The 100 most powerful people in South Florida

South Florida CEO, Jan, 2004

This former Hollywood city attorney, represents most of that city's major developers. With firm co-founder Alan Becker taking a more laid-back role in the community, Koslow is seemingly everywhere, including work as president of the Marti Huizenga Unit of the Boys and Girls Club, chair of the Hollywood Arts and Culture Center and co-chair of the Capital Campaign for the Broward Outreach Center.

Joseph Lacher

President, BellSouth Florida

Every time you pick up the phone, you're feeling a bit of the influence of this aggressive head of South Florida's dominant communications provider; his influence helped push through a major rate increase this past year. Beyond that, he's demonstrated his ability to raise money as co-chair of fundraising for Florida FTAA Inc., and as chairman of the soon-to-launch Great Florida Bank.

Alan Levan

Chairman/President/CEO, BankAtlantic

Heads one of South Florida's largest hometown banks, and takes the role which that implies very seriously. When The Miami Herald's spelling bee was about to go under, he stepped in, bringing on the bank as its new sponsor. He's also on Nova Southeastern University's Board of Trustees.

Ilene Lieberman

Mayor, Broward County

Her year as county mayor started with Miriam Oliphant's removal, and promises to only become more interesting. A long-time lobbyist and county commissioner, the mayor's seat instantly elevates her profile.

Modesto Maidique

President, Florida International University

It's his influence in both political and business circles that has secured funds for FIU's football team, and dramatically raised the profile of its international business school. Particularly in the international business community, when he talks, people listen.

Gwen Margolis

State Senator

The former Senate president and former chair of the Miami-Dade County commission retains tremendous influence in her home counties. A Democrat, she has respect from both sides of the floor, which helped earn her the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation.

Mike Maroone

President, AutoNation

Carrying on the family's community torch, he's been key in making sure AutoNation is involved in the local community. Oh, and he's the No. 2 guy at the state's largest company.

Jorge Mas Santos

Chairman, MasTec

The chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation has increased his influence by moderating his hard-line policies toward Cuba. That's brought him to some powerful tables as a negotiator--though he's been a bit coy with Republicans lately. He's also seen MasTec out of some troubled times, and made the company a bigger player in South Florida's international business scene.

Mary McCarty

Commissioner, Palm Beach County

Love her or hate or, most people in Palm Beach County know who this powerful local politician is.

Warren McLaughlin

President/CEO, Palm Beach County Convention & Visitor's Bureau

After years of lobbying, he's finally got a convention center to run. With more than a decade and a half helping direct the county's tourism industry, "Mac" has become a rare county-wide force.