Our Team

Tadd
Schwartz
President
A veteran public relations counselor with more than 20 years of experience in media relations, marketing, digital media, public affairs and strategic communications, Tadd has created successful communications campaigns for regional, national and multi-national companies.
Respected by clients and journalists for his industry knowledge, resourcefulness, and grasp of the national and regional media landscape, Tadd plays an active role in partnering with clients to achieve their business goals, raise their community profile, and connect with their audiences.
Tadd’s clients have included companies across a range of industries reflecting Florida’s diverse economy, with an emphasis on residential and commercial real estate, law and professional services, banking and finance, hospitality and tourism, municipal affairs, and arts and culture. As president of Schwartz Media Strategies, Tadd has prioritized community service as part of the firm’s core values, and Schwartz Media Strategies delivers pro bono services to a number of nonprofits and advocacy groups, including The Children’s Movement of Florida, Lotus House, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Developing Minds Foundation.
Under his leadership, Schwartz Media Strategies has grown to become one of the top ten largest public relations & marketing firms in South Florida as measured by annual revenues. The company has also been recognized as one of the region’s “Best Places to Work.”
Prior to founding Schwartz Media Strategies in 2005, Tadd was a partner at Miami-based rbb, where he led the firm’s corporate and real estate practices. He previously held an executive position with the Florida office of Weber-Shandwick, one of the world’s largest public relations agencies. Tadd started his public relations career in 1996 with The Phyllis Apple Organization, where he worked with many of South Florida’s leading real estate developers. He also worked on the staff of Florida Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.
Tadd is active in several civic organizations and currently sits on the boards of directors for the American Jewish Committee’s local chapter, Lotus House and Developing Minds Foundation. A native of Miami, Tadd earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.
Beyond the Bio

What music are you currently groovin' to?
I’m stuck in the late 60s and 70s when it comes to music. I got my kids hooked on Wings and The Beatles early on, so we listen to mellow soft rock stuff like “With a Little Luck” and “My Sweet Lord” at bedtime for good dreamy vibes.
The first song that blew my mind to bits was “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (think of the movie “Blow” with Johnny Depp). Springsteen actually wrote the song but the cover is really something else. That song came out in 1976, so I was about 6 years old, and I still remember how great it made me feel to scream the chorus. That’s the power of music. My wife and I love Ryan Adams, The National and Arcade Fire, and have seen them live many times.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all time favorite album?
I have five: Astral Weeks, Van Morrison. The Doors, first record. Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life. The Beatles, Revolver. No explanation necessary. Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks, is probably the greatest album, but the lyrics are heavy…like chewing on a razor blade.

Tell us something your clients and colleagues don’t know about you.
I’m a long distance runner and have finished more than 15 marathons. But what’s cool about running is the creative process that comes from the runner’s high. I come up with great story ideas for clients during runs. I actually pitch myself during runs and can visualize the story in print. It’s a beautiful feeling, because before you know it, you’ve logged five miles. That might also explain my habit for leaving two minute voicemails. You get caught up in the flow and great things happen.
More from Tadd

Aaron
Gordon
Partner
Aaron is an endangered species by Miami standards: a third generation native who left town for college and returned home four years later. After serving as creative director for a marketing and advertising shop in Miami, he joined Schwartz Media Strategies in 2008. Since then, he has helped the firm expand its service lines, grow its client roster to include blue chip brands, and recruit and retain talent. Today, he focuses primarily on managing the firm’s operations and building communications campaigns for clients in the real estate, hospitality, public affairs, consumer and financial sectors – including several public companies.
In 2018, Aaron was a commission appointee to the City of Miami’s Community Relations Board. He is a member of The Underline Real Estate Council, and the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami’s Patrons Council. He also serves on Washington University’s Regional Cabinet; as well as the University’s Alumni and Parents Admissions Program, for which he serves as chair. He earned his degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in political science, art history and archaeology. He resides in the City of Miami with his wife Rebecca and their two children.
Beyond the Bio

What’s been your most interesting job?
Back in 2000, I spent the summer as a wrangler on a dude ranch in Colorado. It’s where I learned how to lasso, herd cattle and drink warm whiskey.

Do you have any pet peeves?
I can’t stand it when people look at restaurant menus and decide what they’re ordering ahead of dining out. It ruins the surprise.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled?
El bosque lluvioso del Amazonas. Su amplitud nos hace sentir muy, pero muy pequeños

Yudi
Fernández
Partner
Yudi Fernández is an executive vice president managing client relationships, media relations and marketing initiatives, and social media efforts in the firm’s commercial real estate, construction and financial services practices.
Before joining Schwartz Media Strategies, Yudi worked as a real estate and business reporter for Miami Today, where she covered new development projects and reported on residential and commercial market trends.
Raised in Miami, Yudi is actively involved in the community. She is a graduate of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program and has served as a program facilitator. She is a member of Switchboard Miami’s Women’s Leadership Council, promoting awareness and raising funds for the organization that provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services.
She is also actively involved in the Urban Land Institute of Southeast Florida. For years, she has also served as a volunteer and supporter of Women of Tomorrow, a Miami-based mentoring and scholarship program for young women.
Yudi earned a master’s in business administration at Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and business at the University of Florida.
Connect with Yudi: yudi@schwartz-media.com
Beyond the Bio

What is Miami’s best kept secret?
Simpson Park because it’s a serene oasis that reminds you of where Miami all started.

Tell us about your number one guilty pleasure.
Chocolate gelato because it’s delicious. If you know a good gelato spot, share the details.

Tell us something your clients and colleagues don’t know about you.
I’m a fraternal twin. Thankfully my brother and I don’t look alike.

