CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 2, 2026) – rbb Communications, a leading national integrated communications agency and six-time ‘Agency of the Year,’ today announced the promotion of four senior executives to the position of senior vice president. This latest elevation of rbb’s ownership group reflects the firm’s ongoing momentum and dedication to rewarding and nurturing talent from within.
“These promotions reflect not only individual excellence, but the strength of rbb’s leadership pipeline,” said Christine Barney, CEO and managing partner of rbb Communications. “Advancing leaders from our own team reflects our commitment to developing talent and positions us strongly for continued growth. This milestone reinforces our people-first culture and long-term vision.”
Lauren Bernat has more than 20 years of experience connecting brand strategy to creative execution. She leads the agency’s Creative Services and Content division, guiding teams across branding, messaging, content, influencer programs, and integrated campaigns that help organizations define their voice and activate it across channels. She has worked with clients including Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Andretti Global, Jackson Health System, and Florida Victorious, supporting brand development, launches, and long-term communications efforts. Beyond client work, Lauren helps shape agency operations and leads AI adoption efforts focused on improving workflow efficiency and creative output. Programs she has overseen have earned recognition from organizations including the ADDYs, Telly Awards, and The One Show.
Lisette Loughner leads Human Resources at rbb Communications, where she manages benefits administration, performance management, and organizational development for the agency. With 30-years of tenure at rbb, she brings deep institutional knowledge and experience supporting a team of more than 70 employees. Her professionalism and nurturing leadership style have been instrumental in managing employee relations and benefits programs, contributing to the agency’s award-winning, employee-focused culture and strong staff retention, with an average tenure of more than seven years.
Josh Merkin co-leads rbb’s Corporate Communication practice with a tenure of more than 20 years, specializing in professional services, corporate and B2B clients. His work includes creating and overseeing integrated public relations programs for Florida regional and national companies including DHL Express, WSP USA, Gunster and Kaufman Rossin. Josh also leads the firm’s internal professional development program, ensuring the agency’s staff is leading strategic thinking to deliver measurable results for clients.
Shawn Warmstein co-leads the agency’s Corporate Communication practice and has extensively worked with both B2B and B2C clients during his more than 15-year tenure at the agency, including global brands such as Hilton, Virgin Voyages, Brown & Brown, and G4S. Shawn also leads the agency’s Sports practice, working with notable athletes and organizations like the Miami Host Committees for the College Football Playoff and FIFA World Cup 2026, David Beckham and his MLS Club, and the Miami Marlins. Under his leadership, his teams’ work has earned SABRE, PRSA Silver and Bronze Anvil, PR News, HSMAI Adrian and Hermes award recognitions. He is a former co-chair of PRSA’s Professional Section Council and the Entertainment and Sports Section.
These promotions follow a period of agency growth, marked by the addition of clients such as the Miami Open, Cardinal Financial, Element Pointe Family Office, Galderma, and the Cadillac Championship, as well as the continued development of specialty practice groups such as energy and renewables, travel & leisure, consumer marketing, B2B/technology, and healthcare.
To learn more about rbb Communications and its integrated marketing and public relations offerings, visit www.rbbcommunications.com.
About rbb Communications
rbb Communications is an award-winning fully integrated agency and Champion of Breakout Brands™. rbb’s talented counselors, creators and connectors drive communications programs that build emotional connections with audiences that show on the bottom line. rbb offers PR/media relations, digital, social & influencer marketing, corporate communications/thought leadership, crisis/reputation management, creative content and advertising.
For more information, contact us.