Matthew Tranquill

Profile: Matthew (Matt) Tranquill Title: President & CEO, Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Joined: August 4, 2025 Background: Media Executive, Digital Advertising Strategist, and Economic Development Leader

Professional Overview Matt Tranquill is the chief executive of the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Visitors Bureau. A veteran of the media industry, Tranquill spent over 20 years in high-level publishing and regional presidency roles across the United States. He is recognized for his ability to lead “operational turnarounds,” transitioning traditional organizations into digital-first entities. Professional Experience Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce | President & CEO (Aug 2025 – Present)Leads the vision and strategy for Lawton’s business community and tourism efforts.Acts as a primary liaison between city officials, Fort Sill leadership, and FISTA.Adams Publishing Group (APG) | Regional President & Publisher (c. 2023 – 2025)Oversee media operations in Idaho and Utah (including the Idaho Press).Named “Regional President of the Year” in 2024 for aggressive financial turnarounds.Lee Enterprises | President & Revenue Leader (2019 – 2023)Held leadership roles at the Florence Morning News (SC) and the Rapid City Journal (SD).Launched “Amplified Rapid City,” a full-service digital marketing agency.Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise | Publisher (c. 2018)Led the publication to be named “Best Newspaper in Oklahoma” in 2018.Focused on engaging younger demographics while maintaining traditional readership.The Parkersburg News and Sentinel | Advertising DirectorFoundational career in West Virginia media, focusing on sales growth and regional advertising. Education Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Political and Economic PhilosophyWheeling Jesuit University (Class of 2000).Context: This specific philosophical background—blending politics and economics—informs his approach to pro-business policy advocacy and regional growth. Key Skills & Methodology Narrative Management: As a former publisher, he understands how to frame city progress to attract investment.Digital Transformation: Expertise in moving organizations from legacy systems to high-performance digital marketing platforms.Economic Collaboration: Known for “Elevate Rapid City” (SD), where he helped combine multiple organizations to streamline business growth—a methodology he is now applying to Lawton. Personal Tranquill is originally from West Virginia and has lived in over eight states throughout his career. He resides in Lawton with his wife, Marcie, and their family.