Lifelong Sports Passion Shapes Chesterfield Events Leader

TL;DR: Matt Mullen, Chesterfield County's assistant director for sports and events, draws on his lifelong sports passion and six years of experience in sports tourism to shape the county's athletic programs and attract major events.

The story

Matt Mullen's path to leading sports and events for Chesterfield County reflects a career-long immersion in athletics and the communities they build. The Richmond-area native initially pursued Division III baseball at Roanoke College before transferring to the University of Richmond to complete his degree. During that transition, he discovered his passion for sports tourism through an internship with Henrico County, work that would define his professional trajectory.

After university, Mullen spent six years with Henrico County building expertise in sports tourism and event management, while maintaining involvement with local athletics through roles with VCU Athletics, the University of Richmond, and area baseball organizations. He joined Chesterfield in 2023 and was named assistant director for sports and events in the county's Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department, which was formally established in 2024.

In his current role, Mullen serves as the county's national sales representative, traveling to conferences and trade shows to attract events and generate economic impact for Chesterfield. His responsibilities span sports tourism sales, local sports programs, school athletics partnerships, event management, and sponsorships. His work encompasses both grassroots initiatives and major competitive events.

Among the programs under his purview is the county's Sports Hall of Fame, which recognizes athletes with Chesterfield connections, with 21 individuals honored to date. Recent events have included a two-week district baseball and softball tournament held at Rockwood Park. The department also works to host larger regional and national competitions that bring visitors and revenue to the county.

In March 2026, Mullen, along with colleagues Ronnie Hobson and Shana Howlett, received the Everyday Excellence Award from Chesterfield County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey for their high-quality customer service and hands-on collaboration with local sports organizations to maintain the county's robust fields and facilities schedule.

Mullen views sports as a fundamental connector in community life. "Sports drives how people interact and connect," he has said, reflecting a philosophy that guides his work in positioning Chesterfield as a regional sports destination while creating meaningful experiences for residents and visitors.

Key players

• Matt Mullen: Assistant Director for Sports and Events, Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department
• Chesterfield County Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department: County agency managing sports tourism, local programs, and major events

Why it matters: Mullen's focus on sports tourism and event attraction brings economic activity to Chesterfield through visitor spending and business opportunities, while his work with local programs helps build community engagement and youth athletic participation.

Places

• Rockwood Park

Related links

• Chesterfield County Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department
• Experience Chesterfield Tourism
• Play Chesterfield Sports Programs

Read the original at Chesterfield on Point →

Sources

• Everyday Q&A: Hitting Innovation Out of the Park with Matt Mullen
• March 2026: Matt Mullen Receives Everyday Excellence Award
• Chesterfield County Sports, Visitation and Entertainment