Nationally recognized business attorney to help advance Tampa’s vision as a globally connected hub for trade, innovation, and international collaboration
TAMPA, FL – Ronald A. Christaldi, a recognized business and civic leader, Shumaker Partner, and President & CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, has been appointed to the Host Committee for the inaugural Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit (TIDES), a citywide initiative highlighting Tampa’s rise as a globally connected hub for international business, diplomacy, innovation, education, and cultural exchange.
Scheduled for November 16–17, 2026, TIDES will bring together public- and private-sector leaders to build international partnerships, expand economic opportunity, and showcase Tampa’s growing global influence. On the Host Committee, Ron will work alongside civic and business leaders to provide strategic guidance and engage organizations that reflect the region’s international reach.
“The Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit is designed to showcase Tampa’s growing international role while creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration across business, education, diplomacy, culture, and innovation,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “Ron's leadership will be a meaningful addition to the TIDES Host Committee as we work together to elevate Tampa’s position as a globally connected city.”
A longtime champion of economic development and community leadership, Ron has helped advance many of Tampa Bay’s transformative initiatives, partnering with business leaders, public officials, and nonprofit organizations to attract investment, support entrepreneurship, and raise the region’s national profile. His work includes playing a central role in efforts to retain Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays in the region and strengthening Tampa Bay’s global connections through international relations, including sister city relationships in Ireland and Italy.
Deeply invested in Florida’s civic, cultural, and economic development, Ron currently serves as Chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and the Tampa Museum of Art, Vice Chair of New College of Florida, and Chair of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Hope Innovation District. He previously chaired Leadership Florida and the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in establishing the African American Arts and Cultural Center. His community leadership also includes roles with The Spring of Tampa Bay, AMI Kids, the Business Committee for the Arts, and the City of Tampa’s Cultural Assets Commission.
Viewed as a leader nationally and across Florida, Ron has earned honors that include being named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Power 100 for six consecutive years, one of the Nation's 100 Most Influential Attorneys by The Business Journals, a Florida Trend 2025 Florida 500 recipient, a 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100 honoree, as well as repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and prior recognition by Florida Trend among Florida's Top 100 Lawyers.
The TIDES Host Committee will provide strategic leadership, visibility, and community engagement while helping ensure the summit represents the full breadth of Tampa’s business, educational, cultural, and diplomatic communities.
“Throughout my career, I have seen how strong relationships and international collaboration drive economic growth and create lasting opportunities for our community,” said Ron. “Tampa has emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic business markets, and TIDES offers an important opportunity to showcase our region’s innovation, talent, and global connectivity. I am honored to support an initiative that will strengthen Tampa’s international presence for years to come.”
The inaugural summit is expected to attract leaders in international trade, diplomacy, higher education, sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange, further positioning Tampa as a globally connected city and gateway for international partnerships.