2027 WM PHOENIX OPEN TO BE LED BY TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN CHRIS CAMACHO, ASSISTANT CHAIRMAN JOHN DAMIRIS

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, have appointed Chris Camacho the Tournament Chairman for the 2027 edition of “The People’s Open”, which is set to tee it up Feb. 8-14 at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, The Thunderbirds announced that John Damiris has been named Assistant Tournament Chairman for the 2027 event, which will be the 92^nd edition of the WM Phoenix Open. Camacho and Damiris took over planning duties immediately following Chris Gotterup’s playoff win at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open on Sunday, February 8.

Camacho assumes the role of Tournament Chairman after serving last year as Assistant Tournament Chairman alongside Jason Eisenberg. He will lead The Thunderbirds organization in the planning and execution of all facets of the 2027 event, including sponsorship generation and renewals, security and safety, community relations, logistics, development of on-course venues, and overall fan experience enhancement.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as Tournament Chairman for the 2027 WM Phoenix Open,” Camacho said. “The People’s Open represents the very best of our community, bringing together world-class golf, an unmatched fan experience and a charitable mission that creates meaningful impact across Arizona. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Thunderbirds, WM, our sponsors, volunteers and community partners to build on that legacy and deliver another exceptional tournament at TPC Scottsdale.”

Camacho is the Senior Vice President, Global Site Strategy and Expansion for Axon Enterprises. Prior to that he served 17 years as the executive leader for Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Camacho is involved in many community organizations including the Flinn Foundation, Valley of the Sun United Way, and Elevate Phoenix among others. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. He currently resides in Scottsdale with his wife, Maria, and three children, Makenna (18), Case (14) and Cameron (12). Camacho has been a member of the Thunderbirds since 2018. 

As Assistant Tournament Chairman, Damiris will work alongside Camacho in all tournament related operations while preparing to assume the Tournament Chairman role for the 2028 WM Phoenix Open.

Damiris is President of the Arizona Region for UMB. In this role, he is responsible for designing and executing the strategy for Arizona, along with promoting growth and managing teams in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and Scottsdale.  He has more than 22 years of experience in the financial services industry and has spent his entire career at UMB. He joined the bank in June 2004 and was among the founding officers who opened UMB’s Arizona de novo charter in November 2005. 

Damiris graduated cum laude and earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, with a minor in mass communication, from Arizona State University. An active member of his community, John is involved in several local civic and sports organizations. In addition to his engagement with The Thunderbirds, Damiris has served as president for the Scottsdale Saguaros, is a graduate of the Scottsdale Leadership Class XXIV and a life member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellowjacket Committee. Damiris lives in Phoenix with his wife, Amanda, and their three children, Sophia (14), George (11) and Zoe (7).