‘Deeply connected’ Seth Gordon has died. He changed arts and politics in Miami

Whether it was helping to guide a political candidate or helping to launch the New World School of the Arts, Seth Gordon loved to make things happen in South Florida.

“Lesson for Miami: Never look down,” he said in a 2020 LinkedIn post.

“Seth, a larger than life creative force in our community, was deeply connected with both politics and people,” said David Lawrence Jr. a former chair of New World, retired publisher of the Miami Herald, and now chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida. “A champion of culture, his savvy and connections made a difference in so much, including the founding of the New World School of the Arts.”

Gordon died Oct. 26 under hospice care. He was 77.

Gordon founded several publicity firms including Abrams/Gordon/Vodicka Inc. and Seth Gordon Initiatives, and he represented major clients such as former President Jimmy Carter.

Gordon’s professional work was rivaled by his zeal for Miami’s art scene.

Gordon was a founding member of the New World School of the Arts and wanted the school to reflect New York’s LaGuardia School of the Arts made famous by the 1980s film and TV show “Fame.”

“In those early days, community leaders like Seth worked hard to help Miami grow and develop,” said Jeffrey Hodgson, provost and CEO at the New World School of the Arts. “They believed that young artists in Miami deserved a world-class conservatory that would prepare them for artistic lives and careers.”

Political force

Gordon was born in New York City on May 12, 1948, and grew up in Falls Village, Connecticut, and Bangor, Maine. His passion for the arts was shaped by his father, Frank, a musician who performed with the New York Philharmonic, and Frank Sinatra. Gordon’s mother, Louise, was a writer from Georgia.

As a Miami transplant, public service and civic engagement were at the center of Gordon’s work as a publicist and lobbyist. He worked as an assistant to two Florida senators, Jack Gordon and Ken Myers, early in his career, and later worked closely with institutions like the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

When former Georgia peanut farmer and governor Jimmy Carter led his campaign in Florida in the 1970s, Gordon served as his public relations advisor and strategist. Gordon helped shape the campaign’s messaging in Florida and he utilized all of his connections to help Carter gain votes in a swing state.

Following his work with the Carter campaign, Gordon worked as a private consultant and founded different public relations firms including Abrams/Gordon/Vodicka Inc., and Seth Gordon Initiatives. The work allowed Gordon to share his communications knowledge with a new generation of professionals.

“Seth believed in me at a time when I needed it most,” said Jami Reyes, vice president of strategic Partnerships and communications at Americaribe. “Because of him, I stayed in Miami and found not just a career, but purpose. He set me on a path I never could have imagined.”

Whenever possible, Gordon took time to champion how attractive Miami can be.

“It will be a good way to get a panoramic view of what downtown has to offer,” he told the Miami Herald in 2019 about a 176-foot tall observation wheel. “It’s a Ferris wheel on steroids.”

Survivors, donations and services

Gordon is survived by his nephew Seth Bilodeau. Instead of flowers, Gordon’s friends and family suggest donations for the New World School.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Miami Herald staff writer Howard Cohen contributed to this report.

This story was originally published November 11, 2025 at 5:46 PM.