Maricopa County Stadium District names executive director to lead group, help oversee Chase Field improvements

The Maricopa County Stadium District has appointed senior business executive Mark Winkleman as Executive Director.

Winkleman will serve as the Stadium District’s CEO and administrative lead – overseeing the organization’s finances and operations, and representing the group with public officials, community stakeholders and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He reports to a 9-member Stadium District Board of Directors that was created as part of legislation signed into law last year by Gov. Katie Hobbs. Chief of among the Stadium District’s responsibilities: managing $500 million worth of tax-funded renovations at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix.

Winkleman called his appointment “an honor,” adding: “My goal is to further the District’s mission by protecting and enhancing this important public asset, providing disciplined and transparent stewardship of public resources, and working collaboratively with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I believe we can successfully modernize Chase Field while maintaining strong accountability to taxpayers and ensuring that the stadium continues to provide long-term value to our community and the State of Arizona.”

Danny Seiden, president & CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, welcomed Winkleman to the leadership role, and said the Stadium District has a vital mission to ensure Chase Field remains an essential community asset and landmark.

“Arizona loves the Diamondbacks, and the business community has worked hard to ensure they continue to have a great home right here in downtown Phoenix,” Seiden said. “I can’t wait to see the results as the Diamondbacks and Maricopa County Stadium District modernize Chase Field for the millions of people who visit this beautiful facility every year.’

Winkleman brings to the position more than four decades of executive, public-sector, real estate, legal and governance experience. He’s the founder and President of MGS Realty Partners, Inc., through which he has advised boards, investors and family offices on real estate strategy, governance, acquisitions, financing, redevelopment and asset management. Earlier, Winkleman served as Arizona State Land Commissioner, a role in which he led the Arizona State Land Department and managed State Trust land totaling 9.3 million acres.

“More than 500 people applied for this position, and Mark’s experience in leading both private and public organizations set him apart from the other candidates” said Board Chairman John Graham. “The Board is pleased to have such an experienced and qualified individual to be our chief executive.”

Winkleman, who earned his business degree from the University of Kansas and law degree from the University of Virginia, has held numerous Arizona civic and nonprofit leadership positions. He is former chairman of ULI Arizona, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Valley Partnership, and served on boards of directors for the City of Phoenix Industrial Development Authority and Arizona State Parks.

Photo courtesy: “Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona” by Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0