Posted: Aug 10, 2018

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Pharmaceutical executive Scarlett Spring has been elected Chair of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) board of directors, and Doug Yonko will serve as Vice Chair and Teddy Eynon as Secretary.

Spring is President and Chief Commercial Officer of VisionGate, a clinical stage oncology pharmaceutical and biomedical company pioneering early detection of lung cancer and prevention of lung dysplasia. Spring was named one of Arizona Business Magazine's 50 Most Influential Women and one of Arizona's Top Business Leaders. She is a member of the board of directors at Republic Bank of Arizona (Membership 2012-present, Chair of Asset and Liabilities Committee) and NeoLight LLC. She is also an advisory board member for Pinnacle Transplant Technologies, volunteers on the Governor's Zanjeros Bioscience and Healthcare subcommittee, Arizona BioScience Board and is a member of Charter 100.

"I am honored to serve as chair of AZSTA," said Spring, who was appointed to the AZSTA board by the President of the Arizona Senate. "AZSTA was created by Maricopa County voters to enhance our economy and our community's quality of life. I look forward to helping carry out that mission through our ownership of University of Phoenix Stadium; our support of the Cactus League and Arizona's tourism industry; and as a champion of youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County."

Yonko is Vice President, Communications for Phoenix-based Hensley Beverage Company, one of the nation's largest beer distributors and the largest in Arizona.

Eynon is a partner in the law firm of Dickinson Wright PLLC.

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

"This is an outstanding leadership group with 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 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: