About Catilize of the South

Gary Solomon, Sr. leads an active career in business, civic and non-profit ventures alike. He started in his father’s footsteps, leading the family’s business, Gulf States Theatres, a successful chain of movie theatres in the southern United States. Under Gary’s leadership the Solomons sold the business in 1986, and returned to the movie exhibition industry with The Palace Theatres a decade later.

Gary and his wife, Martha, manage a venture capital group with more than 25 years of diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, including New Orleans Original Daiquiris, Semolina Restaurants, franchise locations of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Movietime Video, PHL Leasing Systems, Unishippers, and numerous real estate developments. The primary business operated by the Solomons today is Crescent Bank and Trust, which has five hundred employees in fifteen states.

Civic activities post-Katrina include serving on the Bring New Orleans Back Commission, the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, and the New Orleans Business Council.

Gary was selected in 2010 to chair the national search for the chancellor of the University of New Orleans and has served as past-President of the UNO Foundation. He is the Chairman of St. Andrew’s Village and serves on the boards of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the American Red Cross, St. Michael’s Special School, the Bayou District Foundation, Fore! Kids Foundation, and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

He as the honored of the UNO Alumni of the Year Award, the City Park Improvement Association past-President’s Award, the American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year, was honored by the Boy Scouts of America, and is a past Young Leadership Council Role Model of the Year.

Gary’s greatest honor is the ability to spend his life continuing the legacy of his father and grandfather, both strong business and philanthropic leaders, and with Martha passing on that legacy on to their three sons, Gary Jr., Sam Mickal, and Conway.

Rachel Hamann Montalbano became CEO of Catilize Health® of the South in October 2024, bringing over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the employee benefits industry. Her extensive expertise covers multiple areas, including consulting, insurance carrier solutions, and population health, making her a trusted leader in the field.

In her consulting roles, Rachel has collaborated closely with employers and benefit advisors to design and implement tailored benefit programs that align with organizational goals. Her strategic approach focuses on maximizing value while minimizing costs, ensuring both employees and employers benefit from sustainable and effective plans.

From the insurance carrier side, Rachel has gained in-depth knowledge of underwriting, policy design, and risk management. She has worked with a wide range of benefit solutions, helping businesses navigate the complexities of insurance offerings, negotiate competitive rates, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Her expertise in this area has allowed her to develop innovative solutions that deliver both protection and value.

In the realm of population health, Rachel has spearheaded initiatives focused on improving employee well-being, managing chronic conditions, and promoting preventative care. Her work in this area has helped employers implement wellness programs that not only enhance employee health outcomes but also contribute to long-term cost savings by reducing healthcare expenses and absenteeism.

Rachel’s well-rounded background enables her to bring a holistic approach to employee benefits, combining knowledge and optimizing benefits programs to create solutions that drive business success.

Personally, Rachel and her husband, Paul, have two beautiful daughters. In addition to her professional achievements, she has served on the Fore!Kids Foundation for many years and is deeply involved in her church and school communities.

With nearly a decade of experience in the employee benefits industry, Steven has cultivated a deep expertise through roles at Unum, Sun Life, and Blue Cross. Currently, he serves as a valued member of the team at Catilize® of the South, where he is dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to clients.

A native of Louisiana, Steven grew up with a passion for soccer, which led him to play at the University of Kentucky. This experience not only honed his athletic skills but also instilled a strong sense of teamwork and discipline that he brings to his professional life.

As one of five boys, family holds a special place in his heart. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and nurturing those important relationships. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Steven was honored as a Capital City's Finest Honoree in 2022, a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact.

Steven is excited to leverage his experience and passion to help clients navigate the complexities of employee benefits and enhance the well-being of their teams through the SIHRA® cost containment strategy.