Gov. DeSantis names 2 members to Disney World’s governing board

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed two members to Disney World’s governing board that the state notoriously took over in 2023.

DeSantis has named banker Matt Ravenscroft and lawyer David Woods to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

“Ravenscroft is the Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando,” DeSantis said in a press release to announce the choices. “Previously, he served as a Senior Vice President of Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. Ravenscroft earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.”

Woods works at Woods & Woods, P.A., DeSantis highlighted.

“His practice areas include real estate, wills, trusts, and estates,” DeSantis said. “Woods earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and his juris doctor from St. Thomas University.”

Their appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

The CFTOD oversees the largely behind-the-scenes side of Disney World — roads, infrastructure and emergency services that respond when guests are hurt or sick.

The special district, however, was thrown into the national media limelight in 2023 during the infamous DeSantis-Disney feud. 

Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek hesitatingly spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

What came next was a wave of backlash among Florida Republicans.

The Legislature passed a 2023 law that gave DeSantis the power to appoint members onto the CFTOD, which had formerly been called the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Previously, Disney had largely controlled its own governing board. DeSantis said it was inappropriate for The Mouse to have such an advantage above the other theme park operators in Orlando.

These days, the CFTOD is no longer in the headlines.

CFTOD Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos — DeSantis’ former Senior Advisor and the Director of Legislative Affairs — handles day-to-day operations. But the public fight against Disney and Republicans has died down. In a sign of a healed relationship, DeSantis appointed Disney World President Jeff Vahle to a high-profile University of Central Florida Trustee position last year.