Cody Kiess Corporate Partner President, Core Construction Florida
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.
Claudia Castillo Trustee Member Artist and Founder, Claudia Castillo ART studio
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.
Heather Gilchrist Trustee Member Operations Director, Florida Intervault
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!
Rengin Gundogdu Trustee Member Founder and President, Zorg World
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.
Jason Edelmann – Trustee Member Managing Director Merrill Lynch Market Executive
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.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – September 23, 2025 – Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Damn Good Hospitality proudly present the inaugural Downtown Day of the Dead celebration—a vibrant, family-friendly tribute to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Taking place Saturday, November 1st, this free event features a cultural festival, the iconic Skeleton Stroll and a lively Block Party in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. This unique South Florida event honors Mexican traditions, culture, and cuisine while embracing modern interpretations that connect a broad spectrum of people.
“We are most excited to continue this colorful tradition in Fort Lauderdale,” said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. “Downtown Day of the Dead is more than a celebration—it’s a way to continue honoring Mexican heritage, build community and spark joy and wonder in attendees that past festivals have done so well.”
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: • 2:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Face painting begins • 3:00–8:00 PM (Esplanade Park) – Cultural performances, arts & crafts, Latin food vendors • 6:00 PM (Esplanade Park/SW 2nd St/Riverwalk) – Skeleton Stroll kicks off • 5:00–11:00 PM (SW 3rd Ave/Revolution Live/Backyard) – Block Party
The Downtown Day of the Dead will be a festive day embracing Mexican heritage and culture through food and beverage, music, dancing and more! Face painting opportunities will open at 2 pm at Esplanade Park and continue throughout the event. Mexican and Latin food and drink will be present on both sites. The Skeleton Stroll will start at Esplanade Park and proceed down SW 2nd St, continue along the scenic Riverwalk before culminating at Revolution Live and Backyard, where attendees will enjoy the Downtown Day of the Dead Block Party featuring food trucks, the Craft Crypt and the Muertos Block Party. DJs and additional face painting will fill the evening with the lively spirit of this unique celebration.
The Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration is proudly 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 Morningstar Storage – FAT Village and Kamora.
For sponsor and vendor opportunities at the Festival at Esplanade Park, email events@GoRiverwalk.com or call 954-468-1541. For opportunities at the Block Party, email Jarred@damngoodhospitality.com.
Follow us on social media, @RiverwalkFTL and @damngoodhospitalitygroup. Use hashtag #DowntownDOTD to share your celebration!
About Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization responsible for the programming, beautification and activation of Riverwalk Park and the Riverwalk District. Composed primarily of volunteer private citizens and overseen by a board of directors, all members uphold the organization’s directive, as stated in its mission statement, “to be the catalyst in building and nurturing Riverwalk and the Riverwalk District as a vibrant community connected by the New River.” Funding for this mission comes from hosting a wide range of fundraising, networking and membership events, grants, and by publishing local information on our informative website and in Go Riverwalk Magazine.
