Kriseman joins local Jewish and community service board

Shumaker and Shumaker Advisors’ Rick Kriseman, the former St. Petersburg mayor, has joined the Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Service Board of Directors. 

The Gulf Coast board was formed in 1960 and helps at-risk community members find safety, comfort, and a path toward a fulfilling life, regardless of race, religion, culture or gender identity.

“This organization has grown over the years and is focusing on the community-at-large with people migrating here, connecting with Holocaust survivors, working on the CALL program [Community Action and Life Liaison] and trying to uplift the entire community,” Kriseman said.

Kriseman, who left office in January, currently serves as Executive Vice President and Principal of the U.S. Cities Practice for Shumaker Advisors Florida, where he focuses on sustainable economic development and urban planning. 

“After serving in office and being an official for 21 years, I’ve experienced things and could help if they [GCJFCS] are thinking of going in a certain direction and where we can avoid duplicating efforts,” Kriseman said, explaining how he believes the board appreciates his candor.

GCJFCS’s programs encompass a spectrum of human services, including helping individuals with behavioral health challenges and those who are unemployed and under-employed. The group also helps refugees and survivors of torture with essential services that support them to adapt to life in America successfully. The services the group offers range from child welfare and adoption, family support, job and employment transition, housing, food, transportation and home care assistance for the elderly, according to GCJFC’s website. 

Kriseman said as an elected official, there are several boards you inherently join while being restricted from joining not-for-profit organizations. The JFCS was an organization he hoped to one day become a part of after witnessing the impact the organization carries. 

Kriseman has previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Florida League of Cities Board of Directors, Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors, Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors, Pinellas County Tourist Development Council Board of Directors, St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Governors and Cities Race to Zero Initiative Committee, among many other boards.