Michelle Christine Bauer

Founder, Chief Strategist
I founded Common Language to put the diverse skills, connections and knowledge I’ve accumulated over 20+ years to work for our clients. While planning and systematic execution is important, the ability to think on your feet, change gears, and create new relationships and opportunities daily is becoming even more so. In my role as the agency’s roving dot connector, I interact regularly with experts in technology, design, media, nonprofits, service innovation, health and wellness, and the boomer market. My goal is to understand how the most innovative and promising trends in these areas can be synthesized for our clients’ benefit.

I began my career in public relations in 1987 in New York, where I was born and raised. I spent most of the 90’s at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where I taught in the English department.  I earned my M.A. in English and completed all of my course work and half of my doctoral dissertation for a Ph.D. before defecting back to the public sector for good in 1998.  I returned to public relations and spent six years helping grow nonprofit organizations. Getting involved in Tampa Bay’s technology and entrepreneur communities changed my life and introduced me to the most remarkable people.

On the personal front, I live in wonderful and exciting downtown St.  Petersburg with my dog-child, Buffy.  Insanely spoiled little creature.

Laura Fontanills

Account Director
I feel one of the most important roles public relations serves is a mediating role between an organization and its targeted publics. I help develop strategic communication plans that help organizations reach out to their targeted audience and therefore, meet their goals.

I bring to our clients more than four years of agency experience. I understand a client’s expectations and I know how to reach those expectations through hard work, creativity, strategic guidance and high-quality service.

I have a strong interest in social media. It has breathed new life into the public relations field by offering new possibilities in reaching targeted audiences. I encourage companies and organizations to embrace this world, not fear it.

A Floridian born and raised, I earned my bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida. I reside in Tampa where I have been actively involved in the local community, currently serving on several committees with Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts. I’m also a graduate of Leadership Tampa Bay’s 2008 class. I advocate for shopping and eating local and enjoy checking out all the local outdoor festivals with my cavalier spaniel Lily in tow.

Shannon Byrne

Account Manager
Having been with Common Language for nearly two years, I consider our team and clients to be a part of my extended family. I believe that fostering key relationships is the number one most important step in becoming successful in the communications field. I strive to understand the wants, needs, and goals of our clients and collaborators and set out to help them reach those goals. I pride myself in the ability to identify their target audiences and expand the reach of their message to them in both a relevant and meaningful way.

Assisting in the development and execution of strategic communications plans, social media campaigns, and event promotion plans are just a few of the tasks that I partake in as Account Manager. I find great enjoyment in writing, event planning and promotions, as well as looking at the big picture for each client, helping them discover other ways to reach their public.

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, I earned my bachelor’s in marketing from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg after a yearlong stint at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I take great pride in my city and have really enjoyed watching it develop while maintaining its roots. My passions being the water and music, I am very active in the local music scene and get on the boat as often as possible.  I am also a huge advocate of any charity work especially involving children, cancer, and the environment, and will volunteer my time whenever the opportunity arises.