Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has now reportedly suggested Stephanie Kopelousos, a former adviser who recently worked on his presidential campaign, to take over from Glen Gilzean as administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which supervises Walt Disney World.
The board, appointed solely by DeSantis, still needs to approve it, but the governor’s office on Monday was already referring to it as a finalized agreement.
The role opened up after DeSantis selected Gilzean, a Republican supporter, to take over from the retiring Democrat Bill Cowles as the temporary Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Cowles retired on January 31st.
It’s still uncertain if Gilzean has departed from the Disney district and if he’s still getting his $400,000 yearly salary while also earning a $205,000 annual paycheck as elections supervisor.
Gilzean has failed to provide any comments regarding that matter despite multiple requests.
Gilzean stepped down last year as chairperson of the state ethics commission when he accepted the Disney district job following media reports that highlighted a conflict with state law.
Prior to being selected to work on his campaign last summer, Kopelousos held the position of senior adviser and director of legislative affairs for DeSantis.
During that position, she and other members of the governor’s staff contacted state lawmakers while the Legislature was in session to support DeSantis for president.
She and other colleagues also requested contributions from multiple lobbyists for his campaign.
Kopelousos also played a role in securing a special exemption for Disney World from the governor’s Big Tech legislation three years ago, while the tourism and entertainment company was making donations to his campaign fund for reelection.
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