Gov. Katie Hobbs (left) and Arizona Office of Tourism director Lisa Urias unveil the state’s new rebranding for a tourism campaign called “Vibrant Arizona.” Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror
Lisa Urias, Gov. Katie Hobbs’ pick to head the Arizona Office of Tourism, tendered her resignation Friday. Her resignation followed a report that revealed a relative of the head of Urias’ communications agency was hired to help design the state’s new logo , and that Urias Communications was awarded a multi-year $250,000 contract from the Arizona Department of Education.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne claimed that number was incorrect, posting on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, that the department paid $15,000 for a one-year contract with Urias, and that the department did not have any plans to enter into a longer contract.
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The Arizona Agenda first reported on Thursday that graphic designer Kevin Coochwytewa was paid $27,500 to help create the logo, alongside an outside graphic design company. Kevin’s brother is Jason Coochwytewa, the CEO of Urias Communications, which Urias owns.