Stuart Newman

Founder

Since he founded Stuart Newman Associates in 1946 after returning from service in the Army Air Corps in World War II, until his passing in March 2019, Stuart Newman’s personality and values imbued this agency. Even at age 96, Stuart remained active in the operations and financial side of the business, leaving the day-to-day client service to others. An inveterate and indefatigable traveler, he truly enjoyed exploring the world, meeting new people, trying new cuisines and, especially, savoring fine wines.

Read more about Stuart’s life here.

Andy Newman

President

Andy is past PR Committee chair for the Visit Florida tourism promotion organization and is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, Florida Outdoor Writers Association and Outdoor Writers of America. He was managing editor of the daily University of Florida newspaper, a news editor for the “Miami Beach Sun Reporter,” a photojournalist for United Press International and spent three years with Miami’s NBC television affiliate, WTVJ.

Julie Ellis

Senior Vice President

Julie joined the cruise industry in 1996 and has both shipboard and shoreside experience. Responsibilities include writing press releases and marketing copy, managing social media and blogs, crafting social media content, organizing and hosting press trips, pitching and fulfilling media requests. Prior to joining NewmanPR, she served as public relations manager for Cunard Line where she spearheaded the media effort for the launch of Queen Mary 2. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

 

Ashley Serrate

Vice President

Ashley, media relations manager for the Florida Keys & Key West, is a media professional with both in-house and agency public relations experience. Prior to joining NewmanPR, she implemented PR campaigns for various hospitality clients and has also served as the PR representative for Jungle Island, one of South Florida’s longest running attractions. She coordinates individual and group media trips, facilitates media requests and writes press materials. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida International University.

 

Carol Shaughnessy

Senior Account Executive

Carol resides in Key West and handles daily activities for the agency’s longest ongoing account — the Florida Keys & Key West tourism council. She has more than 30 years’ experience writing about and publicizing tourism, entertainment and special events. She also wrote the nonfiction shipwreck book “Diving into Glory” and has spearheaded the “Keys Voices” visitor blog since its launch in 2009.

 

Laura Myers

Account Executive

Laura is account executive for the Florida Keys & Key West, with responsibilities of executing media coverage, promotions and press trips for the destination. She is a seasoned journalist with experience in travel trade and cruise magazines, newspapers and television. Laura has lived bicoastal in greater Seattle and Key West, working for Reuters and other media outlets, covering daily breaking news and features. Laura belongs to and Society of American Travel Writers and is a member of SKAL International Miami. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana State University and an editing certificate from University of Washington.

 

Sydney Cook

Media Relations Manager

Sydney responds to media inquiries and develops relationships with media outlets, coordinates individual and group media trips, prepares press releases for distribution and manages the Florida Keys & Key West media site. She also writes and disseminates content about the Florida Keys & Key West and its attractions. Sydney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Nova Southeastern University.

 

Elizabeth Spiro

Account Coordinator

Elizabeth helps service the Costa Cruises North America account and supports the Holland America Line account. Her roles include writing press releases, compiling media coverage reports, writing social media and blog content to inspire travel, planning calendars and assisting with media editorial trips. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and two minors in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Miami.

 

NewmanPR Account Representative Lauren Sanchez

Lauren Morris

Account Support Specialist

Lauren Morris serves as account support for Holland America Line and Costa Cruises, primarily in reporting services and social media.

 

JoNell Modys

Web & Social Media Director, Florida Keys

JoNell lives in Key Largo, Florida, and handles agency activities for the Upper and Middle Keys regions for the Florida Keys & Key West account and serves as Web editor for the official site of the tourism council, fla-keys.com.
 

Sandy Campbell

Accountant

Sandy has more than 20 years of accounting experience and has been with the agency since 2010. She coordinates billing and frequently interfaces with the fiscal operations personnel within the client organizations. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Florida International University.