Posted: Aug 27, 2019

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Longtime Arizona businessman Douglas Yonko has been elected Chair of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) board of directors, and Teddy Eynon will serve as Vice Chair and Jody Harwood as Secretary.

Yonko is Vice President, Communications for Phoenix-based Hensley Beverage Company, one of the nation's largest distributors of beer and other products. Hensley Beverage Company is the largest beer distributor in Arizona and employs nearly 1,200 people with operations in Chandler, Tucson, Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Show Low. He has worked at Hensley for 37 years and directs the company's government affairs, community outreach, communications and public relations.

Yonko represents Hensley on various community and business boards, including appointments by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to serve on the boards of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and Arizona Finance Authority. He has also served as Chairman of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. The Arizona Office of Tourism recognized Yonko as Tourism Champion in 2013 and he received the 2016 Tourism Legacy Award.

"I am honored to serve as AZSTA chair," said Yonko, who has served on the board for three years. "The voters of Maricopa County created AZSTA to enhance our economy and our community's quality of life. We will carry out that mission through AZSTA's ownership of State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, our focus and support of the Cactus League, Arizona's tourism industry, and youth and amateur sports programs in Maricopa County will be a top priority."

Eynon is a veteran of Arizona politics at the state and federal levels.

Harwood is Vice President and Managing Director of Grace Hospitality.

All of the new leadership terms are for one year and began on July 1.

"This is an outstanding leadership group with deep experience in sports, tourism and business circles," AZSTA President and CEO Tom Sadler said. "Their insights 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 and youth sports.

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: