Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently appointed two new members to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board — the special district that services Disney World’s roads, water, public safety, and other municipal needs.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
With this change, there are officially no members of the original board appointed by the Governor in 2023, following a controversial takeover of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District created by Disney and the Florida legislature in 1967.
Matt Ravenscroft and David Woods were recently named new members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board, following appointments by Governor DeSantis. The Governor took control of the district and the board as part of a political battle with Disney.
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
What first began as apparent retaliation for Disney’s response to the Parental Rights in Education law (often criticized as the “Don’t Say Gay” law) rapidly spiraled into a hostile war between the state government and a massive company.
After outlining his plan of attack against Disney, DeSantis and his newly-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District) granted themselves “superior authority” and declared the previous Board’s agreements with Disney to be void. Disney swiftly responded by suing the governor and the entire District Board in federal court.
Ultimately, the two parties came to an agreement, and it has been (mostly) smooth sailing since then.
Disney vs. DeSantis
With these latest appointments, though, what was left of the original board appointed by DeSantis in 2023 is now gone. Bridget Ziegler and Brian Aungst Jr. were the last two original board members, who have been replaced by Matt Ravenscroft and David Woods.
According to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District website, the board members are as follows:
- Alexis Yarbrough (Chair)
- John Gilbert
- Matt Ravenscroft
- David Woods
- Scott Workman
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Ravenscroft, one of the two new members, is the Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando. Previously, he served as a senior vice president at Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. Ravenscroft attended the University of Central Florida and earned his associate’s degree from Valencia College.
Woods is an attorney at Woods & Woods, P.A., working in real estate, wills, trusts, and estates. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and his juris doctor from St. Thomas University.
Reedy Creek
We’ll be on the lookout for additional changes to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
BEST Disney World Restaurants for 2026
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
When are you heading to Disney World next? Let us know in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The citizens of Florida have less than a year of dealing with this clown. Truly something to celebrate.