TAMPA, FL – Ronald A. Christaldi, one of the premiere attorneys in Florida and a prolific community leader, has been reappointed to a second five-year term to the Board of Trustees for New College of Florida (NCF), where he will continue to serve as Vice Chair. Ron is a partner at the Shumaker law firm and serves as President/CEO of the Shumaker Advisors Florida public affairs firm.
Founded in Sarasota in 1960, NCF is the state’s Honors College and was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2023. Known for its academically rigorous and highly personalized education, NCF serves over 800 students on its 110-acre campus.
“It’s a privilege to continue serving my alma mater and supporting its mission of preparing intellectually curious students for lives of achievement,” said Ron. “I am passionate about fostering innovation and collaboration at NCF and look forward to building on its legacy of excellence.”
Ron’s contributions to NCF are part of his broader commitment to advancing education and economic development. Recently appointed to the Board of Supervisors for the Hope Innovation District, he also serves as Chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Chair of Leadership Florida, and Chair-Elect of the Tampa Museum of Art Board of Trustees. He is a founding board member of the African American Arts and Cultural Center and has held numerous leadership positions, including past Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
A preeminent business lawyer with a distinguished practice in both transactions and litigation, Ron has been recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as one of the top 100 lawyers in Florida and by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the top 100 most influential lawyers in the nation. Among his accolades is the prestigious H.L. Culbreath Profile in Leadership Award, and he has served in leadership roles for organizations such as The Spring, the Business Committee for the Arts, AMI Kids YES, and the City of Tampa’s Cultural Assets Commission.
NCF continues to lead in interdisciplinary research and collaborative learning. With its 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasis on tailored educational experiences, the institution prepares students for successful futures. As Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees, Ron will play a vital role in supporting NCF’s mission and driving its ambitious enrollment and strategic goals.