Employee Morale Declines as Allegations of Favoritism Arise Post-DeSantis Takeover at Disney World’s Government

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Following the acquisition of control by allies of Governor Ron DeSantis over the government of Walt Disney World, former employees suggest that the district has experienced a sharp decline in morale and a rise in favoritism. Several employees who have recently left expressed concerns about the politicization of the district, which they say is now riddled with cronyism.

Approximately 40 individuals have exited the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District out of an estimated 370 staff members since the takeover in February. This exodus has triggered alarms about the loss of decades’ worth of institutional expertise and the district’s long-standing reputation for proficient governance.

A previous facilities manager with three years on the job remarked in a recent exit survey, “Upon my arrival at the District, I encountered an organization committed to excellence, dedicated to recruiting and valuing top talent. Now, I depart from a vastly changed entity, one where political agendas are paramount and which does not hesitate to forgo its employees, the community, and its operational integrity for political gains.”

The Big Big News, after a request for records, gained access to these exit surveys and, to ensure security, has kept identities confidential. The records were initially accessed by Seeking Rents, a Florida watchdog newsletter.

With such a rapid loss of staff, one former facilities director mentioned in her survey that the district’s functionality is severely compromised.

The shift in control was a response by the Republican governor and the Florida Legislature, which is predominantly Republican, to Disney’s objection to a state legislation that prohibits teachings on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary education. Governor DeSantis, who is currently a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination for 2024, was a proponent of this law.

Formerly under the influence of Disney allies and known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, this government entity was responsible for providing municipal services within the Disney park’s vicinity since 1967.

A long-serving environmental biologist who resigned in September and an accountant who also left at the same time both cited drastic shifts in leadership, culture, and trust as their reasons for leaving, with the latter specifically noting the deterioration of the workplace environment.

In contrast, Matthew Oberly, the district’s director of external affairs, emphasizes the district’s ongoing dedication to staff welfare and excellence in service to its taxpayers. Despite the staff changes, he pointed out that several employees who left had been contemplating retirement prior to the overhaul, and there remains a core group with extensive experience to preserve the district’s knowledge base.

Martin Garcia, the Chairman, has consistently advocated in board meetings for reform to dismantle what he describes as an overly cozy relationship between Disney and the district, aiming for greater government accountability and transparency.

Despite these proclamations, accusations have emerged against the new appointees of engaging in similar favoritism they have criticized, as evidenced by hiring decisions and contract awards.

Disney has filed lawsuits against Governor DeSantis and the board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in federal and state courts, claiming violations of free speech and challenging the new board’s actions.

A former executive administrative assistant who resigned in June attributes her departure to the contentious actions of the new appointees, expressing regret for leaving an organization with dedicated individuals.

For further coverage, Mike Schneider can be followed on X, previously known as Twitter, at @MikeSchneiderAP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DeSantis Disney World takeover

More about DeSantis Disney World takeover

• Impact on Employee Morale Post-Takeover
• Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Staff Exodus
• Former Employees’ Concerns
• District’s Functionality Concerns
• Management’s Response to Allegations
• Chairman Martin Garcia’s Stance on Reforms
• Disney’s Legal Actions Against Takeover
• Future Implications for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District