Knottingham to leave McMinnville Chamber

Nathan Knottingham, CEO of the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, has decided to leave the position as of mid-July.

Chamber board members plan to conduct a nationwide search for his replaement.

Knottingham joined the Chamber three years ago. 

"We have been very blessed to have Nathan as a part of our team," said Deanna Benson, chair of the Chamber board. She said he has "brought structure, organization, leadership, passion and some great ideas" to the job.

She lauded his "simplified and clear vision and mission for our future, among other successes."

Benson noted the start of the popular Lemonade Day event, increases in membership and improvements to the chamber's website during Knottingham's tenure. He also has helped boost attendance at the weekly Greeters program and reestablished a community Fourth of July fireworks event. 

Knottingham was a mortgage broker before joining the Chamber. He said he will take a new job with The Knowledge Coop as a continuing education and compliance trainer in the professional mortgage world.