Kriseman explains his decision to join Shumaker Advisors

As former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman’s time at the podium was coming to a close, he said he hoped to “find a job that is as emotionally and psychologically rewarding” – and now he has.

Kriseman, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2022, is joining Shumaker Advisors Florida, one of the fastest-growing public law firms in Florida.

Kriseman will be the Managing Principal of the U.S. Cities Practice, where he will focus on sustainable economic development and urban planning. He will be working with clients locally and nationally.

He officially starts with the firm today (Jan. 31).

“I hope this will allow me to be helpful to businesses or nonprofits in the community,” Kriseman told the St. Pete Catalyst. “I saw this as an opportunity to continue making a difference. They’ve [Shumaker] done a good job building a high-confident team. I looked at its list of  advisors and given my experience of 20 years in politics, it’s something the team needs to help make the strongest on both sides of the bay.” 

Kriseman received interest and offers from other organizations that he described as having a lot of respect for, but he made the decision to join Shumaker as it was the best fit for him.  

Kriseman has deep ties to the community and state. Although the former mayor was born in Detroit, he moved to Florida in 1972 and attended Boca Ciega High School. He earned degrees from the University of Florida and Stetson College of Law. Before serving as mayor for two terms, Kriseman practiced law from 2007 to 2013 as a personal injury attorney.

“Mayor Kriseman’s leadership over the last eight years has seen St. Pete through some of their most challenging, but accomplished times,” former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. Buckhorn joined Shumaker Advisors in Tampa earlier this month.

“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,” he said. 

Kriseman said he spoke with Buckhorn before taking on the new role. 

“We are honored to have Rick join Shumaker Advisors. His vision to achieve economic growth while focusing on sustainability and purpose inspires us all,” Shumaker Advisors President and CEO Ron Christaldi said in a release. “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 said his day-to-day duties will include working with Shumaker’s current clients and new ones.

“I want to bring new clients and businesses outside of the state into the firm. There are many businesses looking to grow and expand in Florida,” he said, adding how his local and national connections would play a major part.  

Kriseman is still a licensed lawyer and therefore, will also be serving Shumaker as of council in the public policy and government affairs service line. 

Shumaker Advisors also recently added Florida’s former Deputy Secretary of Business Regulation Michael Johnston, former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, former Hillsborough County Commissioners Lesley Miller and Sandra Murman, long-time Chief Assistant Hillsborough County Attorney Jennie Granahan Tarr, Suskey Consulting Founder and CEO Alan Suskey, among others.