In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community.
Here are this week's professional standouts:
Goldlaw announces new director of litigation
Goldlaw, a personal injury law firm with its main headquarters in West Palm Beach along with offices in Port St. Lucie and Belle Glade, recently announced that Michael H. Kugler, esq. has been promoted to director of litigation. Kugler has dedicated his career to obtaining justice for all categories of victims
of negligence and began his legal career at the Office of the State Attorney in Palm Beach County. A veteran of over 100 jury trials, he prosecuted every type of crime. In 2026, Kugler was selected for the fourth consecutive year as a Super Lawyer.
Brandstory Communications launches AI services division
Brandstory Communications, a Coral Gables strategic communications agency specializing in media relations, video and podcast production, media trainings, and crisis communications is expanding its services with the launch of AI Marketing Analysis Services, led by renowned digital strategy and AI consultant Josh Hirsch. Hirsch joins Brandstory Communications after previously serving as director of mission and communications for Susan G. Komen Florida, director of development and marketing at the Palm Beach School for Autism, and director membership and marketing at Nonprofits. Hirsch's role will help Brandstory clients better understand how artificial intelligence is changing the way organizations are discovered and evaluated online — and how communications strategies can adapt to that change.
Westlake vice mayor elected to serve Florida League of Cities
Westlake has announced that vice mayor Greg Langowski has been elected second vice president of the Florida League of Cities, joining the statewide leadership of the organization representing Florida’s municipalities.Langowski was elected by the league’s membership during the 2026 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference inHollywood, Florida. He will serve as second vice president for the 2026–2027 term alongside league president Mark Franks, mayor of Shalimar, and first vice president Sarah Stoeckel, council member for Titusville.
BNY Wealth bolsters Palm Beach team with additions
BNY Wealth recently announced two additions to their Palm Beach team. Seth Thompson, CFA, joins as senior director and portfolio manager; and Caleb Bowser, joins as senior vice president and client executive. Both are joining from Northern Trust and bring extensive experience delivering sophisticated advice and tailored solutions across clients' entire balance sheets. These additions underscore BNY Wealth’s continued commitment to Palm Beach as a strategic growth market, expanding their local presence and strengthening their ability to serve the region’s growing ultra-high-net-worth population.
Place of Hope names vice president of campaigns and philanthropy
Place of Hope in Palm Beach Gardens has announced that Lisa McDulin has been promoted to vice president of campaigns and philanthropy for Place of Hope. Place of Hope is a nationally recognized, faith-based, state-licensed organization that transforms lives through foster care, housing, prevention, and family support in South Florida. They provide safe, family style environments where children and families heal, grow, and thrive.
Palm Beach's Jewish community to be represented at national level
Susan Shulman Pertnoy and Ronnie Pertnoy, two prominent leaders of Palm Beach’s Jewish community have been selected to as co-chairs of the 2026 Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly, one of the largest and most influential gatherings of Jewish leadership in North America. Held Nov. 8-10, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the general assembly brings together thousands of Jewish leaders, philanthropists, professionals, volunteers and changemakers from across the continent to address the most pressing issues facing Jewish communities today while helping shape priorities for the future. The appointment puts the Palm Beaches at the helm at a pivotal time, with conversations expected to focus on strengthening Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, confronting rising antisemitism and building on increased Jewish engagement.
West Palm Beach's Temple Israel fills two senior positions
Temple Israel, West Palm Beach’s only Reform synagogue and the first Jewish organization established in Palm Beach County, has named Iryssa Jackowitz as its new director of experiences & engagement and Becky Saka as its marketing director. The appointments come during an exciting period of growth for Temple Israel, following its recent move to a new, centrally located West Palm Beach campus and continued work creating a welcoming Jewish community where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, celebrate, learn and find a sense of Jewish community.
Space of Mind launches program designed for specific learning needs
Space of Mind, in partnership with North Star Learning Villages Inc., recently launched the Bridges Academy Program as a satellite offering on their Delray Beach campus. Families will now have access to personalized academic interventions for students enrolled at Space of Mind. The program is designed to support kids whose academic progress is being hindered by underlying cognitive, neurological or skill-based challenges. It will be a “school-within-a-school” or intensive “boot camp” program, where each participant receives a customized intervention plan based on comprehensive evaluation and performance data. “One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is that these interventions can be integrated directly into our school day,” said founder Ali Kaufman.
If you are looking for more insight into the movers and shakers operating in the Palm Beaches, subscribe to our real estate newsletter, The Dirt, keep an eye out for stories and perspective from veteran reporter and Alexandra Clough. If you have an announcement for Business People on the Move, please send it to Pbbusiness@pbpost.com.
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County professionals on the move for the week of Sept. 21
