Our Team

As president of the largest independent communications and public affairs firm exclusively serving Florida clients, Tadd Schwartz brings more than 25 years of experience developing integrated campaigns on behalf of public companies, multinational corporations, municipalities, nonprofits 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 include 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 several nonprofits and advocacy groups, including The Children’s Movement of Florida, Lotus House, Florida Foster Care Review, the University of Miami, 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 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. A native of Miami, Tadd earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.