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.