Tom Anderson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Bristol, Tenn., recently announced the appointment of Matt Garland as Economic Development Specialist. In this role, Garland will assist with promoting Bristol as a viable option for the location of new businesses and industries, as well as aiding existing businesses seeking to expand or stabilize their operations. He will also assist with plans related to the designation of redevelopment districts, tax increment financing, and various federal and state economic development grant programs. Garland will work with the city’s Industrial Development Board and other partners including NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and Bristol Tennessee Essential Services on projects and initiatives supporting economic development activities in Bristol.
Garland joins the city following his recent service as president and CEO of the Greene County Partnership in Greeneville, Tenn. from Sept. 2016 to Feb. 2020. In that role, he was tasked with managing multiple programs for the Partnership with a primary focus on the creation of new, full-time, high quality jobs. During his tenure at the Partnership, Garland assisted in the creation of over 800 new jobs and over $200 million in new investment for Greene County.
Previously, Garland served with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development from May 2007 to Aug. 2016. He worked throughout the eight counties of Northeast Tenn., providing assistance to local officials and elected leaders along with education regarding the importance of sustainable economic and community development.
“It’s not every day that you encounter someone with the depth and breadth of experience that Matt has in the field of economic development,” said Anderson. “There are some truly game-changing opportunities on the horizon for Bristol’s continued growth and development, and we are extremely fortunate to have him as part of the team that will help bring them to fruition.”
Garland received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Management from East Tennessee State University. He has two children, Olivia and Will.
