Maricopa County Stadium District elects John Graham chair, appoints officers and sets staggered terms

John Graham was unanimously elected chair of the newly constituted Maricopa County Stadium District during the board's inaugural meeting. Board members also appointed Andrew Cohen as interim treasurer and Danny Ortega as secretary and ratified staggered two-, three- and four-year terms for members.

The vote came after brief discussion of leadership needs until the board hires an executive director. Andrew Cohen nominated Graham for chair and Zach Schira seconded; the board approved the nomination unanimously. John Graham said he would be "honored to do it." Schira, who had been presiding as county staff, told the board he did not believe it would be appropriate for him to serve as chair while also acting as staff liaison.

Board members debated whether to appoint a treasurer or contract with an outside accounting firm. Cohen agreed to serve on an interim basis and the board moved, seconded and approved his interim appointment unanimously. Mayor Kate Gallego nominated Danny Ortega for secretary, the nomination was seconded and the board approved it unanimously.

Outside counsel read the proposed staggered-term assignments: three two-year terms, three three-year terms and four four-year terms. The board approved the distribution and ratified the specific members assigned to each term by unanimous vote. The board noted it will revisit officer roles and appointments once an executive director is hired and could reconsider interim arrangements.

The board adjourned the open session and approved taking personnel and negotiation matters into executive session as scheduled on the agenda.