Co-Founder & CEO, Sunny Day Sports
Vicki Mayo is a powerhouse CEO and entrepreneur based in Arizona, recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the IT industry and beyond.
She began her entrepreneurial journey young, laying the groundwork for her future success, including founding GMI. Her resilience and determination were evident early on when she made the courageous decision to adopt two abandoned children at 20, despite facing familial disapproval and sacrificing her place on the Olympic horseback riding team.
Through initiatives like Mayo Global, she addresses pressing issues such as child welfare, food insecurity, and support for minorities. Her efforts have extended to humanitarian work, including the rescue and relocation of 147 Afghan female students in collaboration with various organizations.
Mayo’s multifaceted career spans diverse sectors, from hospitality to healthcare technology, reflecting her adaptability and innovative mindset. She holds a BA degree in Political Science and Hospitality Administration from Northern Arizona University, grounding her work in a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise.
A true embodiment of resilience and compassion, Mayo continues to lead by example, inspiring others through her entrepreneurial success and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world.
Co-Founder, Sunny Day Sports
Simer S. Mayo is an award-winning, nationally recognized entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with over 20 years of experience building a range of multi-million-dollar companies. His drive for excellence and commitment to customer delivery have been the keystones to his success. Culture, core values, servant leadership, and conscious capitalism inspire Mayo’s award-winning vision.
Motivated by the success of his employees, customers, partners, and community, Mayo thrives as a CEO when his work and leadership help solve critical problems. Under his guidance, his companies have flourished and contributed significantly to their respective industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Delhi University and a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mayo’s leadership extends beyond the corporate world. Passionate about helping others in local and global communities, he mentors and provides leadership to several non-profit organizations, charities, and youth initiatives. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership, Founding Board Director of the Arizona Business Roundtable, Board Member at the Arizona Commerce Authority, and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Managing Partner, Mayo Global
Kirk Adams is respected throughout the country for his strong organizational leadership experience and deep understanding of public policy. From 2014 to 2018, he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Arizona, overseeing the execution of policy, political, and operational priorities of state government across 37 agencies, 33,000 employees, and an annual budget of $42 billion. Previously, in 2008, he was elected the youngest Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives in state history.
After leaving public service in 2019, Adams founded Consilium Consulting, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies to implement complex strategic initiatives and operational solutions. As Managing Partner of Mayo Global, he oversees strategic alignment, investment allocation, and market development for the family of Mayo companies and the Mayo Family Foundation.
Adams is a Fellow at the Aspen Rodel Institute and resides in Arizona.
DIRECTOR SPORTS
Project Lead, Blue Sky Vantage
Dru Blair began his career as a PGA professional, where he honed a strong foundation in precision, strategy, and leadership. His journey in the golf industry extended far beyond the sport itself, as he became highly proficient in managing operations, collaborating with diverse teams, and achieving results under pressure. This success paved the way for his current role as Project Lead at Blue Sky Vantage, where he applies the discipline, focus, and strategic thinking cultivated during his time as a PGA professional. His unique background brings a fresh perspective to his work, blending a results-oriented mindset with a natural ability to foster collaboration and drive growth.
STRATEGIC MINORITY INVESTOR
CEO & Chairwoman, Plaza Companies
Sharon Harper is a CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder of Plaza Companies, Sharon Harper oversees all facets of company operations, including the ownership, development, leasing or management of nearly 13 million square feet of Arizona urban transformational projects, medical healthcare companies, senior living communities and bioscience centers.
Her forward-thinking commitment to commercial real estate has helped Plaza Companies emerge as one of the premier real estate firms in the Southwest, earning numerous awards and designations under her leadership and establishing the company as the largest woman- owned business in Arizona according to the Phoenix Business Journal’s Book of Lists.
Harper’s commitments extend far beyond business, however, and they include a variety of causes, volunteer efforts and appointments across Arizona and beyond. In 2022, Harper was recognized for her contributions to bioscience in Arizona at the Society of Chairs Gala, and she was named a member of the Titan 100. Harper earned the 2019 Inés Pascal Award for Generous Service by Brophy College Preparatory Academy. In May, 2019, she was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame. She received the 2020-21 Legacy Award from the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the 2020 Women of Lifetime Achievement Award from In Business Magazine.