Allie
Schwartz-Grant
Account Director
As account director, Allie manages and drives client accounts, conducts proactive media outreach and coordinates marketing and social media efforts on behalf of clients in the firms residential real estate, commercial real estate and nonprofit practices.
Prior to joining Schwartz Media Strategies in 2008, Allie served as marketing manager for Hallandale, Florida-based A. Present Realty Group and in the guest services division of Morgans Hotel Group.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, where she majored in public relations.
Beyond the Bio

If you could attend any event in history, what would it be?
Woodstock – the original festival in 1969.

What is Miami’s best kept secret?
The Martini Bar at the Raleigh Hotel.

Name the most interesting place you’ve visited. What was memorable about it?
Bali; it’s one of the most unique places in the world geographically, culturally and religiously.

Jessica
Goswami
Director of Integrated Media
Jessica brings a decade of experience developing engaging campaigns, pitching compelling stories, and curating content for real estate and hospitality brands.
In addition to spearheading international media relations, she’s led the creative direction and digital content creation for several luxury resorts and real estate developments in Miami, as well as a fashion-focused recruitment agency in London.
Combining her love of travel with her experience in marketing and public relations, Jessica focuses on lifestyle, real estate and hospitality accounts at Schwartz Media Strategies.
Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Johnson and Wales University and her MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Beyond the Bio

Tell us something your clients and colleagues don’t know about you.
I’m an identical twin who is half Indian and half German.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled?
Istanbul. As the only transcontinental city in the world, it’s where Europe meets Asia, where past meets present, and where Islamic and Mediterranean traditions come together with an enigmatic understanding. As you stroll through the Grand Bazaar, enter the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, or cross the Bosporus Strait, the city lures you in – teasing you with her rich history, colorful sights and sounds, and old-world charm – and she’ll always leave you wanting more.
It’s also the city where tulips originated. Tulips were sent from the Ottoman empire to Vienna before they reached the Netherlands and were adopted as the country’s national flower.

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
At a Jetset Pilates class, paddle boarding in Miami Beach, on a bike ride through Key Biscayne, or checking out the city’s newest and/or lowkey restaurants – the scenic views and great vibes are the reason I live in Miami!

Paola
Colberg
Senior Account Executive
Paola manages client relations, issues management and media relations on behalf of the firm’s public affairs and real estate accounts. Paola previously worked as Account Supervisor for public affairs, corporate, technology and tourism clients in Latin America at JeffreyGroup. Paola holds a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University and a MBA from Lynn University.
Beyond the Bio

Tell us about your number one guilty pleasure.
Obsessed with chocolate and binging on old school telenovelas.

Name the most interesting place you’ve visited. What was memorable about it?
Prague, one of my favorite cities in Europe, full of history and different in terms of culture and architecture.

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
Walking, I love to walk around Brickell or Key Biscayne for hours, takes my mind away from stress and helps me unwind.

Victoria
Cela
Senior Account Executive
As a Senior Account Executive, Victoria helps run campaigns, develops relationships with clients, and creates ideas that breakthrough. Her responsibilities can range from staffing interviews and pitching reporters, to writing press releases and organizing events. Before joining the Schwartz team, Victoria interned at Alchemy and was an undergraduate research assistant for UF’s STEM Translational Communication Center.
Victoria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, with an outside concentration in Sport Management, from the University of Florida.
Beyond the Bio

If you could attend any event in history, what would it be?
Salem Witchtrials! That time in history really intrigues me. Plus, I love all things spooky.

Tell us something your clients and colleagues don’t know about you.
I’m a huge sports nut, but football is my favorite.

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
Eating or reading. I’m a tiny girl with a big appetite who loves sitting down to a good book.

Jamie
Honowitz
Account Executive
As an Account Coordinator, Jamie supports media relations and social media activities on behalf of the firm’s legal, real estate and professional services accounts. She keeps client campaigns organized, keeps her fingers on the pulse of what’s trending locally and nationally, and ensures the trains are running on time.
Before joining the Schwartz Media team, Jamie interned at Weber Shandwick and worked as a Communications Assistant for the Institute for Public Relations. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, with a minor in English, from the University of Florida.
Beyond the Bio

What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled?
Greece, I did a study abroad program there when I was in college.

Tell us about your number one guilty pleasure.
Binge watching Friends or The Office.

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
Any new restaurant in Miami. I’m a big foodie and love trying new places.
Beyond the Bio

What music are you currently groovin' to?

What music are you currently groovin' to?

What music are you currently groovin' to?
- Follow Me @

Jennifer
Schwartz
Corporate & Lifestyle Events Director
Jennifer Schwartz is a founding partner with Calijen Events, a Miami-based event production firm specializing in social and corporate affairs including fundraising galas, product launches, networking parties and media events. The firm serves as Schwartz Media Strategies’ exclusive special events partner.
Prior to founding Calijen Events, Jennifer served as marketing and special events coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, where she assisted in the development of fundraising initiatives and targeted events. She began her career with Details Etc., working hand-in-hand with the principal of the firm in managing corporate events throughout South Florida.
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Hospitality Management.
Beyond the Bio

If you could attend any event in history, what would it be?
Woodstock! Sometimes I feel like I should’ve grown up in the 60s & 70s

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
Going on walks or bike rides with my family, going to Pure Barre to do my workouts, or reading a good book.

Name the most interesting place you’ve visited. What was memorable about it?
My family and I travel to California a lot. When we were in LA a few years ago, we discovered the “secret stairs” which are stairs that were built into the side of the hills in Beachwood Canyon. It was a shortcut for people to get from the bottom of the hill to the top (right by the iconic Hollywood sign). Now every time we go back, our kids love to walk the secret stairs and it’s a family tradition.