About River City Company
River City Company is the economic development engine for Downtown Chattanooga. Our vision is to create a world-class downtown for all and work toward that goal every day by fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown that is the economic, social, and cultural center of Chattanooga.
Since 1986, River City Company, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, has worked in partnership with local government, the private sector and the philanthropic sector to support Downtown Chattanooga.
Because a vigorous downtown is a prerequisite for a healthier city, we’re working to keep Downtown Chattanooga working.
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Company
"How the community is designed, built and cared for is a result of the community's ability to form a shared vision that is special to Chattanooga, a memorable vision that reflects its past, reinforces its present and predicts a future."
— Stroud Watson, Chattanooga Design Studio
History of River City Company
River City Company has played an integral role in the redevelopment and revitalization of Downtown Chattanooga. Created as a private non-profit in 1986 to implement a 20-year twenty-two mile blueprint for Chattanooga's riverfront and downtown development, the non-profit was originally capitalized with $12 million from local foundations and financial institutions.
By working with local government, the private sector and the philanthropic sector, River City Company supported and developed specific projects in Downtown Chattanooga. From the fulfillment of the initial recommendations of the Moccasin Bend Task Force for the development of the Tennessee Riverwalk, to the development of the Tennessee Aquarium, the redevelopment of the Kirkman High School site, fulfillment of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, the Majestic Theater, The Block and Miller Park, River City Company has been most successful as a public purpose development company. River City Company also plays a major role in the future planning of Downtown Chattanooga along with strategic animation and programming of Downtown spaces.
River City Company's Board of Directors represents the community at large with City and County Mayors, representatives from Chattanooga City Council and Hamilton County Commission and numerous community leaders. The Board of Directors provides an invaluable knowledge base to help us determine the best use of our $3.2 million annual budget.
Our People
Our Partners
Our Board
Executive Committee:
Tom White, Chair
Retired, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Unum
Jennifer Goodman, Immediate Past Chair
Shareholder, CGMA, CPA, Elliott Davis
Jason Provonsha, Vice Chair
CEO, Steam Logistics
Martha Culp Millener, Secretary
Shareholder, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel
Martha Leiper, Treasurer
Retired, EVP & Chief Investment Officer, Unum
Brent Goldberg, Assistant Treasurer
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, UTC
At-Large Members:
Elizabeth Ahmed
EVP of People and Communications, Unum
Johan de Nysschen
Chairman, CARTA
Jeff Eversole
Hamilton County Commission Chair, District 10
Leslie Gower
Executive Director, Associated General Contractors of East TN
Susan Harris
Chief Operating Officer, Chattanooga Tourism Company
Jenny Hill
City of Chattanooga Council Chair, District 2
Mayor Tim Kelly
Mayor, City of Chattanooga
James McKissic
President, ArtsBuild
Dan Pratt
Senior Vice President of Customer & Stakeholder Relations, TVA
David Wade
CEO, EPB
Mayor Weston Wamp
Mayor, Hamilton County
Charles Wood
President & CEO, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce