Sarah Mattson
River City Company announces that Sarah Mattson has joined RCC as senior director of economic development, a new senior leadership position that will focus on growing and supporting the economic ecosystem of downtown Chattanooga. Ms. Mattson joins RCC from the City of Chattanooga, where she served as director of the Office of Entrepreneurship.
As senior director of economic development, Ms. Mattson will develop and execute strategic programs to proactively recruit new businesses and support the growth of existing businesses downtown.
She will support local entrepreneurs and business leaders to ensure Chattanooga continues to attract more investment, redevelopment projects, and employment opportunities in the urban core, officials said.
“Sarah brings an incredible depth of experience in entrepreneurship and economic development, along with a proven track record of building meaningful partnerships throughout our community,” said Emily Mack, president & CEO of River City Company. “Her leadership in this area will be instrumental as we continue our efforts to create a dynamic, inclusive and resilient downtown that is an asset for everyone.”
Officials said, "As the City of Chattanooga’s Director of Entrepreneurship, Ms. Mattson launched and led several signature initiatives, including the Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week, Builder’s Blueprint program and the future minority business resource center. Ms. Mattson comes to RCC with over a decade of experience supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through her leadership at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, where she has earned national recognition for her impact."
“This is an exciting time for Chattanooga’s urban core as we are experiencing a steady stream of new investment and growing businesses,” said Ms. Mattson. “I am thrilled to join the accomplished and impactful team at River City Company to ensure that our community leans into our local economy’s positive momentum.”
Ms. Mattson holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is currently pursuing her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential through the International Economic Development Council. She serves on the advisory board of the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers and is an active member of the 2025 classes of Leadership Chattanooga and Leadership Hamilton County Schools.