Kerry and Rick Kriseman
photography by win wolloff
Rick Kriseman is the 53rd Mayor of the City of
St. Petersburg. He was a member of the Florida House of
Representatives for six years and was on the St. Petersburg
City Council from 2000 to 2006, serving as its chair in
2005. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcasting
from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctorate
from the Stetson College of Law. His wife Kerry, a
St. Petersburg native, received her Bachelor of Arts
degree in Mass Communications from USF and, since 2008,
has been a grant writer and public relations specialist for
Creative Clay. An active community volunteer, she is a
board member of the Heart Gallery of Pinellas/Pasco and
was on the board of Family Service Center and a trustee
of Great Explorations: The Children’s Museum. She is
also a member of the Junior League of St. Petersburg.
Kerry and Rick have two children, Jordan and Samuel,
and the Krisemans serve as a volunteer puppy raiser
family for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Why do you live here?
Kerry: I was born in St. Petersburg and many of
the people I grew up with are still here for the
same reasons as me – they love living here, love
the people in this community. The changes that
have happened here in the past few years have
made this city even better.
Rick: The Sunshine City is our home, and it has so
much to offer families like ours. It is unique in
that it is a big city with all the amenities of a big
city, but it also has a community feel. We owe
our quality of life to strong neighborhoods,
beautiful parks, cultural attractions, as well as the
convenience of restaurants and commerce. It’s a
really special place that’s only getting better.
What is your favorite word?
Kerry: Integrity.
Rick: Honesty. I think honesty is probably the most
important value a person can have.
How do you relax?
Kerry: I enjoy simply hanging out with my family
and our dogs. I also enjoy traveling, cycling on the
Pinellas Trail, and sipping a good glass of wine.
Rick: Because my schedule is so busy, I relax by
simply being at home with my family, even if I’m
doing chores around the house. I also enjoy
playing the guitar (although I am not very good),
listening to music, and drinking a good glass of
wine.
Who is your role model?
Kerry: My mom, because of her work ethic,
perseverance through tough times and ability to
find humor in any situation, which often provides
much-needed perspective. Also, my great aunt,
Sister Jane Scully, who was the first woman on the
board of Gulf Oil; president of Carlow University;
and an advocate for women, justice and peace.
Rick: On a personal level, my mother and father have
served as role models for me. As it relates to public
service, there are several leaders whom I admire,
including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr,
and Abraham Lincoln.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Kerry: Be true to yourself. Work hard.
Play by the rules.
Rick: Don’t lie, treat people with kindness, and just
do the right thing.
Why do you do what you do?
Kerry: I have never really felt that I am or do
anything special. I just try to do the right thing – to
treat people with respect. To be kind and caring.
My hope is that if this is how I live my life, it will
be an example for my children to follow.
Rick: I just want to make our city better, make people’s
lives better, and shape a future, where my children
can live their lives in peace and happiness. I
believe we all have an obligation to give back, to
bring our talents and skills to the table and to help
everyone realize their full potential.
What don’t people know about you?
Kerry: My daughter and I were born in the same
hospital, St. Anthony’s in St. Petersburg.
Rick: I was a ventriloquist growing up and appeared
on many local television shows. I was also a disc
jockey in college and I love to do impressions and
sound effects.
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Kerry: Doing the same thing over and over and
expecting a different result is the definition
of insanity.
Rick: “What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it’s all
about?” – Jimmy Buffett or
“Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you’re
standing outside the fire” – Garth Brooks
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158 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015