D-Backs’ Tom Harris Named CFO of the Year

Arizona Diamondbacks Chief Financial Officer Tom Harris was named CFO of the Year by Financial Executives International (FEI) Arizona Chapter, presented by AZ Business Magazine.

Harris was selected from six nominees and was presented with the honor, which recognizesprofessionals for outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards, at a dinner held at the Arizona Biltmore last night. He was also recognized last month atthe Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Outstanding CFOs luncheon as one of eight local CFOs honored for their vision in helping their respective companies plan for the future.

Harris, now in his 19^th year with the D-backs, serves as the Executive Vice President & CFO and oversees all general accounting, finance, stadium operations, risk management and administrative activities and ensures operations are in accordance with ownership goals and objectives.

Under Harris’ guidance, through equity and debt restructures, the team has eliminated more than $175 million of debt in the last eight years. The Winslow, Ariz. native played a key role in the opening of the D-backs’ Spring Training facility, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, as well as the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game held at Chase Field.

Harris also serves on the board for Special Olympics Arizona, the American Heart Association, and is a board member for the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation as well as a member of the Thunderbirds. Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation from Arizona State University and was inducted into the ASU School of Business Hall of Fame in 2005.