The woman who has led the Tri-Cities’ largest business and professional network for the past 20 years has announced her plans to pass the torch. 

Lori Mattson, CEO and president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, will retire in February 2027, according to a release. The chamber’s board of directors is launching a search process to find the organization’s next leader. 

“Serving the Tri-City Regional Chamber has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Mattson said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful for the trust, support and friendships that have made this work so meaningful over the years. While this decision is bittersweet, I have tremendous confidence in the future of the chamber and the region we serve. I look forward to supporting a thoughtful transition and continuing our work together over the coming months.” 

Formed in 2006, Mattson took the chamber’s top leadership role in 2008 when the prior president and CEO, Mel Kent, resigned. That put her at the helm through the Great Recession that rocked the country beginning in 2008 and the economic slowdown that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  

Under her leadership, the chamber earned five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest level of accreditation awarded to chambers nationwide. In 2012, she helped launch the chamber’s annual Women in Business conference, which drew roughly 1,000 attendees in 2025. 

She was named one of the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business’ People of Influence earlier this year. She received the Legacy Award as part of the Woman of Distinction program at Washington State University Tri-Cities in 2025. 

Mattson will work with the chamber’s board and staff to provide a smooth transition until her departure in February 2027. Board chair Torey Azure said the board is confident it will have a robust pool of candidates from which to select the chamber’s next leader. 

“Lori’s strategic vision, collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to the region have been instrumental in the chamber’s success and that of our community,” Azure said in a statement. “She has been a remarkable leader and will be leaving the chamber exceptionally well-positioned for the future. We are extremely grateful for her contributions.”