Zoraya Suarez is currently the vice president of media relations for PNC Bank in Florida. She has over 15 years of experience in communications roles, previously serving as senior spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resort for nearly six years and communications director of the Florida Department of Children and Families, where she oversaw communications for 14,000 employees. She has also held communications director roles at Johnson & Wales University and has received several awards for her work in television production and community involvement.

1. Zoraya Suarez
As a seasoned leader with expertise ranging from non-profits and small businesses to
government and corporate America, Zoraya Suarez’s business acumen and strategic
thinking has led her to her current role as vice president of media relations for the state
of Florida at PNC Bank. Previously, she served as a senior spokesperson for Walt
Disney World Resort for nearly six years where she was responsible for developing and
executing strategies in media relations, external relations, issues management, crisis
communications, and special events.
Zoraya was recruited by Walt Disney World in 2006 from the Florida Department of
Children and Families where she was hand-picked to serve as Communications Director
to the Agency Secretary, who was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush. In this role, she
oversaw all daily internal and external communications for 14,000 employees in 15
Districts. She managed 15 Public Information Officers statewide and a local staff of
seven. As a Cuban-American, she also had the opportunity to serve in an additional
capacity to Governor Bush as his Spanish speechwriter during the historic 2005
hurricane season.
During her term at DCF, she worked emergency-related press conferences and
coordinated all communications with the Governor’s Executive Office to ensure the
department’s message was consistent with Governor Bush’s communications initiatives.
Under her management, Zoraya’s team was able to meet goals and establish a strong
presence throughout Florida on behalf of DCF through creative publicity, special events,
and networking. These efforts provided an increase in the ratio of positive to negative
media stories in the Florida and national press to more than 50 percent.
Previously, she served as the Communications Director of Johnson & Wales University
for nine years. Zoraya led an integrated marketing and communications strategy that
achieved 10,000 minutes of free TV and radio air time, and more than 50,000
newspaper clippings. She served as senior advisor to the President for all
communications including admissions public relations, marketing, branding, publications,
alumni affairs, fund raising, and employee communications. Her experience in this field
also allowed her to teach as an Adjunct Professor of Media Relations, English
Composition and Professional Development.
During this time, she developed and produced four television shows. These TV series
aired three times per week, reaching 400,000 viewers per episode. Zoraya’s efforts
earned her a Southern Sunshine Video Award as the best instructional, demonstrational
television show.
In the Orlando community she has served as YMCA Hispanic Adult Achiever, the 2008
& 2009 WDW HOLA President, the 2008 Diversity Chair for Public Relations Society of
America Orlando Chapter, and a board member of Community Services of Orlando. She
is an alumnus of Leadership Orlando, and was a 2002 Finalist of the South Florida
Business Journal “Up & Comers” Award.
Zoraya received her master’s of science degree in Integrated Communications of
Advertising and Public Relations from Florida International University.