riverwalk and downtown.
So upon returning to Fort Lauderdale after many years of life and career in different U.S. metro areas, it was a natural fit for me to become involved with Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, an organization that has led or supported so many of these positive changes throughout its history. What I didn’t realize when I first became involved a few years ago is just how incredible the people of the Riverwalk community truly are.
Florida’s recent growth — and particularly that of our hometown — has been tremendous, thanks to the quality of life our hometown offers. From our bustling downtown to luxurious Las Olas Boulevard, and from the relaxing New River to the beach, one would be hard-pressed to find a city of comparable size with such a wealth of amenities and entertainment. I am proud to call myself a native and grateful to be involved in helping to shape the Fort Lauderdale of the future as a part of the Riverwalk and Greater Fort Lauderdale communities. Join us and get involved!
Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, I have been living in Florida for nearly 11 years. I moved to Fort Lauderdale to pursue my second master’s degree in computer science at Nova Southeastern University.
I hold sociology and MBA degrees. I started my career in IT and since then I have worked for several international companies. As an entrepreneur, I started my second company, Zorg World, in 2020. Zorg is the initials of my family as I dedicated my firm to them. I provide consulting in telecom and real estate.
I moved to Las Olas area last year with my beloved Yorkie, Chappie. I specifically chose this location so he could enjoy the water view. I had rescued him in Turkey when he was a baby and we moved to Florida together. He absolutely loved the Riverwalk and enjoyed watching the water, boats and people. He loved everyone and all animals. He always filled my heart with happiness. He loved life. If you saw a Yorkie with little blue sneakers, that was him.
I lost Chappie suddenly in December 2024. His sudden death devastated me. During this difficult time, I found the Riverwalk community. I dedicated two bricks for my Chappie and my late father who loved him deeply. I am happy and excited to be a member of the Riverwalk organization, and I look forward to supporting our beautiful Riverwalk in every way possible.
I moved to Fort Lauderdale in November 2022. This is the 18th city I’ve lived in – four of which are in Florida. I can say that Fort Lauderdale has been the most welcoming of all 18. In my role, I lead five of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management’s South Florida offices – Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Boca Raton, Plantation and Weston.
We help clients with nearly all facets of their financial lives. My life experiences have helped prepare me for the opportunity I have today. A few examples: I earned a finance degree from the University of Colorado and a juris doctor from the University of Florida Law School; I was a major in the United States Marine Corps; I was a partner in a law firm with a national practice; I served as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona; for multiple years, I taught two courses (business law and ethics) at the University of Colorado Denver MBA School; and I competed in three alpine ski racing events in the Winter Olympics for Puerto Rico. I am excited to continue to meet new people in Fort Lauderdale and to help it continue to be a great place to be.