The Maricopa County Stadium District Board of Directors announced the appointment of Mark Winkleman as Executive Director of the Maricopa County Stadium District.
Winkleman brings more than four decades of executive, public-sector, real estate, legal and governance experience to the position. As Executive Director, he will serve as the District’s chief executive officer and administrative lead, working with the Board to oversee the District’s financial and operational performance, implement its policies and strategic priorities, and represent the District with public officials, community stakeholders and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though the Stadium District has been in existence since 1991, legislation signed into law in 2025 created a new, 9-member Board to oversee tax-funded Chase Field renovations expected to total $500 million.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Maricopa County Stadium District and the taxpayers of Maricopa County,” Winkleman said. “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.”
Winkleman’s career combines experience managing substantial public and private assets with extensive involvement in Arizona government, real estate, civic and legal affairs.
Winkleman is a former 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. He is 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.
“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 has also held numerous Arizona civic and nonprofit leadership positions. He has been the Chairman of ULI Arizona, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Valley Partnership. He has also served on the City of Phoenix Industrial Development Authority Board and Arizona State Parks Board. He has also been recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as a Most Admired CEO.
Winkleman earned his business degree from the University of Kansas, as well as a law degree from the University of Virginia.
