50 Most Powerful People of 2025 In Orlando: Tourism & Transportation
Meet the most powerful people in the Tourism and Transportation category.
- Jeff Vahle | President, Walt Disney World Resort
- Karen Irwin | President & COO, Universal Orlando Resort
- Lance Lyttle | CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
- Captain John W. Murray | CEO, Canaveral Port Authority
- Casandra Matej | President & CEO, Visit Orlando
- Mark Tester | Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center
- Patrick Goddard | President, Brightline
- Michelle Maikisch | Executive Director, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Nicole Martz | President & CEO, Sanford Airport Authority
- Tiffany Homler Hawkins | CEO, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX)
Jeff Vahle grew up in Central Florida and has four generations of family here today.
1. Jeff Vahle | President, Walt Disney World Resort
Jeff Vahle’s 35 years with Disney Experiences has shaped him into the leader he is today. Since starting his career with Disney in 1990, Vahle has been instrumental in developing Disney destinations worldwide, including Disney California Adventure, Hong Kong’s Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Coming Attractions
And now, Orlando is in the spotlight, as billions of dollars of additional investments to Walt Disney World, including new lands and attractions, at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are underway.
“There is more growth happening right now at Walt Disney World than I’ve ever seen before in my career,” says Vahle. “We have opened a new attraction every year since 2017, as well as three themed lands, 20-plus entertainment offerings, nearly 30 dining locations, three resort hotels and a new mode of transportation.”
“In the past year, we have broken ground on major expansions in three of our theme parks,” continues Vahle. “We are building Monstropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tropical Americas in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Villains- and Cars-themed areas in Magic Kingdom. Construction of Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a new Disney Vacation Club property next to Fort Wilderness Resort, is also well underway.”
Keeping Guests Happy
What Vahle loves about these additions is that they bring guests’ favorite stories and characters to the resort in all new ways.
“We know that everything at Walt Disney World is somebody’s favorite, so we were extremely thoughtful about that,” he says. “These lands and attractions will deliver some incredibly creative experiences while also bringing new life to underutilized areas.”
One of those new experiences, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” is opening November 2025 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at the iconic Tree of Life Theater.
“The team at Walt Disney Imagineering has partnered closely with Disney Animation to extend the story beyond the film and create an immersive experience for guests of all ages,” says Vahle. “Next year, several other attractions will debut big updates as we reinvest in experiences like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, which will both include new show scenes when they reopen. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we are transforming Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to add The Muppets and opening a new experience inspired by the legacy of Disney animation.”
Cast Members: Disney’s Everything
In addition to keeping guests happy, Vahle says it’s important to keep Disney employees, or Cast Members, happy. Disney World Resort is America’s largest single-site workplace.
“Cast Members are at the heart of Disney magic, so continuing to take care of them is always a priority for us,” says Vahle. “A recent survey of Walt Disney World leaders showed that the overwhelming majority felt supported in their learning and development [a significant part of today’s culture], and we want to keep that momentum going in 2026. It’s not just about giving people access to tools and classes. It’s also about making sure they know it’s a priority for all of us.”
“We also remain focused on our front-line Cast Members and are continually looking for ways to enhance their day-to-day experience,” says Vahle. “We know things like consistent scheduling and comfortable uniforms are important, and we continue to invest in those.”
The Local Leader
Vahle grew up in Central Florida and has four generations of family here today. He’s driven by a deep commitment to service.
“I understand the obligation and impact that Disney has on the community, as do so many of our Walt Disney World leaders,” says Vahle. “All of us have deep connections to Disney and strong memories of our brand over the years.”
“Beyond our gates, Disney creates jobs in Florida and boosts the economy and tourism throughout our region,” Vahle adds. “Our last economic impact report from fiscal year 2022 showed that Walt Disney World generated $40.3 billion in economic impact across the state and a quarter-of-a-million total jobs. That’s something I am incredibly proud of.”
Karen Irwin began her career as a member of the opening team of Universal Studios Florida.
2. Karen Irwin | President & COO, Universal Orlando Resort
According to Karen Irwin, Orlando must always be striving for innovation and the highest levels of service to be a leader in the tourism sector.
