Who We Are.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an independent taxing district established by the Florida State Legislature in 1965. Led by a seven-member appointed board of directors, the Fort Lauderdale DDA has spearheaded legacy projects over the past fifty years to ensure Downtown is and remains the urban center of Broward County. Collaborating with public and private stakeholders the DDA continues to serve as a the agency responsible for coordinating and facilitating continued investment, community engagement, and consistent improvement in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
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Chair
Stephanie Toothaker
Toothaker.org
Vice-chair
Steve Hudson
Hudson Capital Group
Secretary
Ken Stiles
Stiles
Treasurer
Charlie Ladd
Barron Commercial Development
Board Member
Dev Motwani
Merrimac Ventures
Board Member
Alan Hooper
Hooper Construction
Board Member
Greg Brewton
Greg Brewton & Associates
THE DDA TEAM.
President & CEO
Jenni Morejon
As President & CEO, Jenni leads the DDA’s initiatives to power the experience, growth, and prosperity of DowntownFTL. In this role, Jenni is advancing the agency’s priorities to grow investment in DowntownFTL, enhance the livability of the urban core, and highlight downtown’s evolution at the local and national levels. Currently Jenni serves as the Chair of the Downtown Coalition, on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and on the Advisory Board for Urban Land Institute SE Florida/Caribbean.
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Executive Vice-President
Elizabeth Van Zandt
As Executive Vice-President, Elizabeth oversees the agency’s budgets, grants, and program management to fulfill the agency’s vision of building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive world-class downtown. Currently Elizabeth is the past Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Council and is a graduate of ULI’s Leadership Institute.
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Planning & Program Manager
Alex Saiz
As the Planning & Program Manager, Alex manages all of the DDA’s capital and special projects from planning and design through construction. In addition, Alex oversees the agency’s marketing and communication efforts. Alex is a graduate of Leadership Fort Lauderdale and currently serves as Vice Chair for the Florida Design & Construction Professionals Board of Directors.
Research & Innovation Manager
Matthew Schnur
As Research & Innovation Manager, Matthew manages the DDA’s efforts to highlight DowntownFTL’s evolution and growth through compelling data and messaging. In addition, Matthew focuses on mega trends impacting the future of cities and identities best practices from other leading downtowns to help fulfill the DDA’s vision of building a world-class downtown.
Office Manager
Marti Brown
As Office Manager, Marti manages the day-to-day operations of the DDA’s place of business, handling anything from accounts payable to special projects. Additionally, Marti serves as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. As part of this role, she acts as a liaison between the President & CEO and the DDA’s Board of Directors.
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General Counsel
John Milledge
As General Counsel, John represents the DDA in front of multiple levels of government to advance initiatives critical to the evolution and growth of DowntownFTL. John serves as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and the DDA’s Board of Directors to advance core agency priorities.