FORECAST: Disney executive steps into the role of West Orange Chamber of Commerce chairman for 2017

ORANGE COUNTY For as long as anyone can remember, The Mouse has held a seat on the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. 

But this year, for the first time ever, a Disney executive has been tapped to lead the organization’s of the executive board of directors.

Vice President of Disney Springs Keith Bradford joined the West Orange Chamber of Commerce nearly five years ago to continue Disney’s long history of association with the organization.

“I wanted to be part of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce because it’s an active Chamber,” Bradford said. “It’s part of a community that I live in, and it helps me connect with community leaders.”

And Bradford’s rise to chairman could not be more timely.

While Disney is in the midst of its 45th anniversary, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce also will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

“With (Bradford’s) leadership in our 45th year and Disney’s 45th year, it just seems like the right time and right circumstance,” said Stina D’Uva, president and chief executive officer of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. “We couldn’t have planned it better. And with our first Disney representative as chairman, it’s an exciting start to our 45th year.”

ONCE UPON A TIME

For the last 22 years, Bradford has worked at Disney, serving in a variety of roles. Early on in his Disney career, Bradford managed several properties, including Port Orleans Resort. But for the last seven-and-one-half years, Bradford has worked as the vice president of Disney Springs.

“Working on revitalizing Disney Springs has been fantastic,” Bradford said. “I’ve been involved in it since the initial idea of it. We opened the last district neighborhood this past May.”

Compared to the old Downtown Disney, Bradford said that Disney Springs has nearly double the number of shops and restaurants plus more access to parking.

“The response has been fantastic from the guests,” he said.

But Bradford said the key to the success of Disney Springs was teamwork - something he plans to use in his new role with the Commerce.

“In the Chamber, there are a lot of business members, small and large, with a lot of needs that need to be met,” Bradford said. “I think about Disney Springs and the significance of that project. It doesn’t happen without a lot of collaboration - that’s something I’ve learned from my career (at Disney).”

In addition to tapping into his Disney career, Bradford said he also plans to refer to some of his pre-Disney experiences for his new role with the Chamber, which includes time serving on two different boards in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

But so far, Bradford said that his favorite part of participating in the Chamber is the people.

“I’ve enjoyed the people and community leaders that I’ve gotten to know and how passionate they are about making West Orange County a place to live and work,” Bradford said. “That’s exciting for me.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The position of chairman is rotated annually, and Bradford will be taking the gavel from the 2016 Chairman Rob Maphis.

Maphis is currently the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The COLLAGE Companies, a design-build, construction management and general contracting company based in Lake Mary.

Although he will miss being chairman, Maphis said he was pleased to hand his position over to Bradford.

“This is a truly bittersweet departure for me,” Maphis wrote on the Chamber’s blog in his final post as chairman. “On one hand, I will miss being chair of an organization with a tremendous board and an outstanding staff who always give their heart and soul to this community.  However, I am also pleased that the incoming chairman is Keith Bradford, as he is an extraordinarily capable and talented leader who will serve us well.  Additionally, as vice president of Disney Springs, Keith is uniquely qualified to lead the Chamber’s 45th year, because Disney is also celebrating its 45th year right now.”

BRIGHT FUTURE

Maphis’ sentiments about incoming chairman Bradford were echoed by D’Uva.

“We’re glad to have Keith with his expertise of Disney as well as his expertise on another board of directors,” she said. “He is smart; he no nonsense; he likes to get down to the issue and make smart decisions.”

For Bradford, he said he’s looking forward to a year full of exciting new things.

“The 45th anniversary - this is a big year,” Bradford said. “Just in the fact we’re celebrating that is very, very exiting. We have things in store this year that we have yet to announce - two significant items happening this year that will be announced in coming months. Those will be pivotal during my time as chairman.”

Although Bradford refused to give any more hints about these coming items, D’Uva said to keep an eye and ear turned towards the Chamber between mid-year and the third quarter for announcements. 

It’s a major year for Bradford who will not only help usher in the Chamber’s 45th year, but will also mark another milestone in 2017 - this one on the home front. 

This year, Bradford - a Windermere resident and father of three - will celebrate his 30th anniversary to his wife Cam.

Contact Brittany Gaines at [email protected].