DeSantis recommends Stephanie Kopelousos as director of board overseeing Disney World area

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is recommending Stephanie Kopelousos as the next director of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Kopelousos was most recently the Legislative Affairs director for DeSantis, along with having been a senior advisor to the governor. She also recently served on DeSantis’ presidential campaign.

In a statement to Florida’s Voice, DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin touted her “extensive state and local government experience,” which he said makes her an “ideal” candidate to be director of the district.

“We are glad to see her step into this leadership role as the District embarks upon the next chapter in its efforts to ensure an even and transparent playing field for the businesses that operate in Central Florida,” he said.

Additionally, Kopelousos was the Clay County Manager for eight years.

She was previously the secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, along with also having been the Department of Transportation chief of staff.

The district was established in 2023, replacing the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was more closely controlled by Disney.

DeSantis and Florida Republican lawmakers began the process of dismantling the “self governing” district in 2022.

DeSantis appointed the new district in February 2023.

Since then, it has enacted reforms and aimed to withdraw the former governing body from the grasps of Disney.

DeSantis celebrated in a recent press conference those reforms, such as lowering taxes and abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI policies.