TAMPA, FL — Shumaker Partner Ronald A. Christaldi has been appointed as the Chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) Board of Directors, reflecting his longstanding commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation throughout the Tampa Bay region.
“Ron is a pillar of the Tampa Bay community and a longtime supporter of the Tampa Bay EDC,” said Craig J. Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “We have an important year ahead of us with some exciting initiatives underway, and we’re honored to have Ron’s leadership at the helm.”
Ron has been an active and integral member of the EDC, bringing years of dedicated leadership and service to his roles. Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice Chair (2023-2024), Secretary/Treasurer (2022-2023), and General Counsel (2020-2022). Additionally, Ron has been instrumental in the Executive Committee, the International Business Development Committee, the Relocation Task Force, and the Prosperity Foundation Capital Campaign as a captain from 2021 to 2023. His participation on the Audit & Finance Committee in 2017 and his past involvement with the Economic Recovery Task Force Retention and Business Support Working Group further illustrate his dedication to the Tampa Bay EDC’s initiatives.
As Chair, Ron will lead the EDC’s efforts to strengthen the Tampa Bay area as a premier location for business expansion, talent recruitment, and economic investment. Known for his ability to successfully guide complex negotiations and major initiatives, Ron has been described by colleagues and clients alike as an indispensable asset for tackling big deals, resolving challenging legal issues, and addressing multifaceted business needs.
“I am honored to assume the role of Tampa EDC Chair at such a pivotal time for our region. With Tampa Bay ranked 35th on the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Places’ list and 8th among metros for economic growth, it’s clear that our community is thriving and on the rise. I look forward to working with our partners to continue building on this momentum, fostering growth, and making Tampa Bay an even better place to live, work, and invest,” Ron said.
In addition to his leadership within the EDC, Ron has held significant roles in numerous organizations that support Tampa Bay’s growth and cultural vitality. He previously served as Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber, Chair of Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts, and Chair of the 2018 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. A fierce advocate for keeping Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa, Ron has also championed efforts to strengthen Tampa Bay’s global connections, supporting international relations through sister city partnerships in Ireland and Italy.
A partner at Shumaker and President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, Ron’s impact extends across both Shumaker and the community. He is a former member of Shumaker’s firm-wide Management Committee and served as Managing Partner of the firm’s Tampa office, where he remains a key figure in regional and national business initiatives.