Mayor's Office
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Since 1993, St. Petersburg has operated under the strong mayor form of government—a system that combines the strong political leadership of a mayor with an elected city council. The Mayor’s Office supports Mayor Ken Welch and serves to advance the Administration’s high-level initiatives. Appearance Request Form | Mayor Meeting Request | Watch Live Meetings |
Mayor's Cabinet
The Cabinet advises the Mayor on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each Cabinet member's respective position. The Cabinet includes the following members:
- Robert Gerdes, City Administrator, robert.gerdes@stpete.org
- Tom Greene, Assistant City Administrator, tom.greene@stpete.org
- Stephanie Owens, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Policy, deputymayor@stpete.org
- Joe Zeoli, Interim City Development Administrator, joe.zeoli@stpete.org
- James Corbett, Neighborhood Affairs Administrator, james.corbett@stpete.org
- Anthony Holloway, Police Department Chief, anthony.holloway@stpete.org
- Mike Jefferis, Leisure Services Administrator, michael.jefferis@stpete.org
- Jackie Kovilaritch, Legal Department City Attorney, jacqueline.kovilaritch@stpete.org
- James Large, Fire Rescue Department Chief, james.large@stpete.org
- Nina Mahmoudi, Marketing Director, nina.mahmoudi@stpete.org
- Claude Tankersley, Public Works Administrator, claude.tankersley@stpete.org
Mayor's Office Staff
Wayne is responsible for the City’s cultural affairs strategy and implementation that prioritizes the success of our cultural institutions and our local artists which contribute significantly to not only the economy, but to the cultural fabric and creative nature of the city, its residents and its visitors. He works with the city's Arts Alliance and other groups to advance the city as a major cultural center of the Southeast with multiple arts districts through multiple programs. He interfaces with all city departments to ensure the arts in their broadest definition are a successful part of all aspects of the city.
In addition to her duties as the Greenhouse Manager within the City Development Administration, Jessica serves as the Mayor’s liaison in developing cooperative relationships among representatives of local business groups and associations and to promote economic development in the City. She helps small and independent businesses navigate city government, leads the Mayor’s Small Business Tour series, and formulates policy aimed at helping St. Petersburg’s businesses thrive.
The Mayor's Office LGBTQ+ Liaison elevates LGBTQ+-related concerns from the community to the City executive and other City officials. Jim also manages the Mayor's Action Center's daily operations, helping to ensure each department's responsiveness and works closely with our residents to maintain St. Pete's high quality of life.
Position vacant.
Biography to come.
leah.mcrae@stpete.org
Leah works with students, families, faculty, as well as community groups and leaders to advocate on behalf of St. Petersburg’s public schools. She serves as a liaison with the Pinellas County School Board and other governmental bodies influencing education policy. Ms. McRae will also lead efforts on the implementation of the Mayor’s Service Learning Initiative, and serve as a representative of the City and the Mayor on issues of youth, education, and civic engagement. She will work closely with departments throughout the city to engage St. Petersburg schools most in need.
john.rodriguez@stpete.org
John is responsible for the creation of the city of St. Petersburg’s legislative agenda, advancing the Mayor’s priorities at the local, regional, and state level, and serving as the City’s primary liaison to other governments and agencies. He oversees the City’s state and federal lobbying efforts and analyzes and recommends changes to existing and proposed laws.
sharon.wright@stpete.org
Sharon is responsible for delivering the mayor’s sustainability priorities by working across city departments and with citizens, businesses, and community partners to establish a community-wide sustainability program. Sustainability in St. Petersburg means finding the balance between environmental protection, economic vitality, and social equity and responsibility. Sharon’s work includes collaborating on programs like STAR Communities to set goals and implement policies, planning for climate change and resiliency challenges, and working with project teams to build and maintain city facilities sustain and equitably.
markus.hughes@stpete.org
Visit St. Petersburg Police Community Services page for more information.