Ron DeSantis Taps Stephanie Kopelousos to Replace Glen Gilzean at the CFTOD
With Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) administrator Glen Gilzean tapped to become the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is turning to an old ally to head the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Stephanie Kopelousos, a longtime DeSantis adviser who most recently served on his campaign for president, has been recommended by DeSantis to replace Gilzean at the CFTOD.
Photo: Orlando Sentinel
While a mere formality, the CFTOD board must approve DeSantis’ recommendation. Still, the governor’s office is already calling the nomination a done deal.
“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,” said Bryan Griffin, communications director for the governor.
Gilzean’s Status Had Been Unclear
Following Gilzean’s appointment as Orange County Supervisor of Elections, it became unclear whether or not the DeSantis ally would attempt to hold both jobs. While Gilzean had refused to respond to requests for comment on the issue, he had previously indicated that he thought it was legal to do both jobs.
Ron DeSantis and Glen Gilzean. Photo: Central Florida Urban League
While Alexi Woltornist, a spokesman for the CFTOD, said that he had nothing to add to DeSantis’ announcement, the same was not true for state Democrats.
“This is another example of a loyal team member of DeSantis being picked,” said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando. “This is just another political appointment of a friend to a well-paid position. She is definitely more qualified than Glen, but that is still setting a low bar.”
Photo: Jim Carchidi/Orlando Business Journal
As long as “DeSantis continues to operate as an authoritarian figure with complete control” over state agencies, Eskamani said, the Legislature and public “must continue to demand transparency and accountability.”
Kopelousos Has Aided Disney Before
Prior to working on DeSantis’ presidential campaign, Kopelousos was a senior adviser and director of legislative affairs for the Florida governor.
Interestingly, in that role, she helped Walt Disney World get an exception from the governor’s Big Tech social media bill three years ago.
Photo: Maria Tamo/Getty Images
Today, DeSantis noted that Kopelousos “has extensive state and local government experience that make her the ideal candidate to take the reins at CFTOD.”
