Great leaders strengthen the organizations around them as much as the communities they serve. Union County Manager Brian Matthews has done both over a career spanning more than 25 years, and he has been honored as the winner of the 2026 Region of Excellence James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award.
The Prosser Award recognizes transformative local government leadership in honor of Centralina’s former Executive Director, James D. Prosser.
A Career Built in Union County
Matthews’ path began at the municipal level. He spent 12 years with the Town of Stallings, first as its first Administrator and later as Town Manager, a period in which the town built its current Town Hall and established its police department. In 2013 he joined Union County Government as Executive Director of Growth Management, was promoted to Assistant County Manager in 2019, and was selected as County Manager by the Board of Commissioners in 2023.
Planning for Growth
As County Manager, Matthews has overseen implementation of the 2040 Water & Sewer Master Plan and maintained a strong focus on fiscal stewardship. Union County continues to hold some of the nation’s highest bond ratings, keeping borrowing costs low for taxpayers. The County also broke ground on the Union County Food Innovation Center, a partnership with Wingate University and the Town of Wingate to support food production, entrepreneurship and job creation.
In FY26, economic development efforts produced $240 million in capital investment and 105 new jobs, including ATI’s $200 million investment, the largest single private-sector manufacturing investment in county history.
Regional Partnerships
Matthews helped secure regional support and state funding to launch the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center, which provides forensic pathology services to Union County and eight surrounding counties. He also led successful implementation of the $300 million Yadkin Regional Water Supply Project, which improves access to clean water in Union County, Stanly County and the Town of Norwood.
Investing in Employees
Inside the organization, Union County adopted a new vision, mission and core values centered on integrity, transparency, service and teamwork. Matthews established new Strategy & Innovation, Security & Risk Management and Economic Development departments, and championed cost-of-living adjustments, longevity pay, professional certification incentives and expanded professional development. The County also opened an Employee Health & Wellness Center and introduced the Wellhub fitness app and a mobile benefits app.
The results are measurable: process improvements are saving an estimated 300 staff hours annually in hiring, bringing training in-house is saving an estimated $25,350 a year, and Wellhub has generated an estimated $134,361 in annual savings.
Congratulations to Brian Matthews and the Union County team. Learn more about the Region of Excellence Awards.
Nominated by Liz Cooper, Union County Government.
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