Download Magazine - Levin College of Law - University of Florida

The magic touchDerek Bruce (JD/MBA 98)BY DANIELLE D’OYLEYWhen someone asks TripleGator Derek Bruce (JD/MBA 98) to describe himselfin one word, they hear one answer— blessed. Thankful for the opportunitieshe’s been afforded, he now devoteshis career to a place that makesdreams come true for others.As director of government relationsfor Walt Disney World, hedescribes the position as a role thatworks with both internal and externalstakeholders to protect and promoteWalt Disney World through the developmentof legislation and governmentpolicies and procedures.Bruce said his current career ishighly rewarding with a great deal ofintangible benefits.“Sometimes when you work at acertain place, you can forget about justhow much of an impact the work youdo has on people,” he said. “But hereat Walt Disney World, I’m remindedon almost a daily basis by interactingwith people that we provide memories— magical memories — that last for alifetime for people and their families.Just coming to work is remarkable.”One of his greatest accomplishmentsas the director of governmentrelations was a recent project — aninitiative to bring the United StatesBowling Congress’ Open Championshipand Women’s Championshiptournaments to Central Florida between2011 and 2029. On behalf ofWalt Disney World, Bruce workedwith Osceola County government andthe Central Florida Sports Commissionto help garner the communitysupport and financing necessary tosecure these tournaments.This is expected to bring tens ofthousands of bowlers and spectatorsto Orlando, Fla., for 13 tournaments,each lasting approximately 20 weeks.A powerful economic impact for CentralFlorida and the entire state is anticipated— a predicted three-quartersof a billion dollars.“My favorite component of thejob is that I get to work on projectsthat will shape policy and have a significantimpact on shaping both theeconomic and recreational climate fornot just Walt Disney World but forour Central Florida community andthe state of Florida in a lot of cases,”Bruce said.Another large aspect of his workis collaborating with elected officialson community-based and charitableinitiatives. For example, in 2007,Bruce worked tirelessly with communityand business leaders who helpedwin support from city and countyofficials for three Orlando-area projects— a new performing arts center,a renovated Florida Citrus Bowl anda new events center that will be hometo the Orlando Magic. These projectswill enhance recreational and entertainmentofferings for Central Floridaresidents and visitors.But he hasn’t always worked at“the happiest place on earth.” In fact,while at law school, he never imaginedusing his law degree for lobbying andshaping public policy from a businessperspective. An avid Trial Team competitor,one of his most memorableexperiences at UF Law was participatingin the Trial Team Final Four competition.It’s no surprise that he spenthis first two years out of law schoolfocusing on litigation.He quickly determined that hisskill set was better suited to a differenttype of practice — that of governmentlaw. Before finding his niche withWalt Disney World in 2006, he spenteight years at GrayHarris in Orlando(changed to GrayRobinson in 2005)and was elected shareholder in 2005.“It was just a slight career pathshift because so much of what I didwas representing private clients intheir dealings with government entitiesand agencies,” he said, explaininghis move to Walt Disney World. “Butnow I do a similar kind of work forone of the world’s most recognizablecompanies.”Bruce described his UF Law degreeas invaluable, highlighting theBruce“A UF Law degree can open doorsin ...areas that a person may not bethinking of when they’re just makingthe decision to go to law school.”success of fellow UF Law graduates.In the business world, he has interactedwith UF Law alumni in high profileand important positions, such as chairpersons,CEOs and general counselsof companies.“A UF Law degree can open doorsin so many areas that a person may notbe thinking of when they’re just makingthe decision to go to law school,”he said. “I’m a good case in point.”Bruce was also a winner of theOrlando Business Journal’s 2002 Up &Comers, which originally published hisself-description as a blessed individual.He said his good fortune relied in parton his parents, teachers and professionalmentors, emphasizing the strongsupport he’s had throughout his life.“While I like to think I’m a talentedprofessional who works hardand has a lot of capabilities, whenyou step back and reflect on it, youknow that everything you do andaccomplish you’re standing on theshoulders of people who’ve helpedto make that accomplishment possible,”he said. ■FALL 2008 47