CORAL GABLES – December 8, 2006 – Coral Gables-based rbb Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm based in Miami, announced today the promotion of Maite Vélez-Couto to senior account executive and Morgan Lynch to account executive.

As senior account executive, Vélez-Couto will develop and direct strategic public relations campaigns for clients including Starbucks Coffee Company, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, South Beach and Puerto Costa Maya. Shortly after joining the firm in 2005 as an account executive, Vélez-Couto put her media-savvy skills to use by implementing successful media and community campaigns and events for the firm’s consumer, travel and luxury clients. Vélez-Couto honed her media relations and client management skills during her two-year tenure at TARA, Ink public relations where she worked with a variety of hospitality, entertainment and travel clients including HOTEL VICTOR, Acqualina, A Rosewood Resort, Condé Nast Publications, SUSHISAMBA dromo, Boost Mobile and Möet & Chandon. Vélez-Couto graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in Literature and from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a master’s degree in Spanish Language Journalism. She currently resides in Coral Gables.

After less than a year as an account coordinator at rbb Public Relations, Morgan Lynch has made her mark working on the firm’s professional services, consumer and travel accounts. As an account executive, Lynch will handle media relations for such diverse clients as Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Language Line Services and Puerto Costa Maya. Prior to joining the firm, Lynch worked at Cohn and Wolfe New York’s Healthcare practice where she honed her skills in media relations. Lynch graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Tulane University and currently resides in South Miami.

“Maite has become an essential asset to her teams, and we are confident she will provide excellent counsel and results for our clients,” said Christine Barney, CEO and managing partner of rbb Public Relations. “Morgan’s growth, dedication and team spirit over the past year have prepared her for the challenges and responsibilities of this new position.”

About rbb Public Relations Founded in 1975, rbb Public Relations, named 2005 "Boutique PR Agency of the Year" by PR WEEK, is based in Miami. The firm has gained a statewide and national reputation for strategic, results-oriented PR, with expertise in media relations, corporate communications, crisis counseling, product launches and special events. The firm’s capabilities encompass a variety of practice areas, including professional services, consumer products, crisis communications, travel & leisure, healthcare and real estate. For more information, call (305) 448-7450 or visit www.rbbpr.com.

###

Media Contact: rbb Public Relations / Christine Barney Christine.Barney@rbbpr.com Direct: 305-448-7456 / Cell: 305-807-5831