Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority Appoints New Board Members

The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a public-private partnership agency that helps oversee downtown Fort Lauderdale’s development, added two new members to its Board of Directors. Stephanie J. Toothaker, Esq., chairwoman and chief strategist of Toothaker.org and Dev Motwani, managing partner of Merrimac Ventures, are now serving on the DDA Board following their appointments by the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. They will serve the DDA Board over a four-year staggered term, of which there is a two-term limit. The Board also voted in new officer positions at the meeting, including Steve Hudson as the new DDA Chairman, Greg Brewton as Vice Chairman, Charlie Ladd as Treasurer and Alan Hooper as Secretary.

“Downtown Fort Lauderdale is in the midst of exponential growth, and both Dev Motwani and Stephanie Toothaker embody the invigorated spirit of the city’s core,” says Jenni Morejon, CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA. “With an experienced and dedicated Board of Directors, led by Steve Hudson as DDA Chairman, Downtown Fort Lauderdale is well positioned to flourish, attract new businesses and residents and improve liability for all in our community.”

Toothaker is a Fort Lauderdale native who currently serves as chairwoman and chief strategist of Toothaker.org, a law firm focused on land use and development strategy. She has two decades of experience in representing private equity firms, companies and business-minded individuals. She also is experienced in activating property rights through land-use amendments and zoning modifications across the commercial, residential, sporting, marine and hospitality sectors. Before joining the DDA, Toothaker was a regular contributor to Florida Trend and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and was the first woman to serve as governor and commodore of the Lauderdale Yacht Club. 

Motwani works as the managing partner of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale-based real estate firm that focuses on value-add investment and development opportunities. He brings valuable insight into the owning and operating of hotels, condos, retail spaces, offices and rental apartments across South Florida and the United States. He is the founder and managing partner of both Ramesh Properties, a distressed real estate investment fund specializing in opportunistic residential and commercial investments in South Florida, and Chieftain Residential, a yield-oriented distressed residential fund aiming to balance current income opportunities through the rental markets and target capital appreciation of single-family homes and land. He oversees nearly $750 million in development projects, including the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, The Gale Boutique Hotel and Residences and the Las Olas Riverfront in Fort Lauderdale.

For more information on the Fort Lauderdale DDA’s Board of Directors, please visit https://www.ddaftl.org/who-we-are

Photo credit by Fort Lauderdale DDA and Sublime Imagery

You May Also Like
Puttshack Highlights Sensory Inclusion for Autism Acceptance Month

From April 1-30, Puttshack, where guests can enjoy tech-infused mini golf, food and drinks — will donate 20% of each 9-hole mini golf game booked through puttshack.com/kcfundraiser directly to KultureCity to support its mission of

Read More
The Business of Design: DCOTA Spring Market Hosts Industry-Leading Panel

“The Intricacy of Design Across Diversified Industries” event brings together top South Florida leaders on March 12.

Read More
36th Annual Celebration of Authors and Books in Fort Lauderdale

‘Literary Feast’ brings authors to raise funds for the Broward County Library system

Read More
Broward Partnership to Host Annual Salute to Leadership: “Gala in the Glades” Event

The March 29th Event plays an important role in advancing Broward Partnership’s mission to reduce homelessness.

Read More
Other Posts
A Night of Flavor and Philanthropy: Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs Event Set for May 2, 2025

Local chefs, live performances, and exclusive experiences come together for an unforgettable evening at Seminole Hard Rock.

Read More
Enjoy a Flavorful Comeback at Hereford Grill

Iconic Miami Restaurant Will Open in Spring 2025 Under the Da Silva Hospitality Banner,

Read More
Boys & Girls Club to Celebrate 14th Annual “Claws for Kids” Fundraiser on May 6

The event, held in memory of Judy Kramer at Joe’s Stone Crab, will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, supporting vital programs and services across its six clubs and sites.

Read More
Mutra Brings a Melting Pot of Flavors to Miami

The new North Miami restaurant by Chef Raz Shabtai brings a bold and innovative take on kosher dining, blending global flavors, fresh farm-to-table ingredients, and deep culinary traditions inspired by his Israeli heritage.

Read More