The Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, Feb. 5, that President and CEO John Safin plans to leave the position as soon as a replacement has been found.

Mr. Safin's decision to resign was based on family issues, chamber officials stated in a release.

"My thanks to the chamber members and partners for their support and loyalty," Mr. Safin said in a prepared statement. "My special thanks to Vice President Danielle Brown and everyone who volunteered over the years to help enrich the Southwest Valley Chamber and Southwest Valley community."

Mr. Safin has served as chamber president and CEO since May 2013, providing valuable insight and leadership enabling the chamber to create a strong and sustainable business environment in the region, the release stated.

“John has been an invaluable resource to the business community here in the Southwest Valley,” chamber board Chairman-elect Christopher Amos said in a prepared statement. “His many years of dedication have been a blessing. We will truly miss him.”

The chamber board will post the opening on Indeed.com on Monday, Feb. 8, and will accept resumes through Friday, Feb. 25.

The Southwest Valley Chamber serves the communities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson via its office at 289 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear.