The Tucson Metro Chamber today announced that President and CEO Michael Varney will retire. He has served in his position since May 2011.
The announcement was made by Tucson Metro Chamber Chairman Robert Ramirez at a meeting with Chamber staff at 2:00 p.m. Varney will remain engaged with the Chamber during the transition period for “a reasonably open-ended period of time.”
“The Tucson Metro Chamber has grown in all of the right ways during Mike’s six years as the president and CEO. All of the major metrics are pointing in the right direction. Businesses are better connected with each other and with elected leaders. We are proud of the Chamber’s performance and its reputation in the community and across the country,” says Ramirez about Varney.
“This has been the most difficult decision of my life,” said Varney. “It’s just not human nature to walk away from friends, allies and a career that energizes every moment of every day.” Varney cited the need to be closer to family, especially grandchildren in Wisconsin, as the primary reason for making his decision.
The Tucson Metro Chamber Executive Committee has already convened to begin the process of executing the Chamber’s succession plan.
It is widely believed that Varney’s bizarre behavior during the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board’s discussion regarding the termination of H.T. Sanchez, led to Varney’s decision. Varney’s action during the process drew criticism for all sectors.
One-to-One email from Mike Varney to Tucson Metro Chamber investors:
This day comes to all of us sooner or later. It is time for me to say good-bye to a career I cherish, a staff I love, a board of directors that is visionary and supportive…and to say good-bye to you as an investor in the Tucson Metro Chamber.
The decision to retire is different for all of us, I guess. For me it has been an excruciating experience. It’s not human nature to walk away from friends, allies and a career that energizes every moment of every day.
In the end, it is the lure of family in another state that was the trump card. Eight grandkids are growing up (one is graduating from high school in June) and grandpa lives 1,700 miles away. And I have also learned that that old bugger, Father Time, still has some pretty good legs under him because he seems to be gaining on me just a little.
The Tucson Metro Chamber and indeed our entire Southern Arizona community have come a long way in the last few years. Our economy is taking off. Public and private entities are cooperating and working together as never before. Change is in the air and it is largely positive change.
Earlier this month the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized the Tucson Metro Chamber with Five-Star Accreditation, meaning that it performs in the top 1% of chambers of commerce nationwide.
The future is bright for Tucson and Pima County…but only if we keep our eye on the ball. Discussions I have had with Tucson Metro Chamber Chairman Bob Ramirez and the Chamber’s Executive Committee point to exactly what you would expect from these seasoned professionals. There will be a thoughtful and orderly transition. I have offered the Board of Directors a reasonably open-ended period of time to complete its work and will do as much or as little as they request to assist them. The Chamber will lose no momentum during this transition. The new executive will have a solid platform from which to launch his or her ideas to keep the Chamber and the community on a solid path of constant improvement.
As a personal note, I can tell you that I will definitely become one of those seasonal species called snowbirds. I intend to spend the summer months with family and maybe doing some traveling. But Tucson will remain my home during the cold weather months. I will watch their weather on the television. The roots will remain here in Arizona.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Varney
President & CEO
Varney letter to Tucson Metro Chamber Chairman of the Board:
March 22, 2017
Mr. Robert Ramirez
Chairman, Tucson Metro Chamber
c/o Vantage West Credit Union
2480 N. Arcadia Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85712Dear Bob,
I am writing to notify you of my decision to retire as the president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber.
This decision has been quite a struggle for me. My passion for the Chamber’s mission, my complete admiration and respect for the fabulous Chamber team and my love for Tucson and Southern Arizona make me the luckiest guy in the world. On the other hand, my grandchildren live 1,700 miles away and are growing up fast. My life in retirement will be split between living in their world in the state of Wisconsin and keeping a residence here in Tucson.
Being asked to serve the Chamber as its president and CEO has been a dream come true. I want to express my gratitude to the six chairmen and dozens of board members who have provided direction, support and courage to our efforts to expand our economy, create jobs and build a better community for all of our citizens.
The Chamber’s many achievements, including our recent recognition as a five-star accredited chamber of commerce, are the result of the efforts of our great staff. Their dedication, work ethic and resiliency are qualities I will remember always.
But perhaps the most gratitude should be extended to the hundreds of business owners and executives who invest in the Tucson Metro Chamber mission. Without their financial involvement we could not afford to do the things that make a difference to so many.
The past six years have flown by and now it is time to pass the torch. My departure date is open-ended.
I will take board direction about how much or how little you would like me to be involved in bringing a successor up to speed so that the Chamber continues its mission to even greater heights of achievement.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Varney
President & CEO