Tech Park Leader Carol Stewart Elected to Tucson Airport Authority Board
January 29, 2026
Contacts:
Tech Parks Arizona – Jessa B. Turner – (520) 405-8262 jbturner@uatechpark.org
Tucson Airport Authority – Austin Wright – (520) 573-4885 awright@flytucson.com
For Immediate Release: January 29, 2026
Tech Park Leader Carol Stewart Elected to Tucson
Airport Authority Board
TUCSON, Ariz. – Carol Stewart, Vice President, University of Arizona and CEO of UA Tech Parks and President of the UA Center for Innovation has been elected to the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) Board of Directors during the organization’s annual meeting on January 26, 2026. This volunteer appointment reflects Stewart’s distinguished leadership and her contributions to advancing community and economic initiatives.
The TAA operates as a unique, independent nonprofit founded in 1948 by community business leaders and authorized through an Arizona state charter. TAA is responsible for operating Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield while leading strategic initiatives that drive regional economic prosperity. TAA’s economic impact reaches well beyond airport operations. In its most recent analysis, the authority reported:
- 18,804 direct jobs generated through airport operations and capital improvement projects
- $1.8 billion in direct wages and $7.5 billion in direct economic output
- Visitor spending that created an additional 9,674 direct jobs, $349.8 million in wages, and $936.9 million in direct economic activity
- Indirect and induced economic impacts accounting for 13,535 jobs, $802.2 million in wages, and $2.5 billion in economic output
Together, the operations of the TAA, onsite businesses, military activity and visitor spending generate an impressive 42,012 jobs, $2.9 billion in wages, and $10.9 billion in total economic output for Southern Arizona.
“On behalf of the Tucson Airport Authority and our Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome Carol Stewart as our newest Board member. Having Carol join our board, will add a unique perspective to our strong and dedicated Board of Directors who take pride in innovation and growth to best serve our Southern Arizona community,” expressed Danette Bewley, TAA President/CEO.
Stewart’s appointment brings to the board her extensive leadership in innovation ecosystems, regional economic development and community-focused partnerships. As the leader of Tech Parks Arizona, which is home to more than 100 companies and over 6,000 knowledge workers, Stewart has played a pivotal role in connecting industry, government, and higher education to advance technology commercialization and drive sustainable economic growth.
“I am honored to join the Tucson Airport Authority Board and contribute to an organization that plays such a vital role in our region’s economic strength,” said Stewart. “Airports are powerful engines of opportunity. I look forward to supporting TAA’s continued work in shaping the future of transportation, business attraction and long-term competitiveness for Southern Arizona.”
With Stewart joining the TAA Board, Southern Arizona gains a dedicated advocate whose leadership strengthens the region’s momentum in innovation and economic development. Her election underscores the value of experienced, visionary leadership in advancing one of Arizona’s most impactful economic engines. By bringing expertise in corporate engagement and regional development, she will help drive TAA’s strategic priorities and further expand its role in shaping Southern Arizona’s economic landscape.
About Tech Parks Arizona
Tech Parks Arizona creates purpose-built environments that advance technology innovation and foster economic growth. Anchored by the University of Arizona, Tech Parks Arizona operates the UA Tech Park and the UA Tech Park at The Bridges, strategically designed campuses where industry and university intersect. The parks provide world-class infrastructure, specialized facilities such as the Solar Zone, and customized business support to help companies thrive—from startups to tech giants. As the operator of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), Tech Parks Arizona strengthens Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by accelerating the growth of science and tech startups—connecting innovators with the people, programs, and places they need to take ideas from concept to market.
Tucson Airport Authority
The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) is an independent, non-profit organization with the responsibility to operate, manage and develop Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). The TAA receives no local tax dollars. It sustains operations from airport-generated revenues, like concessions, leases, and landing fees. The TAA invests millions each year in safety, security, and customer service for the benefit of travelers, tenants, employees, and the entire Southern Arizona region. The airport system supports nearly 43,000 jobs and contributes to more than $10.9 billion in economic activity.
Carol A. Stewart
Vice President, The University of Arizona
CEO & President, UA Tech Parks
President, UA Center for Innovation