Posted: Oct 24, 2019

Kim Sabow appointed to Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority Board of Directors Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association leader has strong tourism connections.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Longtime Arizona tourism executive Kim Sabow has been appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey to the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors.

Sabow, President and CEO of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, is a representative of the hotel industry and was appointed to fill the vacancy of Jody Harwood, whose term expired. Sabow's term runs through July 2023.

"On behalf of AZSTA, I welcome Kim Sabow to the Board of Directors," AZSTA Board Chair Doug Yonko said. "Kim has an outstanding record as a leader in one of Arizona's key industries. Her work advancing Arizona in the global arena and her experience at the highest levels of tourism and state government will be invaluable resources for the organization."

The AZSTA Board has nine members - five appointed by the Governor and two each by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.

"I am honored to be appointed by Governor Ducey to serve on the AZSTA board," Sabow said. "Arizona's economy is thriving under the Governor's leadership and vision. Sports and tourism are key drivers in the state's economy and help make Arizona a special place to live, work and play. I look forward to collaborating with AZSTA's stakeholders to maximize a resource that is a source of pride for all Arizonans. I am excited to join this distinguished board and look forward to serving our great state."

As President and CEO of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (AzLTA), Sabow leads the advocacy, communication, collaboration and education efforts for one of Arizona's most important industries. Before joining AzLTA, she served as Governor Ducey's Director of International Affairs and as Executive Director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. In that capacity, Sabow worked to advance Arizona's position in the global arena through enhanced international economic and protocol efforts as well educational and community collaborations.

Before joining the Ducey Administration, Sabow served the University of Arizona as Assistant Vice President for State Relations, leading the UA's legislative efforts at the State Capitol. She also has extensive experience in state government, having served in the Executive Offices of former Arizona Governors Jan Brewer and Fife Symington. Sabow has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts from the University of Arizona and holds a Master of Business Administration in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in November 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating State Farm Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit: