08/24/2026
A Proud Moment for the Foundation!
The Pigeon Forge High School Foundation is proud to congratulate our Foundation President, Matt Rudder, on his appointment as Vice Mayor/Chief of Staff for Sevier County.
Matt’s continued commitment to public service and our community is something we are incredibly proud to celebrate. We’re grateful for the leadership he brings to the Foundation and excited to see the impact he will continue to make across Sevier County.
Congratulations, Matt! We’re proud to call you our Foundation President.
MAYOR-ELECT BRYAN MCCARTER NAMES MATT RUDDER VICE MAYOR/CHIEF OF STAFF FOR SEVIER COUNTY MAYOR’S OFFICE
Sevier County Mayor-Elect Bryan McCarter today announced the appointment of Matt Rudder as Vice Mayor/Chief of Staff for the Sevier County Mayor’s Office, effective upon the beginning of the new administration on September 1, 2026.
Rudder currently serves as Assistant County Mayor for Sevier County, where he has played an integral role in county operations. Prior to joining Sevier County, he served as Town Administrator for the Town of Dandridge, TN leading the day-to-day operations of municipal government, overseeing budgets and capital projects, and implementing the policies of the Board of Mayor and Alderman.
A lifelong Sevier Countian, Rudder is a 2008 graduate of Pigeon Forge High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee before completing a Master of Public Administration from UT. His educational background, combined with his executive leadership experience in both municipal and county government, has prepared him to lead.
“Matt is an outstanding public servant and exactly the type of leader I want helping shape the future of our county,” McCarter said. “His experience in city management, his proven leadership within county government, and his strong educational background in public administration make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Vice Mayor/Chief of Staff. His experience and integrity will ensure our administration is fiscally responsible, collaborative, and always focused on the needs of the citizens we are privileged to serve.”
As Vice Mayor/Chief of Staff, Rudder will oversee the daily operations of the Mayor’s Office including management of thirty-one departments with over 450 employees. In addition, Rudder will assist with overall strategic initiatives and work closely with elected officials, over 900 county personnel, constitutional officers, municipal leaders, and community partners to advance the priorities of the administration and Board of Commissioners. “I am honored by Bryan’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Sevier County,” Rudder said. “Bryan has outlined a vision centered on strong leadership, responsible stewardship, collaboration, and putting our residents first. I look forward to serving alongside Bryan and our dedicated county employees as we work every day to ensure the most efficient and effective use of county resources to provide the highest level of service possible to the residents of Sevier County.”
Matt and his wife, Katie, live in Sevierville with their two sons, Jack and Hank. The Rudder Family is active in the community and involved in many of their kids’ sports and activities. Matt coaches youth soccer and is President of the Pigeon Forge High School Foundation Board.
Rudder is the first senior leadership appointment announced by the McCarter administration. Additional appointments will be announced in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the transition into office.
