Veteran sports executive Jeff Overton has been elected chairman of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) board of directors, and Maria Baier will serve as vice chair and Doug Yonko as secretary.
Overton is president and general manager of Camelback Spring Training LLC, a joint venture of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, and is responsible on behalf of the teams for the management, sales and operations of their spring training facility, Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
“I am honored to serve as chair of AZSTA,” said Overton, a Phoenix resident who was appointed to the AZSTA board by then-Gov. Jan Brewer in 2013. “As the owner of University of Phoenix Stadium, AZSTA plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. I am excited to work with our stakeholders to assure that the Authority maintains its leadership role in the Cactus League and tourism industry and as a champion of youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County.”
Baier is the Phoenix Suns’ senior vice president, communications and public affairs. Yonko is vice president, communications for Phoenix-based Hensley Beverage Company. All of the new leadership terms are for one year and begin on July 1.
“This leadership group has a strong track record in sports, tourism and business circles,” AZSTA President and CEO Tom Sadler said. “Their insights, experience and relationships will be great resources for the organization.”
The AZSTA Board of Directors is composed of nine citizens of Maricopa County who volunteer their time and accept no compensation or per diem. Board members are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor (5), the President of the Senate (2) and the Speaker of the House (2) and are eligible to serve two terms. Board appointees are appointed to achieve a balanced representation of the Valley’s regions as well as the tourism industry, Cactus League, valley hotel industry and youth sports.
