The centennial at Shumaker arrived with more than nostalgia, it became a catalyst. Ronald Christaldi, president and chief executive officer, used the moment to advance a clear idea: law firms should help communities move forward, not just manage risk.
Christaldi guided strategic growth across Florida that matched client need with real capability. The firm added depth in real estate, health care and employment law while elevating public affairs and government relations. He built a government relations bench that includes respected former leaders so clients navigate complex policy with seasoned counsel. Each expansion met the simple test of having to create practical value and open doors for progress beyond the boardroom.
That approach shows up in civic work as clearly as it does in courtrooms. Christaldi and his colleagues have supported initiatives tied to the Tampa Museum of Art, Moffitt Cancer Center’s Hope Innovation District and Leadership Florida. Success is measured by the outcomes that follow, projects that get built, neighborhoods that gain momentum and leaders who come together to solve problems at scale.
The future of work inside the firm blends discipline with curiosity. Christaldi pushes for lawyers who are not only excellent at the law but also fluent in technology, cross-disciplinary thinking and global context. Training and mentorship are intentional. Teams learn modern tools, collaborate with business leaders and uphold a culture where pro bono and community service sit alongside client work. The goal is a workforce ready for tomorrow’s demands with judgment that stays human.
His entrepreneurial story sits inside a long commitment. Christaldi has been a partner for many years and serves as president and chief executive officer of Shumaker Advisors Florida, the firm’s public affairs arm. He assembled a team that includes former chairs of the Hillsborough County Commission and other seasoned professionals, then harnessed their networks to serve clients and strengthen prosperity across Tampa Bay. A Titan 100 Honoree, he treats recognition as permission to do more for the region he calls home.
Vision over the next five years is clear. Both the law firm and the public affairs practice will continue to serve across the entire state, deepening work at the intersection of law, business and policy. Shumaker will stay closely engaged in efforts that improve quality of life, from cultural assets to innovation districts, while remaining a trusted counsel in boardrooms where major decisions get made.
Christaldi chairs the Tampa Museum of Art board of trustees and is leading an expansion of the museum. He has chaired the board of trustees at The Spring, one of the largest domestic violence shelters in Hillsborough County. Honors include the Lions World Vision Institute person of vision award. The line that guides him, “let every action uphold what is right,” explains why clients return and why communities invite him to the table when the stakes are high.
