Fitz Kern is a New Orleans–based cultural entrepreneur and creative leader best known for his work preserving and advancing one of the city’s most iconic traditions: Mardi Gras. As President of Kern Studios, he oversees a world-renowned float design and fabrication company responsible for the spectacular parade floats seen throughout New Orleans’s annual Mardi Gras celebrations. Founded in 1947 by his grandfather Roy Kern, the family business has grown into a cornerstone of Carnival culture and a major creative workshop producing elaborate floats, sculptures and themed installations. 

Under Fitz’s leadership, Kern Studios continues to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering and design to create large-scale parade floats used by Mardi Gras krewes across New Orleans. The studio also operates Mardi Gras World, a working float-building facility and visitor attraction that offers behind-the-scenes insight into the artistry and engineering behind Carnival celebrations. Through this work, Fitz has helped preserve an important cultural heritage while introducing visitors from around the world to the traditions and artistry of New Orleans’s most famous festival.