Sunday, November 24, 2024 Arizona tourism chief Lisa Urias resigns amid allegations of conflict over a $700,000 state logo redesign and contracts tied to her marketing firm. Arizona’s tourism chief, Lisa Urias, announced her resignation Friday morning following allegations of a conflict of interest tied to the redesign of the state’s logo. Governor Katie Hobbs confirmed the resignation, though reports indicate it will take effect on December 4.
The controversy, first highlighted by the political newsletter Arizona Agenda, involves a $27,500 payment to the brother of the CEO of Urias Communications—Lisa Urias’ own marketing firm—for the logo project, which cost $700,000 overall. Additionally, the report claims that Urias Communications received a $250,000 contract from the Arizona Department of Education shortly after Urias assumed her role as tourism director. State officials, however, have contested this aspect of the allegations.
Despite being linked to the firm, Urias reportedly has no involvement in its daily operations. The accusations have prompted calls for an investigation. Republican Representative Teresa Martinez from Casa Grande urged Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, Senate President Warren Petersen took to X (formerly Twitter) to state that Urias’ confirmation for the role would not have been possible under these circumstances..