Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of three new individuals to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors. The appointments come as two members reach the end of their term, and one member vacated the seat. Here’s the latest.
New Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisor Members
Two Board Members, Bridget Ziegler and Ron Peri, are nearing the end of their terms on February 26th. It is assumed that with the appointment of new individuals to the Board, both Ziegler and Peri will depart. Both have had their share of drama while on the Board of Supervisors, and with things between Disney and DeSantis calming down, the departure of each of the members will surely be a welcome one.
The third opening in the Board of Supervisors fills a vacant seat left by recent appointee and former Bags Inc. owner Craig Mateer. Mateer departed sometime in September or October (CFTOD did not respond to a request for comment), leaving his seat vacant. Mateer was appointed to the CFTOD Board of Supervisors in March 2024 following the departure of fiery former Chairman of the Board Martin Garcia. It is believed that Garcia’s departure was part of a deal struck between Disney, the CFTOD, and DeSantis when trying to ease tensions and end lawsuits.
The turnover this year and last year represents a steadying of the ship for the CFTOD, which appears to be back to business as usual at this point. The big agenda item for the CFTOD this year is continuing to work in concert with Walt Disney World to shape the Comprehensive Plan that will dictate development at Walt Disney World over the next decade. That document is expected to be finalized later this year.
In terms of the appointments, here is the press release from DeSantis. Note that each appointee is subject to final confirmation from the Florida Senate.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Alexis Yarbrough as Chair, John Gilbert, and Scott Workman to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
- Alexis Yarbrough
Yarbrough is the current Chair of the Broward College District Board of Trustees. She previously served as Chair and Commissioner on the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. Yarbrough earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and her juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. - John Gilbert
Gilbert is the Executive Managing Director at Stream Realty Partners. He was recognized as the 2007 and the 2012 Orlando Office Broker of the Year by the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Gilbert earned his bachelor’s degree in real estate from Florida State University. - Scott Workman
Workman is the Owner of Workman Transportation and Owner and President of Workman Travel. He has been active in the transportation industry in Orlando for over 25 years. Workman attended the University of Iowa.
The remaining members, Vice Chair Charbel Barakat and Brian Aungst, Jr., have terms that expire on February 26, 2027.
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