Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, director, of the Arizona Office of Tourism.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
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Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, director, Arizona Office of Tourism
Background: Alix Skelpsa Ridgway serves as director for the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), overseeing strategic marketing decisions that position Arizona as a leading domestic and international tourism destination, generating billions in economic benefits across the state. Previously, she held multiple AOT leadership roles, including interim director and deputy director, managing community and government affairs, travel trade, social media, research, grants, and Tribal affairs. She also served as senior director of public affairs, implementing Arizona’s largest statewide tourism investment. Before AOT, Alix was chief of strategy and communications for the Arizona-Mexico Commission and held various government roles in Texas. She holds a BA in political science from Texas Christian University (TCU) and a master of legal studies from Arizona State University.
Advice to younger self: “If I could speak to my younger self, I’d offer two simple truths: don’t sweat the small stuff, and fuel your curiosity. Life’s minor frustrations fade quickly, but the energy spent worrying about them steals from what truly matters. Instead, let go of the trivial noise and zoom out. Meanwhile, chase your curiosity relentlessly. Ask questions, explore the unknown, and stay open to new perspectives. That blend of letting go and leaning in is where real growth happens. Keep wondering, and keep moving forward.”
Legacy: “I hope to build a legacy where Arizona’s tourism industry is significantly more vibrant and economically robust than when I started. Guided by the principle of leaving things better than I found them, my goal is to drive sustainable economic growth that uplifts communities across the entire state. I want to be remembered for building a resilient tourism sector that not only generates lasting prosperity but also cements Arizona’s status as a world-class destination, ensuring its vitality thrives for generations to come.”
Surprising fact: “ I’m a huge college football fan! Every fall, you can find my family and me glued to the TV or tailgating at the stadium. We proudly root for our alma maters: TCU (Go Frogs!), West Point (Go Army! Beat Navy!), and ASU (Forks Up!).”
