After more than a decade of leadership, Sarah Morgan is stepping down as president of the Benwood Foundation, capping a career that has helped shape Chattanooga’s civic, cultural and educational landscape.
Morgan’s retirement marks the end of a 13-year tenure.
“Working alongside the board and staff at Benwood has been the greatest professional honor of my life,” Morgan says. “Our work has touched many local lives. There has never been a better time to call Chattanooga home.”
Morgan’s legacy spans decades of civic engagement, including prior work at the Lyndhurst Foundation and board roles with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, the Housing Authority and others. Under her leadership, the Benwood Foundation has driven significant local initiatives ranging from broadband access and early childhood education to public art and affordable housing.
“Chattanooga will never fully grasp the scope of Sarah’s impact,” says Valoria Armstrong, chair of the Benwood board. “She has quietly championed countless causes and people. Her legacy is indelible.”
High-profile leaders echo that sentiment. Former U.S. Sen. and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker called Morgan “an exemplary champion for our community,” while Mayor Tim Kelly praised her commitment to “localism.” Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson credited Morgan and Benwood with “finding new, impactful ways to support our students and families.”
Among Morgan’s lasting contributions are the launch of HCS EdConnect – which provides no-cost fiber internet to over 10,000 families – and foundational support for Chattanooga 2.0, the Chattanooga Future Fund and Riverfront redevelopment. The foundation has also invested in affordable housing, arts ecosystems and workforce development.
“From gig-speed internet to college savings accounts for every student, Sarah’s work has changed lives,” says EPB CEO David Wade.
A national search for Morgan’s successor is underway. She will continue in her role until a new president is in place.
Curbed Construction expands with new estimator
Curbed Construction has announced the addition of Haven Edgemon to its team as estimator. Based out of the company’s corporate office in Chattanooga, Edgemon is expected to play a key role in project planning and financial forecasting as the firm continues its expansion across the region.
In her new role, Edgemon will focus on cost analysis, budgeting and preparing competitive project bids – critical components in ensuring both efficiency and value for Curbed Construction’s clients. Company leaders say her precision and analytical strengths will help drive continued success in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Curbed Construction has earned a reputation in East Tennessee for its reliable service and commitment to client satisfaction. The company’s ongoing expansion reflects increased demand for construction and development across the region, particularly in Chattanooga and its surrounding communities.
Edgemon’s addition marks another step forward in Curbed Construction’s efforts to build a client-focused team poised to meet the evolving needs of both residential and commercial markets.
River City taps Mattson for economic development
River City Company (RCC) has named Sarah Mattson senior director of economic development, a leadership role designed to drive business growth and economic vitality in downtown Chattanooga.
Mattson brings more than a decade of experience in small business support and entrepreneurship to the position. She most recently served as director of the Office of Entrepreneurship for the city of Chattanooga. In her new role at RCC, she will spearhead initiatives to recruit new businesses and support existing ones.
During her tenure with the city, Mattson launched several signature programs, including Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week and the Builder’s Blueprint program, while also laying the groundwork for a minority business resource center.
Before Mattson’s role with the city, she served at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, where she gained national recognition for her work supporting entrepreneurs and small business growth.
Mattson holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is currently pursuing her Certified Economic Developer credential. She also serves on the advisory board of the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers and is part of the 2025 cohorts for both Leadership Chattanooga and Leadership Hamilton County Schools.