Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Alix Skelpsa Ridgway as Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOENIX (Jan. 7, 2026) — Governor Katie Hobbs has announced Alix Skelpsa Ridgway will lead the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT).
As a respected tourism and hospitality industry leader, Director Skelpsa Ridgway possesses years of expertise in both state government and promoting Arizona as a premier global destination.
Since 2019, Director Skelpsa Ridgway has served AOT in various capacities, including as deputy director and interim director. During her time in agency leadership, she has developed and implemented successful marketing strategies positioning Arizona as a leading domestic and international tourism destination. These efforts have generated billions of dollars in revenue, positively impacting Arizona overall and communities in every county.
Alix Skelpsa Ridgway
Prior to joining AOT, Director Skelpsa Ridgway served as chief of strategy and communications at the Arizona-Mexico Commission.
Director Skelpsa Ridgway’s appointment demonstrates the Governor’s continuing commitment to strengthening Arizona’s tourism industry and supporting communities throughout the state that rely on this critical industry for continued economic prosperity. The naming of Alix Skelpsa Ridgway as AOT director will ensure Arizona maintains and enhances its reputation as a leading destination for national and international travelers.
“Director Skelpsa Ridgway has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting Arizona as an unmatched destination to domestic and international audiences,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Under her ongoing leadership, Arizona will continue to shine as a globally recognized destination and ensure economic opportunity for communities across the state. I look forward to more of the world experiencing Arizona’s rich history, robust and varied culture, and unparalleled natural beauty.”
“I am humbled that Governor Hobbs has provided this opportunity to lead the agency that promotes Arizona to the world,” said AOT Director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway. “As a native Arizonan, I know how special our state and its people are. Tourism is vital to Arizona’s economy, and I look forward to working with partners statewide to strengthen and grow the industry while enhancing Arizona’s global competitiveness.”
Born and raised in Arizona, Alix Skelpsa Ridgway holds a BA in Political Science from Texas Christian University (TCU) and has a Master’s degree in Legal Studies from Arizona State University.
###
Media Contact: Josh Coddington, (480) 438-4700, jcoddington@tourism.az.gov
About the Arizona Office of Tourism: The Arizona Office of Tourism works to strengthen and grow Arizona’s economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as the leading tourism destination for domestic and international travelers. In 2024, tourism employed more than 193,800 Arizonans and contributed over $4.3 billion in tax revenue to our federal, state and local economies.