St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch has appointed attorney and educator Nathan Bruemmer as the city’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, a move that reinforces the administration’s focus on advancing inclusion, safety and equity for residents and visitors.
Bruemmer, an experienced attorney, educator and LGBTQ+ policy leader, will serve as the city’s primary point of contact for LGBTQ+ residents, organizations, businesses and allies. He succeeds Eric Vaughan, who has served in the role since 2024.
The announcement comes as St. Petersburg marks 12 consecutive years with a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which reflects the city’s non-discrimination protections, municipal employment practices, inclusive services and visible LGBTQ+ leadership. The appointment aligns with broader equity efforts under Welch, including expanded all-gender facilities, strengthened community programs and enhanced equity-focused initiatives.
“Nathan’s extensive experience serving as a liaison between government, community partners, and LGBTQ+ residents uniquely positions him to help St. Pete continue building a truly inclusive city,” Welch said in a statement. “His statewide leadership, deep community roots, and strong record of collaboration will help us continue advancing equity and ensuring that St. Pete remains a welcoming home for all.”
As liaison, Bruemmer will work across city departments to strengthen inclusive workplace practices, expand equitable policies and build partnerships that support belonging and safety. He will report to Welch’s chief of staff, Jordan “Doyle” Walsh.
“I’m honored to step into the LGBTQ+ Liaison role for the City of St. Petersburg,” Bruemmer said. “St. Pete has long set a standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and I look forward to working with Mayor Welch, City staff, and community partners to expand access, share resources, deepen engagement, and help ensure that all residents feel a true sense of belonging.”
City officials highlighted Bruemmer’s experience in state government, nonprofit leadership, law and education. As a former statewide LGBTQ+ consumer advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, he advised senior officials, built cross-sector partnerships, represented organizational priorities in public settings and monitored emerging issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities across the state.
His nonprofit leadership includes roles with St. Pete Pride and ALSO Youth, where he led operations of the LGBTQ+ youth center serving Sarasota and Manatee counties.
A practicing attorney, Bruemmer has represented clients in estate planning, probate and elder law, and previously supported legal work through externships and fellowships with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the U.S. District Court and Gulfcoast Legal Services.
He has also worked as an educator and legal scholar, teaching in Hillsborough County Public Schools and serving as an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law, where he currently teaches an upper-level seminar on how U.S. law regulates gender identity and sexual orientation.
The city also noted Bruemmer’s volunteer roles and professional service, including Board positions with Equality Florida, diversity and inclusion work through local bar associations and service with national organizations such as the American Bar Association’s Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and the ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Welch also thanked Vaughan, the outgoing LGBTQ+ liaison, for his leadership and support for equity efforts during a period of challenge and change during his tenure.
“Eric brought care, professionalism, and a true commitment to ensuring our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors felt supported and valued,” Welch said. “We are grateful for his service and the meaningful impact of his leadership in this role.”