Winter Haven Mayor Brian Yates was sworn in as the 2026-2027 Ridge League of Cities President on September 3, 2026, at the Membership Dinner Meeting hosted by the City of Winter Haven.  She was administered the Oath of Office by Florida League of Cities President and Mayor of the town of Shalimar, FL., Mark Franks.  President Yates served as RLC Treasurer in 2023-2024, Secretary in 2024-2025, and Vice President in 2025-2026.    Brian Yates was elected to the Winter Haven City Commission in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.  He served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2025 and currently serves as Mayor. A Winter Haven native and 7th generation Floridian, Brian graduated from Winter Haven High School, attended Polk State College, and graduated from the Florida School of Banking. Brian is a Senior Vice President and the Director of Small Business Lending at Citizens Bank and Trust. He is a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Winter Haven and a past member of the Florence Villa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Committee. Brian and his wife Samantha have two sons.   Best Wishes President Brian Yates!