WASHINGTON: The Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer Al Smith, is resigning after 10 years with the 1,200-member business group. The 77-year-old Smith was initially hired as an interim CEO, replacing former CEO Steve Newvine. But his short-term stint turned into a second career for the man who spent 47 years in the radio business.
“They told me I was supposed to babysit the organization for four months until they completed their national search,” Smith said. “They went through the process and narrowed it down to two or three people, but when it came down to making a decision, they liked what I was doing and they asked me to stick around.”
Smith said he’s enjoyed his time with the chamber and is proud of the work he and his staff have done, including building a solid financial foundation for the group.“We are well-funded and have the money to invest in special projects,” he said.Smith is equally proud of creating a stronger advocacy role for the chamber.
