Arizona Director of Tourism resigns amidst contract controversy [Video]

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs accepted the resignation Friday of state Tourism Director Lisa Urias, a Hobbs appointee, after a news report raised questions about Urias’ handling of a state contract.

“As a social worker, I take my role as a public servant very seriously,” Hobbs told reporters at a Capitol event.

“Anyone who has the privilege of serving the public needs to be above reproach. That’s why I accepted her resignation this morning. This appearance of conflict is not acceptable.”

Hobbs’ response came after a report Thursday in the Arizona Agenda that Urias had played a role in steering a $27,500 contract for a state logo makeover to a person with connections to her marketing agency, Urias Communications.

“Unfortunately, this past week, I was caught in a maelstrom …