Our Team

As president of the largest independent public relations firm exclusively serving Florida clients, Tadd Schwartz brings more than 25 years of experience developing integrated communications campaigns on behalf of public companies, multinational corporations, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurial firms.

Respected by clients and journalists for his industry knowledge, resourcefulness, and grasp of the national and regional communications landscape, Tadd partners with clients to achieve their business goals, raise their community profile, and connect with target audiences. Throughout his career, Tadd has led successful sales and marketing campaigns for real estate developers, developed national branding and thought leadership campaigns for law firms, banks, and financial firms, and raised the profile of business and civic leaders across a range of sectors.

Under his leadership, Schwartz Media Strategies has grown to become one of the top-five largest public relations firms in Florida, according to PRWeek. The firm’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. The company has also been recognized as one of the region’s “Best Places to Work.”

In addition to the firm’s integrated communications work, Schwartz Media Strategies delivers pro bono services to a number of nonprofits and advocacy groups, including The Children’s Movement of Florida, Lotus House, Florida Foster Care Review, and Developing Minds Foundation.

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 Lotus House and Developing Minds Foundation. Tadd is also a member of the University of Miami’s Real Property Development LL.M. Advisory Board. A native of Miami, Tadd earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

About Schwartz Media Strategies:

Schwartz Media Strategies is a Miami, Florida-based integrated communications firm specializing in public relations, digital media, and content marketing campaigns on behalf of best-in-class clients. The firm’s practices include residential and commercial real estate, tourism and hospitality, banking and finance, law and professional services, public affairs, and arts and culture. The firm is ranked by PR Week as one of the five-largest public relations agencies based in Florida. Lean more at http://www.schwartz-media.com. Connect with Schwartz Media Strategies via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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.

Yudi Fernández is a partner 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

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.

Raychel Lean is an award-winning journalist and PR professional with over a decade of experience in writing, editing, beat reporting, marketing, team management, and producing print and online publications. Her expertise lies in the legal sector and the dynamic Florida market, where she has excelled in delivering high-impact content and strategic communication solutions.

Before joining Schwartz Media Strategies as an account director, Raychel was managing editor of the Daily Business Review, an ALM publication covering law, real estate and business for Florida professionals. She has also served as vice president of content for a national public relations and crisis communications firm.

Raychel grew up in a small, coastal village in Northwest England before relocating to Miami to pursue a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and literature at Barry University. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in creative writing from the University of Warwick, U.K.

Jen Le is an Account Director at Schwartz Media Strategies, where she manages day-to-day client relationships and spearheads integrated communications programs for clients in the real estate, professional services, and legal industries.

She is an award-winning storyteller, combining impactful messaging and powerful imagery across an array of platforms. For nearly a decade, she has served notable clients in commercial and residential real estate, professional services, and hospitality, including Fisher Island’s Palazzo Della Luna / Del Sol, Pebb Capital, Location Ventures, as well as Fiola Miami, and Doya, both restaurant concepts that are recognized in the Michelin Guide.

With a passion for the arts, she was involved with the Miami Film Festival, serving on the 2022 Host Committee.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Florida. Go Gators!

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.

Ivanna Agudo is a Senior Account Executive at Schwartz Media Strategies. She brings experience counseling clients across a range of sectors, including real estate, retail, hospitality, and professional services.

Ivanna approaches campaigns with the goal of ensuring clients are seen and heard among key audiences – and that their ideas are shared through a mix of integrated communications strategies.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations & Strategic Communions with a minor in Marketing from American University in Washington D.C.

Samantha boasts a wealth of experience in managing communication initiatives, PR, and marketing across diverse industries, such as real estate, wellness, beauty, travel, hospitality, and technology. Notably, at Schwartz Media, she played a pivotal role in elevating Downtown Miami’s global prominence and overseeing the rebranding of the Miami Science Museum into the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.

Since 2012, Samantha has continued to lead communication efforts for more than 15 brands, with a particular passion for collaboration. She’s managed consumer-facing initiatives for MasterCard, orchestrated a strategic partnership with a Denver-based agency’s market expansion, and adeptly led a multinational team of 32 employees in securing impactful media coverage.

Samantha’s expertise lies in crafting strategic narratives and cultivating media relationships, launching products and campaigns, yielding impactful press coverage, brand partnerships, and marketing collaborations.

As an Account Executive, Jenna Bernstein supports the firm’s media relations, digital media, and content-driven strategies on behalf of professional services, destination marketing, and arts clients. Leading with creativity and passion, she executes media relations strategies, develops marketing collateral, and builds social media campaigns focused on engagement.

Before joining the Schwartz Media Strategies team, Jenna worked as the Marketing Coordinator for the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Jenna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication with an Area of Concentration in Marketing at Florida International University.

As a Digital Account Executive, Maria Hernaiz implements integrated marketing strategies focused on amplifying clients’ messages and engaging with key audiences. Prior to joining Schwartz Media Strategies, Maria held roles at a luxury magazine, as well as at public relations and modeling agencies. She also operated her own online e-commerce business.

She is an expert in creating online content, with an eye for graphic design and compelling narratives for clients panning from retail to notable law firms.

Maria is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising with a concentration in Business.

As an Account Executive, Reilly Lockwood supports the firm’s media relations and digital media, and content creation campaigns on behalf of real estate, hospitality, and professional services clients.

Reilly combines her knowledge of traditional media with digital and social media to develop and execute coordinated, integrated campaigns to elevate her client’s brands on the local and national level.

Before joining the Schwartz Media Strategies team, Reilly was a Communications & Digital Assistant for a venture capital firm, where she worked with brands such as Sweetgreen, DraftKings, CAVA and CLEAR.

Reilly earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations, political science, and American studies from The University of Alabama – roll tide!

Katherine York, an Account Coordinator, hones her skills as a marketing, PR and social media expert, developing content for integrated marketing campaigns. With experience in executing marketing and promotional plans, Katherine develops engaging content and strategizes social media and media relations implementation. Prior to joining the Schwartz team, Katherine excelled as a Campus Marketing & Events Manager for Bumble, creating content for social media, executing branded events and managed a team of brand ambassadors.

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.