E349 - Kerry Kriseman - Accidental First Lady - On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics

Episode 349 - Kerry Kriseman - Accidental First Lady - On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics

Hello, and thank you for visiting. I’m a St. Petersburg native, and a graduate of University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) with a B.A. in Mass Communications/Broadcasting. I’m also a former political spouse.

After years of being asked, “How do you do this?” I decided to tell my story of political spouse life with Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics.

Since publishing my book, I’ve had the honor of helping others start their author journeys. I’ve taught memoir writing with Keep St. Pete Lit, and next year, I’ll teach a 4-part memoir class at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College. 

To reach aspiring writers everywhere, I’m designing an online class: Memoir Magic: Crafting, Publishing, and Promoting Your Life Story. I’d love to add you to my Founders Group of students.  

About the author

Kerry Kriseman is a St. Petersburg native. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Mass Communications/Broadcasting. 

Kerry worked in print media for the St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times) in various positions in the Newsroom and Marketing Department from 1988 to 1998. She has been the Public Relations Manager for Creative Clay, a St. Petersburg, Fla., non-profit since 2008.

Kerry is the author of Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines and Behind the Scenes of Local Politics, published by St. Petersburg Press. The memoir recounts her 22 years as a political spouse to her lawyer-turned-politician husband, Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg Mayor from 2014-2022. Political life afforded Kerry remarkable travel experiences, such as travel to Morocco, Scotland, and Qatar. However, she also finds her hometown of St. Pete engaging, with its world-class museums, local arts districts, diversity, and vibrant neighborhoods. 

Equally as enjoyable as travel are Kerry’s passions: dogs (her own Labradors and the guide dog puppies they raise), volunteering in several capacities, enjoying wine, trying new recipes, and challenging her baking skills with her new Kitchen Aid stand mixer.

https://www.kerrykriseman.com/