Commissioner Nikki Fried Appoints Nathan Bruemmer as LGBTQ Consumer Advocate at FDACS

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the appointment of Nathan Bruemmer of St. Petersburg as the new LGBTQ Consumer Advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Bruemmer previously served as President of St. Pete Pride, and fills the role established as a new position under Commissioner Fried in 2019 being vacated by Shenika “Nik” Harris, who departed FDACS to join the Human Rights Campaign.

Commissioner Fried first announced Bruemmer’s appointment this past Friday, June 25 at St. Pete Pride’s PrideFest Stonewall Reception, where she also presented a proclamation declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the State of Florida. The department’s Fresh From Florida agricultural marketing program was a PrideFest sponsor.

“As a statewide leader, I take seriously my responsibility to recognize everyone as deserving of dignity and respect, with full rights and privileges as Floridians. Ensuring that LGBTQ+ freedoms are protected requires consistent advocacy and vigilance, which is why upon taking office I established the role of Florida’s first LGBTQ Consumer Advocate. I am thrilled to appoint Nathan Bruemmer to this position as we build on the work we’ve done over the past two years,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “For over two decades, Nathan has served non-profit organizations in his community and throughout our state, and his experience in addressing food and housing insecurity and advancing the rights of LGBTQ Floridians makes him an exceptional addition to our team. I welcome Nathan to the FDACS family and look forward to his efforts on behalf of Florida’s consumers, citizens, families, and businesses.”

"I am honored to join the FDACS family and combine my passion for education and LGBTQ advocacy with my Florida roots – literally! My father was not only a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but also a Florida farmer and rancher,” said Nathan Bruemmer. “I spent much of my childhood working with him on the farm and learning about Florida citrus and cattle. I’m ready to get back to my roots and get my hands in the dirt, and I thank Commissioner Fried for the opportunity to get to work on behalf of all Floridians and businesses."

PHOTOS: Photos including Nathan Bruemmer’s headshot are available here

Background: Nathan Bruemmer, JD (he/him) most recently served as the President and acting Executive Director of St. Pete Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in Florida. He has over twenty years working within and on behalf of non-profit organizations as a consultant, executive director, board member, staff member, and volunteer. Nathan holds a Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. While in law school, he was a member of Stetson Law’s Trial Team, Dispute Resolution Board, and Journal of Advocacy and the Law. Nathan also serves on the Board of Directors of Equality Florida, the TransAction Florida Advisory Council, the Board of Directors of the Rainbow Housing Coalition and as the Legislative Director of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus. In May 2021, Community Tampa Bay presented Nathan with their Silver Medallion Award, which honors leaders in inclusion and justice. In June 2021, the Tampa Bay Business Journal presented Nathan with their “Outstanding Voice Award” for his advocacy work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Established in 2019 as a new position under Commissioner Fried, the LGBTQ Consumer Advocate serves as the department’s liaison to Florida’s LGBTQ+ community, raising awareness on opportunities within the agriculture industry, and helping address discrimination and fraud targeted at the LGBTQ+ community. The position’s establishment followed Commissioner Fried’s becoming the first member of the Florida Cabinet to adopt sexual orientation and gender identity workplace discrimination protections shortly after taking office, underscoring her commitment to a diverse, inclusive department and state.

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