Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance Names Chad Matheson President & CEO

Interim Economic Development Leader Appointed Following National Search

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) has announced the appointment of Chad Matheson as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Matheson, who has served as Interim President & CEO since August 2025, was selected following a comprehensive national search led by the organization's Board of Directors.

Why it matters

The AREA plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and competitiveness in the Greater Albuquerque region. Matheson's appointment as the permanent CEO comes at a critical time, as the region looks to build on its strengths and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The details

Matheson is a nationally recognized economic development leader with deep expertise in regional economic strategy, labor market analysis, and opportunity identification. His approach bridges rigorous research with on-the-ground execution, enabling communities to translate data-driven insight into measurable outcomes around job creation, talent alignment, and sustainable economic growth.

  • Matheson has served as Interim President & CEO since August 2025.
  • Matheson's appointment as the permanent President & CEO is effective April 1, 2026.

The players

Chad Matheson

The newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). Matheson is a nationally recognized economic development leader with deep expertise in regional economic strategy, labor market analysis, and opportunity identification.

Josh Parsons

The Board Chair of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA).

Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)

A regional economic development organization focused on advancing economic competitiveness and growth in the Greater Albuquerque region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The AREA Board of Directors is pleased to confirm Chad Matheson as the permanent President and CEO of AREA. Chad has embraced and grown in his role as the Interim President and CEO by offering a strategic vision, and a deep commitment to advancing economic competitiveness across the Greater Albuquerque region. The momentum he has built makes him the right candidate to lead this organization into its next chapter.”

— Josh Parsons, Board Chair

“I am honored to step into this role and deeply committed to the mission of AREA and to the communities we serve. The Greater Albuquerque region has extraordinary assets, a growing and innovative ecosystem with community of leaders ready to drive meaningful progress. I look forward to working alongside our partners, stakeholders, and the AREA team to advance bold strategies that strengthen our regional economy for the long term.”

— Chad Matheson, President and Chief Executive Officer

What’s next

Matheson will officially assume the role of President and CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance on April 1, 2026, leading the organization's efforts to drive economic growth and competitiveness in the Greater Albuquerque region.

The takeaway

The appointment of Chad Matheson as the permanent President and CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance underscores the organization's commitment to leveraging data-driven insights and strategic vision to bolster the region's economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity.