For the first time in the organization’s 40-year history, a woman will lead San Antonio Sports’ board of directors.
What you should know
Officials with the local athletics advocacy nonprofit announced on Oct. 9 that business owner Mary Ullmann Japhet was elected board chair. She succeeds Jonathan Owens and steps into the position at a time of growth and renewed purpose for the city’s leading sports nonprofit.
According to a press release, Japhet first served on San Antonio Sports’ board from 1993 to 2001 before joining the SAS staff, eventually becoming the organization’s senior vice president.
In 2019, Japhet opened Japhet Media, a local public relations firm, but she has long maintained a partnership with San Antonio Sports as a consultant and board member.
What they’re saying
San Antonio Sports leaders said Japhet is a former television journalist and media executive whose experience in storytelling, brand expertise, and civic involvement will help to enhance the organization as its new board chair.
“(Japhet) has been part of the San Antonio Sports story for more than three decades,” Jenny Carnes, San Antonio Sports president and CEO, said in a statement. “Her deep community roots, creative leadership, and passion for the power of sport embody what’s next for us. This marks a new era for San Antonio Sports, one where innovation, inclusion and collaboration will continue to drive our city forward.”
Also of note
According to the release, San Antonio Sports announced other board and staff appointments on Oct. 9.
New board members include:
*Walter Bernal, senior manager, quality management and training, Capital Group
*Roderick Faulk, partner, Jackson Walker LLP
*Yolanda Rodgers, director, Community Sports, Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Staff leadership updates include:
Elena Wells was named chief operating officer, where she now leads operations, community programs, marketing and external affairs. Wells will stay on as executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee, and will oversee the planning and execution of the San Antonio Marathon, and upcoming NCAA championships, such as the 2026 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball championship, and 2029 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
*Stephanie Guerra joins SAS as marketing and communications director, and Amber Brown joins as development director. Both positions are key members of the SALOC leadership team for the 2025 Men’s Final Four, the release stated.
*Malison DeLeon was promoted to community programs director, and Danielle DeCotis was promoted to development and sponsorship manager.
Additional staff appointments include Ben Kelly-Blum as senior manager of community events, Brianna Guevara as development coordinator, Alexandra Valdez as social media coordinator, and Megan Mendoza as community programs manager.
