Ezra Katz - In Play

South Florida CEO, July, 2002

THE PLAYER: Ezra Katz, 54, chairman and CEO of Miami-based real estate investment banking firm Aztec Group.

LATEST PLAYS: Recently installed as president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Earlier this year formed Aztec Leisure Corp. in Fort Lauderdale to provide development, mortgage and brokerage services for hospitality and lifestyle real estate products.

BACKGROUND: Born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Israel and Ohio, with a degree in industrial engineering from Ohio State University, Katz formed the Aztec Group 21 years ago. Since then the firm has handled such high profile transactions as the refinancing of the Fontainebleau Hilton and the sale of Fisher Island, the Streets of Mayfair and NationsBank Tower. In addition to his reputation as a dealmaker, Katz has been highly active in charities, especially in the Jewish community. Along with immediate past president of the GMJF Norman Braman, he was instrumental in creating the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach.

AMBITION: "Making sure that the federation's activities create a sense of community in every corner of the county, to bring more people into the family. I don't went the federation to be viewed as a rich her son's club. Every contribution a valuable be it a dollar or a million dollar.