Matt Largen, the director of the Williamson County Office of Economic Development since 2008, has been named the first president and chief executive officer of the unified Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, board Chairman Brad Dunn announced today.

Largen will assume his post by Feb. 1 to allow adequate time for a smooth transition at the OED, Dunn, senior vice president with Pinnacle Financial Partners, said in a release.

Former Franklin mayor and telecommunications businessman Jerry Sharber will continue to serve as the chamber’s interim general manager until Largen comes on board, Dunn said.

During Largen's tenure with the Williamson County Office of Economic Development, more than 8,000 jobs have been created in the Williamson County. Companies including Verizon Wireless, Jackson National Life Insurance, Mars Petcare and Tractor Supply have either relocated to or expanded within the county. 

Largen authored a five-year strategic plan that identified business sectors for recruitment and made education a priority issue, targeting the development of more depth and talent in the information technology workforce to meet job demand.  He also has established the OED as a regional presence by participating as a board member on the Nashville Technology Council and as chair-elect of the Tennessee Economic Partnership, among other activities.

In August, the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber, the Cool Springs Chamber and the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber approved unification under the banner of the new Williamson County Chamber.  The staff members of the three former chambers are being integrated, and efforts are underway to establish a new office for the unified organization, which has some 1,500 business and individual members. 

“The potential of the new Chamber of Commerce in the healthiest, wealthiest, fastest growing, most well-educated county in Tennessee is limitless,” Largen said. “I cannot wait to engage and collaborate with the business community — especially the small business community — to help make the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce a highly valued path to engagement for small to large businesses in Williamson County.”

Largen earned a Master of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Henderson State University (Arkansas) Honors College.