Dex Tanksley

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DEX TANKSLEY

Dex Tanksley is the Facilites Development Studio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). In this role, Dex leads the group that provides and manages office and production space to support WDI’s ideation and design efforts in California and Florida.Dex’s history with Imagineering began in 1991, when he was part of a team that won first place in the inaugural Imaginations Design Competition, which seeks to identify and develop the next generation of diverse Imagineers. He officially joined WDI in 1993 as an intern, and was soon brought on staff as a facility designer. He was promoted to senior facility designer in 1998, then principal facility designer in 2007. During these years he contributed to projects at nearly every Disney theme park around the world.Dex was named a project design manager in 2014. His major responsibilities included overseeing the environmental design and engineering disciplines during the development of Toy Story Playland in Disney\'s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, leading preparation efforts for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy\'s Edge at Disneyland Park in California, and serving as design manager for Pixar Pier and project manager for Avengers Campus, both at Disney California Adventure. He took on his current role in early 2021.Dex is passionate about nurturing the next generation of talentin the STEM fields, speaking often at schools and participating in recruitment efforts along with advising and mentoring dozens of young Imagineers. He remains close to the Imaginations initiative that introduced him to Imagineering, serving as an advisor to program leaders and a liaison to targeted colleges, universities and associations. He has also represented Imagineering multiple times at the D23 Expo Disney fan convention and at many other venues, including aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.Dex holds a degree in architecture from Hampton University. He is the recipient of the Marty Sklar Legacy Award, presented in memory of longtime WDI executive, Disney Legend and mentor Marty Sklar. He and his wife live in Southern California and have a son and daughter.Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique innovative organization that creates — from concept through construction — all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments, and regional entertainment venues worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from the teamwork and syntheses of creative and technical professionals representing more than 140 diverse disciplines.