“Whether that comes in the form of immersive storytelling, investment in community enhancements or further pushing the boundaries of what a true vacation experience should be, we must remain at the top of our game,” says Irwin, who began her career as a member of the opening team for Universal Studios Florida. “Being an aspirational destination for people from around the world is vital to the continued success of our industry.”
Universal reached a new pinnacle of success this year with the opening of Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park in 26 years.
“We are especially proud that Universal Epic Universe is the first Platinum LEED certified theme park—ever,” says Irwin. “And, we have also created new jobs and opportunities for those living in our community as we strive to be the employer of choice.”
In addition, the development of Epic Universe gave Universal the opportunity to partner with state and local government to make long-needed enhancements to the Central Florida community as it relates to transportation, the environment and affordable housing.
She says that launching Epic Universe was both thrilling and complex.
“It reinforced for me that when passionate team members unite behind a shared vision, you can achieve the unimaginable,” says Irwin. “Being present alongside our teams every day was a powerful way to show support, and seeing our culture and values in action through this opening is why I’m so proud to lead this incredible team.”
Although her biggest achievement this year has been transforming Universal Orlando Resort into a four-park, week-long destination experience, along with three new hotels with 2,000 rooms, Irwin says it’s equally important to take care of the people who make every guest experience possible: The Team Members.
“We recently opened two new facilities to provide fun and creative environments where our teams can connect, grab a meal and share time with each other,” she says. “We’ve also invested in technology and tools, to provide easier access to support resources and information, and we continue to invest in expanded benefits, starting wages and salaries, reinforcing our Team Member-first culture.”
In the months ahead, she says, it will be important for Universal Orlando Resort to continue its relentless pursuit to deliver unmatched experiences for guests across its entire destination.
Lance Lyttle believes that Orlando can lead the world in tourism and transportation innovation.
3. Lance Lyttle | CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
ν For Lance Lyttle, running an airport isn’t just about moving passengers from point A to point B. It’s about powering an entire region’s economic future. As the new leader of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which oversees Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports, Lyttle is stepping into a role that touches nearly every aspect of Central Florida’s growth.
“Airports are major economic engines that provide opportunities for millions of individuals and businesses,” Lyttle says. “Having the privilege of leading an organization that creates and supports nearly 310,000 jobs and more than $41 billion in economic impact is humbling, rewarding and fulfilling.”
Lyttle believes Orlando can lead the world in tourism and transportation innovation, but only if it keeps pace with growth. “Currently, there is a lot of growth and opportunity in the international sector,” he says. “Airlines need to be assured that flights can arrive and depart on schedules that are practical for them and their passengers.” That, he argues, requires investment in staffing, customs technology and strong federal partnerships.
The integration of rail and air travel is another frontier. With Brightline service now operating at Orlando International Airport, Lyttle sees an opportunity to build an intermodal hub that incorporates commuter rail, light rail and bus systems. “We already have much of the framework,” he says. “Incorporating commuter rail, light rail and bussing operations into the intermodal transportation center would advance the region’s entire transportation network.”
A seasoned aviation executive, Lyttle has already navigated complex challenges in his first months on the job, including decisions about which projects to prioritize in GOAA’s multibillion-dollar Capital Improvement Program. “Like most organizations, we have a very ambitious vision,” he says. “However, we have finite resources. Prioritizing major initiatives and projects has been very complicated.”
His solution has been to surround himself with a strong team and encourage participative leadership. “I believe team members should be involved in the decision-making process,” he says.
For Lyttle, the mission goes beyond planes and terminals. “Airports also serve a higher moral purpose,” he says. “They connect communities, drive economies and open opportunities for millions.”
Captain John W. Murray has helmed the Canaveral Port Authority since 2016.
4. Captain John W. Murray | CEO, Canaveral Port Authority
ν A highly respected maritime executive with more than four decades of maritime leadership, Captain John W. Murray was appointed as CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority in 2016 and has since led the Port to historic high levels of performance. Last year, it welcomed two highly sought-after cruise brands, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, both of which launched their first-ever sailings from Central Florida.
