Longtime Pleasanton Chamber CEO Scott Raty To Retire

From the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce: After a successful 31-year career as a chamber of commerce executive, the past 10 as President/CEO of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Scott Raty will retire July 31, 2018.

“I’m absolutely excited for the opportunity to spend more time with family, golf, gardening and travel, but conflicted by the thought of leaving an industry I’ve loved every day for more than 30 years,” said Raty, in a note to the Board of Directors.

For the past 10 years in his hometown of Pleasanton, Raty has led a staff of five and worked directly with a Board of 17 who set policy and direction for a membership of nearly 800 local businesses that employ more than 15,000 area residents.

“This Chamber is a strong advocate for local business and an effective champion for public policies helping Pleasanton to remain among California’s most desirable communities in which to live, work and raise a family,” said Raty. “Proudly, your next executive will begin with a strong balance sheet, an engaged membership and incredible staff.”

Raty is one of just 40 active Accredited Chamber Executives in the western U.S. He is a past Board Chairman of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE), its Foundation, and currently serves in an advisory and faculty capacity to the chamber industry’s continuing education “Academy” program.

"I wish Scott all the best for a great retirement,” said Dave Kilby, Cal Chamber SVP and CEO of WACE. “He's not only been a great leader for the Pleasanton Chamber, but he's been a mentor to many in the chamber business. Hearing the news about Scott is like hearing a sure-thing Hall of Famer is retiring from your favorite major league baseball team.”

Raty serves on the City of Pleasanton’s Economic Vitality Committee, and as a longtime Rotarian has earned the coveted title of “PAST President” for both the Hayward and Pleasanton Rotary Clubs.

“A highly capable and steadfast leader, Scott brought an extraordinary level of professionalism, talent and expertise to his position,” said Chairman of the Board Harold Roundtree, CEO of UNCLE Credit Union. “Among his many invaluable contributions to the Chamber was developing an incredible team to support our members and the initiatives and programs that make Pleasanton such a vibrant business community. We’re also grateful for his invaluable assistance with a comprehensive search effort that is currently underway for his successor. With Scott’s help along with the dedicated individuals on our board, we anticipate a seamless transition.”

The Chamber Board of Directors has empowered a hand-picked search committee to engage in all aspects of the hiring process for Raty’s replacement, which they plan to have in place late summer or early Fall.

Image courtesy of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce