Advertising Section

Movers and Influencers

Week of May 21

Advertising & Public Relations

BoardroomPR, Fort Lauderdale
Mover
BoardroomPR has launched a new Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) service designed to help businesses improve visibility in AI-powered search platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Overviews, Claude and more. As consumers increasingly rely on AI tools for information and recommendations, BoardroomPR's integrated strategy helps brands become trusted, authoritative sources surfaced in AI-generated answers. The service includes AI-focused content optimization, media relations, reputation management, structured data recommendations, local relevance optimization and thought leadership campaigns. BoardroomPR serves clients across industries, including real estate, legal, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, technology and nonprofits.

Insurance

North American Risk Services, Lake Mary
Mover
Chris Jackson has been appointed Director of Quality Assurance and Development at North American Risk Services (NARS) in Lake Mary, reporting to CEO Robert Ruryk. He brings more than two decades of experience in insurance operations, claims management, and quality assurance leadership, and holds certifications including AIC, LPCS, and a Florida All Lines License.
Marsh, Jacksonville
Mover
Marsh Risk, a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) and the world's leading insurance broker and risk advisor, has announced that Sid Roberson has joined the firm as Senior Vice President. In this role, Roberson will deliver a client-focused approach to risk management, business insurance, and employee benefits, advising C-suite executives, boards of directors, and business owners on strategies to protect and grow their organizations. Roberson brings more than 25 years of experience in client development, relationship management, and financial advisory services. Prior to joining Marsh, he held roles with Florida Blue, UBS, and Morgan Stanley, where he supported senior leaders in navigating complex financial and risk management challenges.

Law

Shutts & Bowen, West Palm Beach
Mover
Shutts & Bowen LLP announced that Irma Qureshi has joined the firm's West Palm Beach office as a Partner in its Real Estate Practice Group. She represents developers, investors, lenders, landlords and tenants in a broad range of complex commercial real estate transactions. She is the third attorney hire for the West Palm Beach office in the first half of 2026.

Week of May 14

Education

Rollins College, Winter Park
Mover
Rollins College has appointed Antionette J. Marbray as Vice President for External Relations and General Counsel, effective July 20. A Florida native and University of South Florida alumna, she earned her J.D. from Duke University and brings senior leadership experience in legal affairs and government relations from Stevenson University and San Diego State University.

Financial Services / Investments

Heritage Capital Group, Jacksonville
Mover
Heritage Capital Group has appointed Phil Porter, Jr. as Principal in its Jacksonville office. A seasoned automotive executive, he led Subaru of Jacksonville to record results and national recognition, including Subaru Retailer of the Year. Porter will enhance Heritage's automotive M&A advisory, supporting dealer clients' growth and transition strategies.

Nonprofit / Philanthropy

Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County, Davie
Mover
Barbara Goldberg, CEO and founding partner of O'Connell & Goldberg Public Relations, has been named board chair of Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County. A longtime leader in strategic communications and philanthropy, Goldberg will help guide the nonprofit's vision, strengthen community partnerships and expand access to services across Broward County.
Alexander Trial Law LLC, Merritt Island
Mover
The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) of Central Florida has selected Kurt E. Alexander, double Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law, to be its 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year! Mr. Alexander, also elected in 2026 to be a member of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, specializes in civil litigation and business representation throughout Florida.

Week of May 7

Education

Florida Southern College, Lakeland
Mover
Florida Southern College's Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art named Laura Putnam as Curator of Exhibitions. Putnam has served the museum since 2013 and most recently held the role of Manager of Exhibitions and Adult Programs. She also teaches Art History and Museum Studies at Florida Southern College as an adjunct professor.
FIU College of Engineering & Computing, Miami
Mover
A NEW ERA FOR FIU ENGINEERING & COMPUTING FIU's College of Engineering & Computing is defining a new chapter. Under the leadership of Dean Jack Puleo, the college is advancing a bold vision at the intersection of environmental resilience, health and emerging technologies — where research, education and innovative impact converge.

Health Care / Medicine / Medical Services

BayCare Health System, Clearwater
Mover
BayCare Health System promoted Sara Seifried to the newly created role of vice president of real estate. An attorney, Seifried joined BayCare in 2011 as associate legal counsel and became director of real estate operations in 2018, overseeing the health system's non-hospital real estate portfolio as BayCare nearly doubled in size.

Law

Gunster, West Palm Beach
Mover
Gunster welcomed back Joe Negron as a shareholder in its West Palm Beach office. A former Florida Senate president, he represents companies and executives in complex business disputes. Negron most recently served as general counsel of The GEO Group and brings experience across government, corporate leadership and litigation.

Week of April 30

Banking

Ocean Bank, Miami
Mover
Chief Administrative Officer Yuni Navarro was named to Ocean Bank's Board of Directors."Yuni has a wealth of leadership experience, knowledge, and strategic insight. She has played a pivotal role in advancing our organization," President, Chairman and CEO Agostinho Alfonso Macedo said.

Hospitality / Travel / Leisure / Recreation

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Mover
Travis Lunn has been named President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, overseeing the operations and financial performance of Florida's largest casino and reporting to David Hoenemeyer, COO for Seminole Gaming. Lunn brings 25-plus years of experience, including President and COO for Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, W Las Vegas, Luxor and Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, all for MGM Resorts International.

Information Technology

Passionbytes, Jacksonville
Mover
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Ravishankar Nair, PassionBytes has evolved into a powerhouse for AI-native transformation. Unlike traditional firms that treat artificial intelligence as an add-on, PassionBytes operates with an AI-native core, redesigning organizational architectures where intelligence is embedded into the fabric of every data-driven initiatives.

Insurance

King Risk Partners, Gainesville
Mover
Arne Gabrielsen has joined King Risk Partners as National Sales Leader. Gabrielsen brings nearly 20 years of insurance industry experience, with expertise in sales leadership, market relations, and brokerage operations. He previously served as a zonal market relations leader at Gallagher Insurance.