MEET THE TEAM

AREA’s office is in Albuquerque, where our dedicated staff is ready to assist you.

Chad Matheson

Senior Vice President

Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)

Chad Matheson serves the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) as the Senior Vice President. In this role, he ensures that AREA is successful in the execution of its strategic plan by leading critical initiatives to grow the region’s competitive position.

As a champion of new approaches to economic and community development, Chad’s work complements the full scope of economic strategy. He is an established thought leader in economic development and brings a depth of knowledge within regional economic trends and opportunity identification. He is an experienced researcher and has successfully worked with economic development organizations in building towards achieving more dynamic and prosperous regional economies.

Recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developer’s in 2023, Chad is committed to building economic success through partnership and collaboration.

Prior to joining AREA, Chad led business intelligence for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce. In partnership with the University of Memphis, in 2020 his team launched the Center for Economic Competitiveness. Working with senior staff and business executives, the Center used a data driven approach to co-create long-term job creation and talent development strategies. With an eye on equity and inclusion, their work reshaped conversations of future growth scenarios and prioritized job access, quality, and connectivity.

Prior to joining the Greater Memphis Chamber, he directed business intelligence efforts for Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance in Norfolk, Virginia. Here, he served as a key member of the strategy team and was responsible for the creation and implementation of regional growth strategies.

Chad’s deep experience with innovative research and commitment to partner engagement makes certain that AREA is on the cutting edge of competitive market and industry analyses. He provides thoughtful and engaging leadership in a manner that seeks to connect department functions, improves organizational performance, and works to build a bright economic outlook of growth and opportunity.

Chad holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and joined the Greater Albuquerque community in February 2021. He is a proud father of two and is joined in Albuquerque by his wife, Meghan, and two daughters Phoebe and Cheyenne.

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