D-backs executive Harris honored for his work

D-backs executive vice president and chief financial officer Tom Harris has been named CFO of the Year by Financial Executives International (FEI) Arizona Chapter, presented by AZ Business Magazine.

Harris, who's been with the D-backs for 19 years, oversees all general accounting, finance, stadium operations, risk management and administrative activities for the club and ensures the team's operations are in line with ownership's goals and objectives.

Harris was selected from a pool of six nominees up for the honor -- which recognizes professionals for outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards -- at a dinner held at the Arizona Biltmore on Wednesday night. Harris also was honored last month at the Phoenix Business Journal's Most Outstanding CFOs luncheon as one of eight Phoenix-area CFOs recognized for their vision in shaping their respective companies' plans for the future.

The D-backs have eliminated more than $175 million in debt over the past eight years under Harris' guidance through equity and debt restructures. He also played a key role in opening the club's Spring Training facility, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, and hosting the 2011 All-Star Game at Chase Field.

In addition to his responsibilities with the D-backs, Harris serves on the board for Special Olympics Arizona, the American Heart Association and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. The Winslow, Ariz., native earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in taxation from Arizona State University and was inducted in 2005 into the ASU School of Business Hall of Fame.