Arizona tourism director resigns over conflict of interest

Arizona Tourism Director Lisa Urias has resigned following a call by a state legislature for an investigation of the legality of the award of a $700,000 state contract for the design of a new logo to a marketing agency she owns.

Ms. Urias said in a statement that although she still owns Urias Communications, she has cut financial ties with the agency - but later admitted that the firm continues to pay her a "stipend" of undisclosed amount.

Deputy Director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway is now Interim Director while recruitment for a new Director goes forward.