Three new members were elected to join the Tucson Airport Authority Monday (January 25), including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Pima County Economic Development Director John Moffatt, who are part of a new category called, Advocacy Members. The third addition is real estate executive Brandt Hazen, as an Active Member.

The TAA is an independent non-profit organization responsible for managing and operating Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN), a general aviation airport.

New Active Member Hazen is president of commercial real estate firm Hazen Enterprises. He is also active in community organizations. Hazen is a past president of the Tucson Conquistadores and liaison with the PGA Tour and is chair of the Board of Directors of Intermountain Centers focused on serving behavioral health issues of adjudicated juveniles.

Creation of the new Advocacy Member category represents a significant change in the makeup of the TAA membership to recognize the growing roles played by local governments in economic development.

From its inception in 1948, the TAA was organized as an independent non-profit organization with members selected only from among those in the business community. That was at the insistence of city officials who wanted to avoid putting tax dollars at risk in operating an airport.

In keeping with the original intent, Advocacy Members are not included in the maximum of 60 Active Members that comprise TAA Membership. They also will not vote on TAA matters or serve on the Board of Directors.  As TAA Advocacy Members their terms will continue as long as they remain in their government position.