Nathan Ahle, center, joined by Jamie Xiong-Vang, left, and Jon Baselice, right, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in this 2018 photo.

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce has announced Scott Miller as the interim CEO in place of Nathan Ahle, who departs after holding the post for the past five years.

The parting was unexpected to Ahle, according to a GVwire story.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at the Chamber, but it is time to move on,” Ahle said in a news release. “This organization has a bright future ahead with dedicated volunteers and an incredibly hard-working staff. I have no doubt that the Chamber will continue to be the leading organization in Fresno’s business community for generations to come.” 

“I don’t really have any comments beyond the press release,” said Joe Denham, chair of the Fresno Chamber board of directors for 2021.

Though the reason for the change of leadership is unclear, Miller said it was a friendly parting.

“Nathan has been really helping out. Very good guy,” Miller said.

Nathan has kept, and will leave with, a great reputation at the chamber.

“I don’t think you’ll find anyone at the chamber who has anything bad to say about Nathan,” Miller said.

“We want to thank Nathan for his leadership and service these past five years,” said Denham in the release. “The chamber and its members have always appreciated his steadfast support of local businesses and our community.”

Miller will take over immediately, and begin leading and supporting its more than 1,200 business members.

Miller is the CEO of Gazebo Gardens, Inc., Miller-Clark Landscape & Nursery Co., and a partner to several local businesses.

“We’re going to try to maintain the strong relationship we’ve had with all our elected officials,” Miller said, “We’re also going to try to expand our reach with our members.”  

Since Miller has been on many business boards throughout his career, he hopes to leverage those relationships as interim CEO.

He currently serves on the executive committees of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, Storyland/Playland and Fresno State Alumni Association.

“I’m going to make an effort to leverage all of those relationships in a way that directly benefits the chamber,” Miller said.

He will continue to lead the ongoing legislative advocacy efforts for businesses, especially at a time when business restrictions are ever-changing.

“I do know that I was chosen for this role because of my connections to the community and my history as a volunteer, so that’s what makes me a little bit unique for this role,” Miller said.

While there’s not a specific timeline on officially filling the chamber’s CEO role, Miller says they will take a minimum of a few months.

“Scott carries leadership qualities that will undoubtedly serve the Fresno Chamber well as we usher in a new year with a spirit of optimism and determination to best serve our members and support local businesses,” Denham stated. “Scott’s years of experience and connectivity, coupled with his professional and personal success only reaffirms he is the right person during this time of transition.”