The 100 most powerful people in South Florida

South Florida CEO, Jan, 2004

Allen Harper

Chairman, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell

Besides heading one of the region's most influential real estate brokerages, it's Harper's work in tri-county transportation, first as a director of the Tri-County Rail Authority, now with the Regional Transportation Authority, that has had the greatest impact. That's one reason he is chairman-elect of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Adolfo Henriques

CEO, South Banking Group, Head of Commercial Banking, Union Planters Bank

A long-time banker of influence, he is today known not so much for the money he oversees, as for his community work, which includes chairing Florida International University's board of trustees. Named to the search review committee for a new Miami-Dade schools superintendent. Saw his work as co-chair of the Miami Children's Museum capital campaign come to fruition in 2003 when the museum inaugurated its new digs on Watson Island.

H. Wayne Huizenga

President, Huizenga Holdings

As one regional player put it, "No one has a hold button when Wayne is on the line." Although he's no longer running his signature companies, Huizenga has quietly become a force to be reckoned with in tourism with his hotel holdings. Probably the one person who can bring Broward's diverse business leaders to one table, and he's making inroads in Palm Beach County as well.

Alberto Ibarguen

Publisher, The Miami Herald

At the helm of the only daily general newspaper in Miami-Dade, and a serious competitor in Broward, Ibarguen influences opinions and agendas, as one person told us, "by virtue of his job title and how he uses it." Ubiquitous in the social and cultural scene, his recent appointment as chairman of the board of public television group PBS was a major feather in his cap.

Mike Jackson

CEO/Chairman, AutoNation

The man at the helm of Florida's largest company, and the world's largest auto dealer, got a big boost in status when AutoNation joined the S&P 500 in 2003. The $20 billion behemoth is also a key employer and leader in charitable giving, with Jackson himself one of United Way's leading local givers.

Mike Jones

President, Economic Council of Palm Beach County

As head of Palm Beach County's most influential business group, he's become the de-facto voice of the business community there. He has led the private sector into backing a regional approach to economic development.

Ezra Katz

President, Aztec Group

As president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, he wields significant power in wealthy Jewish circles. Meanwhile, his real estate merchant banking firm Aztec puts together financing for some $1 billion in deals each year.

Brian Keeley

President/CEO, Baptist Health South Florida

At the helm of one of South Florida's largest employers, he's added Healthsouth Doctors' Hospital to Baptist's five hospitals this year, and is building Homestead Hospital. He's a leader in the health care industry; expect to see even more of him as this industry continues to ascend in importance in South Florida's economy.

Alan Koslow

Partner, Becker & Poliakoff