Speaking at today's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board of supervisors meeting, the district administrator, Glen Gilzean, said that morale at the district has increased since taking over Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Gilzean pointed to his open-door policy and said that some staff have shared that this was the first time they've had a chance to meet with the district administrator.
Gilzean said, "I have met with multiple departments across the district for our coffee and conversation, collecting countless amounts of feedback and acting on it as we increase the employees' well-being and work-life balance. Meeting with the fire department in the evening for dinner and on weekends. All have further increased morale throughout the district."
Today's comments come amid numerous recent reports of mass resignations. Over thirty employees have resigned from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District since the DeSantis-appointed board took over. Departures include almost half of the district's senior leadership following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' controversial takeover of the district, raising serious concerns about operational stability and political influence.
Previously known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, CFTOD has seen departures at every level - from the district administrator and chief financial officer to crucial roles in public works, procurement, and facilities management.
In a publically released employee exit survey, a former executive assistant at CFTOD said, "The legacy of this special district is being destroyed by those who have been placed in power here. The Board of Supervisors and the new District Administrator could care less about the work that needs to be done for the taxpayers. They claim transparency and bridge building; I see non-transparency and bridge burning."
The district encompasses approximately 25,000 acres in both Orange and Osceola counties, servicing 24 landowners, including Walt Disney World.
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