“These cruise brands have been so successful that both are expanding their presence at the Port with newer, larger ships arriving this November—an achievement we’re incredibly proud of,” says Murray.
In addition to bringing the number of homeported cruise lines at Port Canaveral to seven, such additions help to strengthen the Central Florida community.
“Core to the mission of Port Canaveral is generating economic prosperity for our Port community and state—creating jobs, generating revenue and boosting consumer spending across all related sectors,” says Murray. “Key to ensuring our success is the strength of our business partnerships. We strive to be the best port possible by offering top-tier facilities with a commitment to service to help our partners continue to grow their business portfolios at our Port.”
On the Port’s cargo side, terminal operators are actively working to diversify their cargo portfolios with plans to increase throughput into Port Canaveral over the next 12 to 18 months.
Murray says that Port Canaveral is unique in that it supports a broad spectrum of businesses and industries—not just cruise and cargo, but also commercial aerospace, military operations, recreation and commercial fishing.
“With our land boundaries and limited waterfront, it is a delicate balancing act to ensure our diverse business partners can maximize their opportunities for success at the Port,” he says.
He’s particularly proud of the Port’s longtime support of America’s space program, which dates back to the 1950s.
“Currently, we support commercial space companies SpaceX and Blue Origin, whose maritime assets—offshore support vessels, tugboats and recovery landing barges and platforms—are utilizing Port berths for recovery operations of launch hardware (rocket boosters and fairings).
He says that balancing the needs of all partners—cruise, cargo or recreation— is a top priority and an important part of the overall growth strategy for the Port in both the short and long term.
“Securing the capacity to handle additional cruise and cargo is essential to sustaining our continued growth for the region and state,” says Murray.
Collaboration is one key to Casandra Matej’s success. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando .
5. Casandra Matej | President & CEO, Vist Orlando
In 2024, Orlando welcomed more than 75 million visitors and generated a $92.5 billion economic impact. But to remain a global leader in tourism, Orlando must continue thinking long-term and acting collaboratively, says Casandra Matej.
“Sustaining that success requires vision,” say Matej. “That’s why Visit Orlando led the development of the Destination Orlando 2035 Tourism Master Plan, focused on two key goals: future-proofing our visitor economy and leveraging it to enhance quality of life for residents.”
That vision is particularly important while navigating the growing influence of geopolitical and state-level issues on travel decisions, especially in the meetings and conventions space.
“More than ever, organizations are evaluating destinations not just for infrastructure and appeal, but also through the lens of social and political climate,” says Matej. “This experience reinforced a key leadership lesson—stay grounded in your mission, lead with transparency and build trust through collaboration.”
“In times of uncertainty, clarity and consistency are powerful tools,” she adds.
Matej sees the continued transformation of the Convention Center District into a globally competitive marketplace as a game-changing opportunity for Orlando.
“To stay competitive with destinations like Las Vegas, we must reimagine the district as more than a meeting space,” says Matej. “That means enhancing walkability, adding entertainment and dining options, improving mobility and creating iconic architecture that reflects Orlando’s global brand. This isn’t just about attracting more conventions—it’s about creating a vibrant, connected district that benefits residents, businesses and visitors.”
Matej points to the Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award, one of three industry awards Visit Orlando received in July 2025, as one of her most significant achievements in the past 12 months.
“We were honored to receive the Harris Rosen Philanthropic Award—named after a true community champion—which reflects our deep commitment to giving back,” says Matej.
In the year ahead, one of her most important priorities is ensuring continued investment in the programs that drive visitation and fuel our local economy, such as the Tourist Development Tax.
“The stakes are high,” says Matej. “Over 50% of Orange County’s sales tax is paid by visitors, and the top 10 property tax-paying businesses are in the tourism sector. These revenues help fund schools, public safety, infrastructure and arts and culture. Continued investment in tourism ensures those benefits reach every corner of our community.”
Dreaming big is one of Mark Tester’s mantras.
