Chamber President Resigns After 45 Years of Leadership

Cindy Roth has spent the past four and a half decades determined to improve the quality of life in Riverside as she worked with business, government and residents.

The President/CEO of the Greater Riversides Chambers of Commerce, Cindy Roth, will resign late in September after 23 years of leadership and 45 years of service to the organization. Roth championed tremendous economic growth and convened leaders to making Riverside an economic driver in the Inland Region.

“I believe that it is time for me to begin a new chapter in my life. I will cherish the opportunities and experiences that the Chamber has provided to me. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving,” Roth said a press release issued by the Chamber.

Roth grew up in the Riverside and was a graduate of Ramona High School. Right out of high school she began her career working for former State Senator Robert Presley. From there, Roth started with the Riverside Chamber of Commerce as a receptionist. She rose through the ranks at the Chamber until she assumed the role of President and CEO in 1999. Roth followed her predecessor, mentor, and friend Art Pick.

The Chamber, under her leadership, has spearheaded significant projects in our region including the opening of the California Air Resources Board Southern California Headquarters in Riverside and UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, advocating for the retention of March Air Reserve Base and addressing the needs of the local business community.

“Cindy has always done what is right for Riverside. She has an uncanny skill of getting to the heart of an issue and brokering agreement between differing—often opposing—perspectives,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson in a statement.  “Personally, Cindy is my sounding board—always there to provide me with solid advice based on instinct honed over her many years in leadership.  She’s been incredibly generous with her time and helped me navigate many difficult situations over the years. I have always learned while working with her, whether that was in Leadership Riverside, on the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education, or as Mayor of the City of Riverside,” Lock Dawson added.

Andrew Walker, past Chair of the Board and President of Overland Development Company, shares, “Cindy has not just represented the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; she has represented what is best for our City and Region.  I’ve learned from Cindy that quality of life in Riverside is the most important goal and if that is achieved, everything else tends to follow.” Walker adds, “Her ability to prioritize issues and convene stakeholders to find and implement solutions is legendary.”

In 1990, Roth graduated from the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management at Sandford University. Roth was awarded a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from La Sierra University in 2019 for her substantial contributions to the community. In addition to the honorary degree, Roth has received awards such as the Community Service Award from the Rotary Club in 1996, Athena of the Inland Valleys Award in 2000, the 2003 Woman of the Year by Assemblyman John Benoit, YWCA Woman of Achievement Award in 2008, the City of Riverside Spirit Award in 2010, WACE Russell Pettit Award in 2013, and the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award in 2013.

Roth has integrated herself in the city by serving in community organizations such as the Monday Morning Group, Foundation Board of Trustees for La Sierra University, The Raincross Club, The Fox Riverside Theater Foundation, the Honorary Commanders of March Field, and the City of Riverside Economic Development Corporation.

The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce has put together a search committee to select the next President/CEO.