In what appears to be a change in temperature in the relationship between Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle has been appointed to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees. The move comes after several years of acrimony between the Florida Governor and The Walt Disney Company.
The appointment requires Florida Senate approval. Vahle, along with being President of Walt Disney World Resort, is also active in the community. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Rollins College. He is also on the Florida Council of 100. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors for Give Kids the World. Vahle earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.
Vahle has worked in Disney Experiences for 35 years. In his role as president of Walt Disney World Resort, he oversees a workforce of approximately 80,000 cast members at four theme parks, more than 25 resort hotels, two water parks, a sports complex, a shopping/dining/entertainment district, behind-the-scenes facilities support, and much more. He has held this role for five years. On top of leading Walt Disney World Resort, Vahle also oversees Worldwide Safety, Health, Engineering and Sourcing for Disney Experiences worldwide. Previously, Vhale was concurrently the leader of Disney Signature Experiences (which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions and more), and Facilities and Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide.
The Walt Disney Company and the Florida government have had a rocky relationship in recent years. This included the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It was replaced with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, with handpicked board members by Governor Ron DeSantis. Recently, it seems that the controversy has cooled down. This appears to signal that things have gotten even more cordial.
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