Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recommended top advisor Stephanie Kopelousos to replace Glen Gilzean as administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
UPDATE – 3/27/2024:
- The CFTOD voted this morning on the appointment of Stephanie Kopelousos, which was approved and Kopelousos has been hired.
Previously – 3/11/2024:
- With CFTOD Administrator Glen Gilzean being appointed the new Orange County elections supervisor, it seems a replacement for his role in the CFTOD is needed.
- With that, Kopelousos, who most recently served on DeSantis’ campaign for president, has been recommended by the governor to replace Gilzean.
- The board, appointed entirely by DeSantis (and confirmed by the State Senate), still must approve it, but the governor’s office on Monday was already calling it a done deal.
- However, it remains unclear whether Gilzean has left the Disney district and if he has continued to receive his $400,000 a year salary while also taking a $205,000 annual paycheck as elections supervisor.
- Gilzean has not responded to repeated requests for comment on that issue, although in an email he said he thought it was legal to do both jobs.
- “I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition as I conclude my duties as the District Administrator and will continue to be available as a resource during the search for my replacement,” he said in a statement Friday.
- Before DeSantis tapped her to work on his campaign last summer, Kopelousos was a senior adviser and director of legislative affairs for DeSantis.
- Kopelousos also worked behind the scenes to get Walt Disney World a carve-out from the governor’s Big Tech social media bill three years ago, when the company still was contributing to his gubernatorial reelection campaign.
What They’re Saying:
- Bryan Griffin, communications director for the governor: “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. [Kopelousos] has extensive state and local government experience that make her the ideal candidate to take the reins at CFTOD.”