Beth Stevens, who as vice president of Animal Kingdom oversaw all of Disney World's animal-science programs, has been promoted to senior vice president for environmental affairs for Disney Worldwide Services. That gives her oversight of environmental and conservation programs throughout Walt Disney Co., from international endangered-species preservation and wildlife-habitat management to the use of biodiesel fuels and the creation of environmentally friendly "green" hotels.
Stevens will remain based in Orlando, where she helped open Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in 1998, helped found and lead the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, and helped manage zoological programs throughout the giant resort.
Val Bunting, a 31-year Disney World veteran who also helped with Animal Kingdom's opening and most recently was general manager of the Magic Kingdom, replaces Stevens as vice president of Animal Kingdom.
Jackie Ogden, who joined Disney in 1997, served as director of animal programs and later as operations leader for Animal Kingdom, was promoted to vice president in charge of animal programs and environmental initiatives throughout Disney World.
