Rudolph “Rudy” Galindo, president of the Night Runners West Palm Beach and Assistant Director of West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation Department, has been appointed as the city of West Palm Beach’s LGBTQ+ Liaison.
The LGBT liaison is a current city employee selected to serve as a resource for the mayor and the public in advocating for LGBT issues and concerns and in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality in West Palm Beach.
Galindo, 37, has been working in recreation for 22 years. Starting as a lifeguard in California, Galindo rose through the ranks of local government, eventually moving to West Palm Beach. During his time, he served in many roles in many jurisdictions including Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor, Management Analyst, and now Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation. Galindo moved to Florida in 2016 for his current role.
Galindo’s story was almost a tragic one. Ten years ago, Galindo suffered a near-fatal accident that forever changed his life. This near-death experience drove Galindo to make positive changes for himself and others around him. He began to volunteer with LGBT youth and lead running groups. He dedicated himself to doing one triathlon a year and has kept that promise to himself. Upon moving to West Palm Beach, this passion drove Galindo to found the Night Runners West Palm Beach running/walking group and join the Compass youth mentoring program.
“This connection with Compass opened many new doors to connect with individuals, groups and businesses specifically in the LGBTQ+ community. This LGBTQ+ community connection sparked the conversation with others about starting a running group, leading to the formation of night Runners WPB,” Galindo explained.
“Being asked by Mayor Keith James to fill the role of LGBTQ+ liaison was an honor and felt like a perfect fit with my experience and connection to the community,” Galindo continued.
The LGBT liaison position was created by former West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. The previous liaison, Robert Telford, was selected by both Muoio and James, though James took some time to reappoint the role after his election since he had not been informed that it needed appointing. Telford left his role in February and Galindo was appointed in March.
“Looking forward to dealing with Rudy,” said Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.
Hoch said he’s expecting Boynton Beach to appoint an LGBT liaison to their city with the recent election of its first out mayor.