6. Mark Tester | Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center
Mark Tester’s mantra is simple: Dream big. As executive director of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), he oversees one of the busiest and most economically impactful venues in the country. “Through partnerships and collaboration, we need to grow our tourism sector to ensure we remain the No. 1 visitor destination in North America,” he says.
The OCCC averages more than three events per week, generating $3.9 billion annually in economic impact. Yet, Tester says many don’t realize its significance. “You may drive by and see just a few hundred cars in the parking lots and not realize that hundreds of workers are inside setting up or tearing down a large, complex event,” he explains.
Recent challenges, such as inflation and tariffs, complicated the Grand Concourse Expansion project. Tester credits his team’s adaptability for keeping it on budget. “It showcased the importance of flexibility, adaptability and clear communication in leadership,” he says.
The expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space, a 100,000-square-foot ballroom, and a new entry along Convention Way. Tester believes it will be transformative. “This project will significantly improve the convention center and be a game-changer for our destination,” he says.
His leadership style is rooted in service. “Servant leadership is my mantra. Leaders are meant to serve,” he says. That philosophy extends to encouraging sustainability initiatives among clients, from fundraising to community service.
Tester’s motivation is the chance to impact the region’s future. “The desire to make a difference and positively impact our community, so we may further contribute to its growth,” he says.
With a busy calendar and ambitious expansion ahead, Tester is confident Orlando can continue to dominate the tourism and conventions industry. His advice for the city: Keep dreaming big.
Patrick Goddard transforms how residents and visitors experience travel and connectivity.
7. Patrick Goddard | President, Brightline
As the leader of Brightline, Patrick Goddard stands at the forefront of transforming how Floridians and visitors experience travel. His work is not just about trains—it is about reshaping the future of transportation, tourism and connectivity in a region that thrives on movement.
For Goddard, Orlando’s path to becoming a global leader in tourism and transportation begins with infrastructure. “The development of a robust, connected and integrated transportation network is one of the most significant things Orlando should be doing,” he says. That vision includes advancing The Sunshine Corridor and pushing Brightline’s expansion west to Tampa, projects he believes will better serve the needs of both international visitors and residents.
The most daunting obstacle Goddard faces is one of scale. The United States trails Europe and Asia in the development of high-speed intercity rail. These systems demand immense capital and long timelines—two challenges that can slow even the most ambitious projects.
Yet, Goddard sees Florida as a blueprint for a national model. “We believe we are paving the way for this to happen more quickly than ever before,” he says. He urges Floridians to consider stepping away from their cars for a safer, more eco-friendly alternative that could redefine mobility across the state.
This commitment is not without its challenges. “Even with strong initial projections and a unique service, leaders must be prepared for unforeseen challenges and adapt their strategies to respond to market realities and economic shifts,” Goddard notes.
Looking forward, Goddard identifies The Sunshine Corridor as Orlando’s next transformative step. The project, which would connect Orlando International Airport with the region’s major attractions, has the potential to ease congestion on I-4 while spurring economic development.
“The Sunshine Corridor would make Orlando’s world-class attractions even more accessible to visitors arriving at the airport,” he says. Just as importantly, it would improve mobility for residents and drive opportunities for businesses along the route.
Together with the Florida Highway Patrol, Michelle Maikisch and CFX launched the Desk Trooper Program, which clears our roadways faster.
8. Michelle Maikisch | Executive Director, Central Florida Expressway Authority
ν Michelle Maikisch has spent her career helping Central Florida stay ahead of the curve—literally. As head of the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), she oversees a system that serves a region adding nearly 1,000 new residents every week while welcoming more than 75 million visitors annually.
“Being a transportation leader in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas is less about the newest gadget and more about working together in delivering solutions before another 50,000 neighbors arrive next year,” Maikisch says.
For her, collaboration is more than a buzzword—it’s the engine of progress. “Collaboration outlives any single leader because it builds shared ownership, a collective memory and resilient systems,” she says.
One partnership she highlights is with the Florida Highway Patrol. Together, CFX and FHP launched the Desk Trooper Program, which uses technology to clear roadside incidents in 30 minutes or less, reducing dangerous wait times for drivers.
