Law firm hires former St. Pete, Tampa mayors

TAMPA — Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, who left office in early January after serving two terms, has joined Shumaker Advisors Florida, a subsidiary of Tampa-based law firm Shumaker.

According to a news release, Kriseman will serve as managing principal of Shumaker Advisors’ U.S. cities practice. He has also been named of counsel in Shumaker’s public policy and government affairs team.

“We are honored to have Rick join Shumaker Advisors,” Shumaker Advisors President and CEO Ron Christaldi states in the release. “His vision to achieve economic growth, while focusing on sustainability and purpose, inspires us all. It is a compliment to our team that Rick believes in our ability to make a true impact and we are excited for more success ahead.”

Kriseman, who was succeeded in the St. Pete mayor’s office by longtime Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, oversaw incredible growth during his Sunshine City leadership tenure.

“Tampa Bay has incredible potential,” Kriseman states in the release. “With our top leaders and greatest minds working together, the region’s future is brighter than ever. I am honored to join the prestigious team at Shumaker Advisors and to work with their clients who are committed to ensuring that our communities become better places for all.”

Kriseman’s announcement comes on the heels of former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s decision to join Shumaker. Like Kriseman, Buckhorn, who was succeeded by current Mayor Jane Castor, served two mayoral terms, with much of his tenure overlapping Kriseman's. 

"Mayor Kriseman's leadership over the past eight years has seen St. Pete through some of (its) most challenging but accomplished times,” Buckhorn states in the release. “Rick is a dear friend and cherished colleague, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together to bring more prosperity and opportunity to the Tampa Bay region."