Our Team

Tadd Schwartz is the President of Schwartz Media Strategies (SMS), Florida’s largest independent, full-service communications firm serving clients with a vested interest the Sunshine State. Schwartz has been providing PR counsel to public companies, multinational corporations, municipalities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs for more than 25 years.

Over the span of his career, Schwartz has advised clients statewide in building brands, navigating challenges, and leveraging opportunities in Florida’s dynamic market, spanning industries such as residential and commercial real estate, tourism and hospitality, banking and finance, law and professional services, municipal and economic development, and arts and culture.

Today, Schwartz Media Strategies counsels best-in-class brands in Florida and beyond, with the firm’s clients engaged in addressing the pressing issues driving the state – from transit and education to housing and resiliency. Under Schwartz’s leadership, the 20-person firm develops and executes integrated campaigns combining high- impact media relations, public affairs, crisis and issues management, social media, and content marketing.

Since its founding in 2005, Schwartz Media Strategies has earned recognition for its industry leadership, ranking among the top five largest public relations firms in Florida by PR Week. Current and past clients include City National Bank of Florida, law firm Bilzin Sumberg, Walmart, Terra, law firm Podhurst Orseck, CMC Group, ZOM Living, Skanska USA, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Miami Worldcenter, ZOM Living, Inter Miami CF, the University of Florida, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. For six consecutive years, Tadd has been recognized by Florida Trend in the Florida 500, a compilation of the state’s “Most Influential Business Leaders.”

Schwartz, a Miami native, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Florida. Tadd is active in several civic organizations and currently sits on the board for Miami-based Lotus House, the nation’s largest homeless shelter for women and children, and the University of Miami’s Real Property Development LL.M. Advisory Board. Schwartz Media Strategies currently services education nonprofit Achieve Miami and is engaged in partnerships with, and pro bono services for, Florida Foster Care Review, and The Miami Foundation.

Prior to founding Schwartz Media Strategies, 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 served on the staff of Florida Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.

Aaron Gordon is a senior communications counselor with more than 20 years of experience in the public relations, public affairs and marketing sectors. After serving as creative director for an advertising agency in Miami, Aaron joined Schwartz Media Strategies in 2008. Since then, he has expanded the firm’s service lines, recruited and retained top talent, and grown the firm’s client roster to include best-in-class brands across Florida.

Aaron’s practice focuses on advising executives and organizations in the real estate, legal, finance, municipal, and nonprofit industries, all with the goal of advancing clients’ business goals, raising their profiles, and connecting them with their target audiences. His areas of expertise include media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, and content marketing.

Over the span of his career, Aaron has led campaigns for real estate developers, economic development agencies, governments, major law firms, banks and finance firms, public companies, professional sports franchises, museums and cultural organizations, hospitals and healthcare providers, destinations, and everything in between.

During his tenure, Schwartz Media Strategies has grown to become one of the three largest independent communications firms based in Florida, according to PR Week. His current and past clients include City National Bank of Florida, law firm Bilzin Sumberg, the University of Florida, education nonprofit Achieve Miami, Walmart, Terra, law firm Podhurst Orseck, the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Miami Worldcenter, Lotus House shelter, Inter Miami CF, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.

Aaron’s civic service includes serving as President and Board Member for Florida Foster Care Review, as a member of The Miami Foundation’s Board of Trustees, as an appointee to the City of Miami’s Community Relations Board, and as a member of the Washington University in St. Louis South Florida Regional Cabinet. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in political science and art history. 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.

As Account Director, 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.

Sara Gaggia, an Account Director at Schwartz Media Strategies,  is passionate about delivering impactful, results-driven integrated strategies for high-profile clients. With eight years of experience, she excels in developing strategic campaigns across diverse sectors, including real estate, hospitality, law, and corporate.

In her role, Sara oversees comprehensive communication campaigns, media relations, brand development, and digital strategies on regional, national, and international levels. Specializing in luxury hotels and condos, restaurants, entertainment, wellness, and the arts, she leads successful campaigns for esteemed clients such as EDITION Hotels, Gencom, One Beverly Hills, Viceroy Clearwater, and The Standard, among others.

Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Multimedia with a minor in Advertising from the University of Miami. She effectively blends her academic foundation with real-world expertise to deliver innovative and integrated PR solutions.

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.

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.

Gracie Kaplan-Stein, a Senior Account Executive, drives integrated marketing campaigns for high-profile clients. With a focus on the legal sector, she develops and executes comprehensive communication strategies, including media relations, digital assets, and content-driven initiatives.  

Before joining Schwartz Media Strategies, Gracie served as a Marketing Manager in-house at several law firms in South Florida, where she honed her skills in client management and high-impact marketing initiatives. 

Gracie earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Pennsylvania and MBA from Florida International University. With her keen attention to detail and exceptional client management skills, Gracie leverages her expertise in marketing and communications to deliver high-impact results for clients.

As an Account Executive, Jenna Bernstein drives integrated communication campaigns on behalf of clients within the professional services and arts & culture sectors. Leading with creativity and passion, she develops and executes media relations, digital media, and content-driven strategies with a focus on comprehensive marketing and social media campaigns.

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.

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.

Annemarie Suarez, an Account Coordinator at Schwartz Media Strategies, leverages her skills in public relations and social media to implement tactful communication strategies for clients across sectors including real estate, law and banking/finance. 

A Miami native, Annemarie graduated with Latin honors from the University of Miami, earning a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Theatre Arts. 

During her time at the University of Miami, Annemarie served as the Public Relations Vice Chair of the university’s Senate, where she further honed her leadership and communication skills. Her outstanding academic achievements were recognized when she was named an Outstanding Senior in Public Relations by the School of Communication and inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society for academic excellence in journalism and mass communication. 

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.