Firm elevates department heads to VP status

ST. PETERSBURG — Paradise Advertising & Marketing promoted Tara Tufo, Jessica Mackey and Shirley Pekarek to vice president positions.

The St. Petersburg-based firm serves companies in the travel, hospitality and luxury lifestyle markets. Its clients include St. Petersburg's Dali Museum and Vinoy Renaissance Resort, as well as Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.

Tufo, based in St. Petersburg, is Paradise's new vice president of public relations, according to a statement. Mackey, based in Naples, was named vice president of social media strategy. Pekarek assumes the role of vice president of finance after serving as Paradise's comptroller since 2013. She will handle financial, human resources and administration matters for the company.

“The Paradise team is stronger than it has ever been,” says Paradise President and CEO Cedar Hames in the statement. “Shirley, Tara and Jessica have been key players in strategy and development across the board and I am excited to welcome them as the newest members of our executive staff.”