Who will replace Chief Josh Cramer on Bradenton City Council? See who applied
The Bradenton City Council will soon appoint a new council member for the Ward 3 district.
Upon Josh Cramer’s swearing-in as the City of Bradenton’s new chief of police on July 8, the Ward 3 city council seat became vacant. It’s now up to the City Council to choose who will serve the remainder of Cramer’s term until November 2026.
There is no confirmed timeline for when the City Council will make a decision, said city spokesperson Tiffany Shadik. However, the matter will appear as an agenda item on the council’s July 22 and July 23 workshops, and Shadik said more information may be presented at that time.
After the City Council approved Mayor Gene Brown’s nomination for Cramer in May, city officials began the process to find his replacement.
In a press release sent in June, Brown welcomed applications from interested residents in Ward 3, which includes areas like parts of downtown Bradenton and the Wares Creek neighborhood.
“Our City Council relies on dedicated residents who are willing to serve,” Brown said in the release. “We encourage those who care deeply about their community to apply and help shape Bradenton’s future.”
Cramer served as the councilman for Ward 3 from 2023 until earlier this month, when he was sworn in. Before his tenure on City Council, Cramer had a 30-year career with the Bradenton Police Department.
The application period for Cramer’s replacement closed on July 9, and six applicants submitted their information for consideration. Here are the applicants the council will choose from:
Teri Nattress
Professional background: Nattress’s professional background is in property management, wellness and interior design. Her resume says she is a personal assistant and property manager.
Related experience: Since 2023, Nattress has served as the chairwoman for the Tamiami Trail District Community Redevelopment Agency. She is also a board member of the Village of the Arts Board, which she has been involved in since 2022.
In their words: “As a longtime Bradenton resident, small business owner and active community volunteer, I am deeply committed to the health, development and future of our city,” Nattress wrote.
Mike Kennedy
Professional background: Kennedy is the owner of Kennedy Solutions, LLC, an IT services and consulting firm. He also served as the Director of Florida Operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club from 1999 to 2004.
Related experience: During his time as the executive director of the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority from 2006 to 2010, Kennedy oversaw the multi-million-dollar investment in Bradenton’s Riverwalk “from visioning to construction,” he said in his application.
In their words: “With a more than two-decade commitment to community service in our region, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work alongside you to strengthen the quality of life for the people of Bradenton,” Kennedy wrote.
Kemp Schuessler
Professional background: Schuessler’s resume states he is an independent insurance agent and previously had a career on Wall Street in various roles.
Related experience: In his application, Schuessler said his experience in “complex, highly regulated environments” during his professional career would translate well to the responsibilities of city governance.
In their words: “With over 30 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry, I bring a strong background in strategic planning, budgeting, compliance and team building – skills that I believe will serve our city well as it grows and evolves,” Schuessler wrote.
Jim “Cork” Miller
Professional background: Aside from Miller’s main notoriety as the owner of Cork’s Cigar Bar, 424 Old Main St., he also had a professional career in construction.
Related experience: Miller describes himself as a “common-sense businessman with deep roots in the Bradenton community” and has served on various boards and associations related to Bradenton’s downtown. His resume also says he was a county commissioner in Thomasville, Georgia.
In their words: “As a longtime resident of Bradenton and small business owner in our downtown area for the past 17 years and someone with a background in construction and development, I have been deeply involved in the growth and character of our community,” Miller wrote.
Thomas Baldwin
Professional background: Baldwin is the Chief Operating Officer for Prosperity PEO, LLC, and the Managing Agent & Senior Vice President for Employers First Insurance, Inc.
Related experience: Baldwin said in his application that he is an active resident, attending City Council meetings and CRA meetings. He pointed to his professional skills like leadership, strategic planning and problem solving as a benefit to the position.
In their words: “To effectively serve approximately 60,000 residents, and more than 3 million visitors each year, the person who fills the vacant seat on the City Council must understand (or be willing to learn and understand) the complex issues that face the City of Bradenton,” Baldwin wrote.
Marsha Forrest
Professional background: Forrest owned and operated Central Market in Manatee County from 2002 to 2020 and has owned Central Cafe in Bradenton since 2017.
Related experience: Forrest served as board President of the Humane Society of Manatee County from 2016 to 2018 and was a board member on the Economic Development Corporation of Manatee County from 2014 to 2016.
In their words: “As a longtime resident of Bradenton and a dedicated business owner, I have a deep commitment to the vitality, transparency and long-term success of our city. I believe my experience, leadership skills and community engagement make me a strong candidate to serve during this interim period and potentially beyond,” Forrest said.
