Florida Government's Bold Move: New Leader Injected Into Disney World's Governing Body

In another bold move by Florida’s government, Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) appointed a new leader to take over the governing district for Walt Disney World Resort.

Ron DeSantis Appoints New Disney World CFTOD Administrator, Stephanie Kopelousos – Controversy Ahead?

After winning yet another historical lawsuit against Walt Disney World Resort, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has chosen and appointed the new administrator for Disney’s governing district, Stephanie Kopelousos, who also happens to be a former Florida State official. Will there be controversy ahead?

In a unanimous decision, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has appointed Stephanie Kopelousos as its new administrator. The board swiftly approved Kopelousos’ appointment, effective immediately and under the same terms and conditions as former administrator Glen Gilzean. Notably, the position commands a salary of $400k. District employees disclose their wages through the government, which is reported on news sites.

Bringing a wealth of experience in public policy and transportation, Kopelousos played a significant role in Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration as the Director of Legislative Affairs. Her responsibilities included cultivating relationships with state legislators and articulating the governor’s policy stances. Previously, she served as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Kopelousos transitioned to DeSantis’s presidential campaign team in 2024.

In another development, Craig Mateer, recently appointed by Governor DeSantis, appeared at today’s CFTOD board meeting. This follows DeSantis’s prior appointment of the incumbent CFTOD administrator, Glen Gilzean, as Supervisor of Elections in Orange County earlier this month. Gilzean’s new role fills the vacancy left by the retirement of former supervisor Bill Cowles in January. He will oversee the Elections Office as the state prepares for the 2024 presidential election.

It’s worth noting that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, under the purview of Governor DeSantis, replaced Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District in June 2023.

As mentioned above, the CFTOD also won a historic legal win over Walt Disney World in regaining control of Disney’s governing district while allowing the House of Mouse to adhere to specific rules and regulations regarding expansion projects. The deal between the two entities marks an unforgettable day two years in the making.

The abovementioned lawsuit was won this past Wednesday, in which Disney World accepted the CFTOD’s offer to settle a state-level lawsuit. A resolution has finally been reached after a protracted two-year struggle marked by political and legal clashes.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) will continue under the jurisdiction of Governor DeSantis and his governing district following the settlement of the state-level lawsuit. Specific conditions have been established for both parties moving forward.

Mateer, known for his contributions to DeSantis’ presidential campaign and prior appointments by the governor to positions in the State University System’s Board of Governors and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, awaits confirmation by the Florida Senate for his latest appointment.