TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) has appointed two Shumaker lawyers, Ron Christaldi and Julio Esquivel, to serve in EDC leadership roles and assist in advancing the EDC’s mission to develop and sustain a thriving local economy by focusing on the attraction, expansion, and retention of high-wage jobs and capital investment. Ron Christaldi will serve as the EDC’s General Counsel, and as a member of the EDC’s Executive Committee. Doubling down on its leveraging of Shumaker talent, the EDC also elected Julio Esquivel to serve as Chair of its Investor Relations Committee, which serves a pivotal role in building consensus within the business community and ensuring that the EDC has the critical resources necessary to develop and sustain a flourishing local economy. As Chair of the Investor Relations Committee, Julio is also a member of the EDC Executive Committee.
“The EDC plays a vital role in the growth and success of this region, and we are honored to be a part of the EDC team,” said Ron Christaldi.
“Shumaker has been a longstanding and valuable supporter of the EDC over the years,” said Craig Richard, President and CEO, Tampa Bay EDC. “We have an exciting year ahead as we charge forward with our strategic plan. We’re grateful to be able to lean on the expertise and leadership of Ron and Julio.”
Ron, a business lawyer representing clients in complex transactions and litigation, and the President/CEO of the public affairs firm Shumaker Advisors Florida, is well-known for his legal acumen and for building relationships within the community. Named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the nation and one of the top 100 lawyers in the State of Florida, Ron is a past-chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber. Ron brings to his EDC General Counsel role vast experience as business counsel and the ability to be a high-level connector.
Julio serves as a trusted advisor to companies seeking a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to business law matters. Having been in private practice now for more than 20 years, Julio brings to the EDC leadership a vast experience in M&A transactions. Julio is also uniquely positioned to further the EDC’s foreign trade aspect of its mission, as he has handled sophisticated international transactions in excess of $500 million.
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