Governor Katie Hobbs’ Tourism Director Resigns Over Questionable Deal

Office of Tourism director Lisa Urias has resigned from her position following lawmakers’ requests to investigate a contract apparently benefitting those close to her company.

Under Urias, the state spent $700,000 in federal pandemic relief funding on a redesign of the state logo. Part of those funds, approximately $28,000, went to Heart & Soul Marketing, who hired the brother to the CEO of Urias’ company, Urias Communications.

The CEO of Urias’ firm is Jason Coochwytewa, a member of the Grand Canyon Conservancy board. His brother, Kevin Coochwytewa, is the designer for the state logo under Heart & Soul Marketing and has previously had Urias Communications as a customer.

The Office of Tourism communications director, Josh Coddington, revealed in remarks to the media that it was Urias who advocated for Coochwytewa to be hired by Heart & Soul Marketing for the state’s rebrand project.

Urias issued a statement denying that she or her company benefited financially from contracts awarded by her office.

“Urias Communications nor I have ever financially benefited from any Arizona Office of Tourism contracts since I took a position with the State of Arizona,” said Urias.

https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2024/11/23/governor-katie-hobbs-tourism-director-resigns-over-questionable-deal/