DeSantis taps presidential campaign ally Stephanie Kopelousos to lead the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is moving Stephanie Kopelousos, another of his allies, into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District administrator role.

Stephanie Kopelousos, with a background in public policy and transportation, played a pivotal role in Governor Ron DeSantis's administration as the Director of Legislative Affairs, starting January 2019. Her responsibilities involved fostering relationships with state legislators and conveying the governor's policy positions. She also served as FDOT Secretary, and Kopelousos transitioned to DeSantis's failed presidential campaign team in 2024.

CFTOD is already looking for its second new leader in less than a year

Last week, DeSantis appointed the existing CFTOD administrator Glen Gilzean as Supervisor of Elections in Orange County, filling the vacancy left by former supervisor Bill Cowles' retirement in January. Gilzean will head the Elections Office as the state prepares for the 2024 presidential election.

CFTOD Administrator Glen Gilzean

It isn't yet clear if Gilzean has already resigned from the $400K job at CFTOD, but Gilzean said previously that Paula Hoisington will be acting District Administrator during his absence. However, today's recommendation by DeSantis appears to suggest Gilzean will be leaving the CFTOD job after less than a year.

The ultimate decision rests with the CFTOD board, which was also hand-picked by DeSantis and is likely to follow the Florida Governor's recommendations.

The DeSantis-controlled Central Florida Tourism Oversight District replaced Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District in June 2023.