But the biggest challenge she faces is workforce development. “Our challenge is growing talent faster than traffic,” Maikisch explains. The highway workforce is aging, while demand for specialized skills keeps rising. To fill the pipeline, CFX partners with schools, including OCPS STEM programs, to inspire the next generation. Change has been a constant. Recently, CFX replaced its 20-year-old operating system with a new technology platform. “What I was reminded of during this process was communication is foundational to embracing any type of change,” she says.
Looking forward, Maikisch is focused on a $4.2 billion Five-Year Work Plan that includes nearly 57 miles of new expressways. Top priorities include projects around downtown Orlando to improve traffic flow, near Camping World Stadium. “It’s all about building a more accessible and vibrant community, one mile at a time,” she says.
Maikisch sees The Sunshine Corridor—a planned SunRail extension connecting the airport, convention center and theme parks—as the ultimate game-changer. “This project will redefine regional connectivity and elevate the everyday travel experience,” she says.
Nicole Martz has turned SFB into an economic powerhouse.
9. Nicole Martz | President & CEO, Sanford Airport Authority
Nicole Martz has become synony-mous with transformation at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), steering the regional hub into a powerhouse of economic development for Central Florida. She has guided a $72 million expansion and positioned SFB as one of the state’s most dynamic transportation assets.
Under Martz’s leadership, SFB has flourished into a gateway of accessibility for travelers who often bypass larger, more congested airports. With nonstop service to more than 70 destinations across the United States and Canada, the airport has established itself as a preferred alternative for travelers.
The recently completed terminal expansion was designed to enhance capacity, streamline passenger experience and reinforce SFB’s growing reputation as a modern, customer-focused airport. The expansion wasn’t just about adding square footage—it was about reshaping the airport to meet future demand and creating new opportunities for airlines and travelers alike.
Martz has consistently framed SFB not only as an airport but as an economic driver. The airport now generates an estimated $3.5 billion annual impact on Florida’s economy.
Much of that impact comes from Martz’s push to transform SFB into a hub of commerce. With 530 acres of greenfield development available—among the last sizable parcels in Seminole County—the airport is attracting investment that could redefine the region’s economic landscape. “We’re not just moving passengers,” Martz told the Orlando Business Journal earlier this year. “We’re creating opportunities for businesses to grow, families to thrive and the region to stay competitive in a global marketplace.”
Infrastructure has been central to Martz’s agenda. Among the most ambitious current projects is the planned connector road linking State Road 417 directly to the airport. Once completed, the road will improve accessibility for both passengers and businesses, integrating SFB more seamlessly into Central Florida’s transportation grid.
Tiffany Homler Hawkins is a Florida native and has always had an affinity for public transportation. Photo by Benjamin Wade
10. Tiffany Homler Hawkins | CEO, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority
Fourth-generation Floridian Tiffany Homler Hawkins has always had an affinity for public transportation. Named CEO of LYNX in January 2023, this is her second stint with the company; her first role was as a project manager, and later, director of planning, where she worked on LYNX’s Central Station.
She’s proud that Orlando, this region, and the entire State of Florida have become leaders in transportation.
“Looking ahead, maintaining leadership in transportation means focusing on the future, diversifying our modes of travel and accelerating project delivery—each a critical component in driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our communities.”
One important achievement that met that delivery is the opening of the new Pine Hills Transfer Facility, in which Hawkins was instrumental.
“After years of planning in close collaboration with the community, this hub is a true testament to multimodal transportation. Not only did we construct the facility itself, but we also integrated a trail network on the property and reconstructed the surrounding roadway to support the increased traffic and connectivity,” she says.
In the coming year, LYNX will be finalizing the development of an additional operations base in Osceola County.
“As our region continues to grow, and there are more cars on the road, I want to ensure that mass transit, including both buses and rail, remains a key part of the solution to the traffic challenges we all experience,” she says.
Hawkins says bringing The Sunshine Corridor to fruition could be a game-changer for Orlando.
“Orlando has always demonstrated strong vision and collaboration, but I believe the real game changer will be the private sector stepping in to play an active role in helping us achieve these goals,” she stresses.
