Commissioner Gerard was elected to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners in 2014. Previously, she served as the mayor of Largo, elected in 2006 and then re-elected in 2009 and 2012. Before becoming mayor, she served as a Largo commissioner for two three-year terms, first elected in 2000.

During Commissioner Gerard’s tenure with Largo, the city built Pinellas County’s first Platinum LEED certified building and streamlined the permit application process, allowing small businesses to grow and create new jobs during the economic downturn. Under her leadership, the city commission cut $12 million from the city budget in five years, keeping tax rates low.