District 1

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Meet Council Vice-Chair Gerdes

Contact

copley.gerdes@stpete.org | Legislative Aide: linnie.randolph@stpete.org | 727-551-3528

BiographyGerdes

Charles Copley Gerdes was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, FL. He and his wife, Cecily Valenty Gerdes, were married in 2016 and have two children, Calley and Cade.  Copley and his family enjoy spending time together outside in our parks and on the water.  Both of their children play baseball at Northwest Rec. and play soccer at Azalea.  When not sporting or engaging with their large extended family he and his wife participate in many neighborhood activities as well as supporting local causes and charities. 

Professional
I have a very diverse professional background. I began as a religion major with an emphasis on Catholic Studies at Saint Leo University. While at Saint Leo, I was a two-sport Division II athlete, participating in baseball and swimming. After graduating in 2006, I took a graduate assistant position with the baseball team and worked my way to recruiting coordinator. In 2008, I left Saint Leo for the business world. I became a Business Analyst with FrankCrum, Inc. in Clearwater, Fl. I handled a multitude of business-to-business situations including client on-boarding and retention. In 2010, I joined Keane, Reese, Vesely and Gerdes P.A. as Director of Special Projects. It was an amazing opportunity to work with my father, Charlie Gerdes, and see first-hand how a law office works. In 2011, I joined Northwestern Mutual as an Intern and am now a financial advisor.

Founder and President of Love McKinley
“To inspire hope and support local families who have been impacted by pediatric cancer, and fund organizations that aspire to find a cure for these brave children.” We began this endeavor with a purpose specifically directed at supporting and serving local families with a child undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Committee Assignments

  • Budget, Finance, and Taxation Committee (Chair)
  • Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments
  • Committee of the Whole
  • Community Development Block Grant
  • Health, Energy, Resilience & Sustainability (Alternate)
  • Housing, Land Use and Transportation Committee 
  • Investment Oversight Committee
  • Public Services and Infrastructure Committee (Vice- Chair)
  • Tourist Development Council
  • Youth and Family Services Committee

Terms of Office

Elected to City Council January 2022; term expires January 2, 2025
2024 Vice-Chair of City Council

District 1 Map

PDF Map 

District 1 Precincts

  • 211
  • 215
  • 216
  • 222
  • 230
  • 231
  • 232
  • 235
  • 236
  • 237
  • 240
  • 241