Major milestone signals renewed vision for San Antonio’s sports future
(October 9, 2025) – San Antonio, TX. — San Antonio Sports announced a historic leadership transition as Mary Ullmann Japhet has been elected chairwoman of its board of directors, the first woman to hold the role in the organization’s 40-year history. Japhet succeeds Jonathan Owens and steps into the position at a time of growth and renewed purpose for the city’s leading sports nonprofit.
“Mary has been part of the San Antonio Sports story for more than three decades,” said Jenny Carnes, President & CEO of San Antonio Sports. “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.”
Japhet first served on San Antonio Sports’ board from 1993 to 2001 before joining the staff, rising to senior vice president. In 2019, she launched Japhet Media LLC, continuing her partnership with the organization as a consultant and board member. A former television journalist and media executive, Japhet brings storytelling, brand expertise, and a lifetime of civic involvement to the chairwoman role.
San Antonio Sports also announced new appointments of board and staff, strengthening its commitment to community programs, major event hosting, and local partnerships.
New board members:
- Walter Bernal, senior manager, Quality Management and Training, Capital Group
- Roderick Faulk, partner, Jackson Walker LLP
- Yolanda Rogers, director, Community Sports, Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Staff leadership updates:
- Elena Wells, named Chief Operating Officer, now leads operations, community programs, marketing, and external affairs. Wells will continue to serve as executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) after successful completion of the 2025 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®. She will also oversee the planning and execution of the San Antonio Marathon and upcoming NCAA Championships including the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship and 2029 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
- Stephanie Guerra joins as director of Marketing and Communications, and Amber Brown as director of Development, both key members of the SALOC leadership team for the 2025 Men’s Final Four®.
- Malison DeLeon was promoted to director of Community Programs and Danielle DeCotis was promoted to Development and Sponsorship manager
Additional staff appointments include Ben Kelly-Blum, senior manager, Community Events; Brianna Guevara, development coordinator; and Alexandra Valdez, social media coordinator and Megan Mendoza, community programs manager.
About San Antonio Sports
San Antonio Sports is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform our community through the power of sport. The organization bids on and hosts premier sporting events — including NCAA® Championships — generating more than $1 billion in local economic impact. Through community initiatives such as the San Antonio Marathon, i play! afterschool and ACTIVATE, San Antonio Sports engages thousands of children and families each year in healthy, active lifestyles. Learn more at www.SanAntonioSports.org or follow @SASports on social media.
Contacts:
Stephanie Guerra, 210-413-6898, sguerra@sanantoniosports.org
Carolyn Wheat, 210-289-2705, cwheat@sanantoniosports.org