Posted: Jul 05, 2017

GLENDALE- The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority Board of Directors has elected new board officials. The new board leadership consists of Maria Baier- Board Chair, Doug Yonko, Board Vice-Chair and Scarlett Spring, Board Secretary.

Maria Baier is the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for the Phoenix Suns. She has an extensive professional history in the private, public and non-profit sectors, including having served on the senior policy staff in the Governor's Office for a decade, having served as the Arizona State Land Commissioner, having been elected to the Phoenix City Council and having been Chief Executive Officer for Valley Partnership and the Sonoran Institute. She has also been active in her family business since 1977. Maria serves on the Boards of Directors of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority as well as several non-profit charitable organizations. Maria, a lifelong resident of Arizona, received her undergraduate degree from ASU and her law degree from UofA.

Doug Yonko serves as VP Communications for Hensley Beverage Company, one of the nation's and Arizona's largest beverage distributor. Doug serves on various community and business organization boards including: Arizona Chamber of Commerce (Vice Chairman Membership 2008-2011, named Volunteer of the Year in 2010, and served as Chairman 2012-2013); Board Member Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (Chairman 2011-2013) - recognized as Tourism Champion of 2013 by the state of Arizona; Board Member Valley Hotel and Resort Association; Board Member of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce; Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Board Member and past Chairman of Beer and Wine Distributors of Arizona.

Scarlett 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. Scarlett 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 and serves on the Audit and Compliance Committees, advisory board member for Pinnacle Transplant Technologies and strategic advisor for Nortis, Inc. She also serves as a volunteer on the Governor's Zanjeros Bioscience and Healthcare subcommittee, Arizona BioScience Board co-chairing the Angel Investment Committee and is a member of Charter 100.

The AZSTA Board of Directors is comprised of nine citizens of Maricopa County who volunteer their time and accept no compensation or per diem. The Board members are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House 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 and amateur 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: