Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle to the University of Central Florida board of trustees despite former tension between the state and company.
Jeff Vahle Appointed
Being a member of the board of trustees at the University of Central Florida is an unpaid role that wields power in the adoption of university policies, financial management, and administration. The position is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The UCF board of trustees is made up of 13 members. Six of those members are handpicked by the Florida governor, who is currently Ron DeSantis.
Vahle is the President of Walt Disney World Resort. Active in his community, he currently serves as a member of the Rollins College Board of Trustees and the Florida Council of 100 and previously served as a member of the Give Kids the World Board of Directors. Vahle earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and his master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.
Office of Ron DeSantis
Vahle joined The Walt Disney Company in 1990 and had headed up Disney Signature Experiences and Facilities and Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide, along with leadership roles for international Disney destinations like Disney California Adventure, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort. He has lead the Walt Disney World Resort sine 2020.
DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company
This appointment comes after a years-long “battle” between the Florida government and The Walt Disney Company. Disney’s condemnation of the “Don’t Say Gay” law triggered DeSantis to wage a war against the company.
DeSantis also lead the charge to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Disney’s department which oversaw emergency services in the Disney World area. This change allowed Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature and DeSantis to to create a government-controlled version called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
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Source: Orlando Weekly
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