Mayor Ken Welch Appoints Nathan Bruemmer as LGBTQ+ Liaison

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch Appoints Nathan Bruemmer as LGBTQ+ Liaison

Dec. 1, 2025 – St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch has named attorney, educator, and LGBTQ+ policy leader Nathan Bruemmer as the City of St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, reinforcing St. Pete’s commitment to advancing inclusivity, safety, and equity for all of its residents and visitors.

“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,” said Mayor Welch. “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 LGBTQ+ Liaison, Bruemmer will serve as the City’s primary point of contact for LGBTQ+ residents, organizations, businesses, and allies. He will work across City departments to strengthen inclusive workplace practices, expand equitable policies, and build partnerships that support belonging and safety for all.

“I’m honored to step into the LGBTQ+ Liaison role for the City of St. Petersburg,” said Nathan Bruemmer. “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.”

Mayor Welch also expressed his appreciation for Eric Vaughan, who has served as the City’s LGBTQ+ Liaison since 2024. Vaughan was instrumental in strengthening community relationships and supporting the City’s equity work during a period of challenge and change.

“Eric brought care, professionalism, and a true commitment to ensuring our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors felt supported and valued,” said Mayor Welch. “We are grateful for his service and the meaningful impact of his leadership in this role.”

As a former statewide LGBTQ+ consumer advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Bruemmer advised senior officials, built cross-sector partnerships, represented organizational priorities in public settings, and monitored emerging issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities across the state.

Bruemmer’s background also includes executive leadership roles in major LGBTQ+ organizations including St. Pete Pride, Florida’s largest Pride celebration, 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. Prior to practicing locally, he provided legal support 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.

As an educator and legal scholar, Bruemmer taught in Hillsborough County Public Schools and was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Stetson University College of Law, where he teaches an upper-level seminar on how U.S. law regulates gender identity and sexual orientation.

Bruemmer’s commitment to community service is noted through his multiple awards and volunteer roles including board positions held with Equality Florida, diversity and inclusion work through local bar associations, and serving 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.

Bruemmer will report directly to Mayor Welch’s Chief of Staff Jordan “Doyle” Walsh.

City of St. Petersburg Achievements in LGBTQ+ Inclusion The City of St. Petersburg continues to be a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion. St. Pete has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for 12 consecutive years, reflecting comprehensive non-discrimination protections, strong municipal employment practices, inclusive services, and visible LGBTQ+ leadership. Recent years have seen expanded support through all-gender facilities, strengthened community programs, and enhanced equity-focused initiatives under Mayor Welch’s administration.