MASON — Long-time Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce President John Harris was fired by the chamber’s board of directors, according to his attorney.

Harris 62, would not comment, but his attorney Dave Duwell said he received a certified letter from the board telling the president they wanted him to retire on his 63rd birthday in September.

The letter cited “reduced service and accomplishments” by Harris over the past two years. The letter offered Harris pro bono consulting work, Duwell said.

After Duwell contacted the board with a letter asking them to discuss the issue, he said Harris was fired on May 31.

Board Chairman Chet Mastalerz confirmed that Harris has “transitioned out of the chamber and the board wishes him well,” but he said he could not discuss the matter further.

Harris has had many health issues for several years and underwent a very risky neck surgery in 2008 and suffers constant migraines. Duwell said Harris has tried to work through his health issues.

“He’s the kind of guy who would be laying in a hospital bed and calling people up and soliciting money for the chamber,” Duwell said. “He’s had everything possible that could go wrong, go wrong with his health.”

Harris served as the chamber’s president since 1996.

The chamber has 800 members, which is down slightly since 2008 when it had 900, according to chamber officials. Harris has said in the past the economy has taken its toll on the chamber with businesses having to make tough choices between paying dues and paying salaries.

Under Harris’ leadership, the chamber recently initiated the first Small Business Development Center in Warren County and a dual-membership agreement with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Mayor David Nichols said he and Harris and the chamber board have recently taken steps to mend fences.

“I’ve enjoyed working with John as he’s tried to further that relationship with the city and the chamber and take it to the next level,” he said. “I reached out to him and he was receptive to it. Through the years, like everything, there have been ups and downs, but he knew it was beneficial to both groups if the city and the chamber worked together.”

Dick Yost, owner on the Yost Pharmacy of Main Street praised Harris’ accomplishments.

“He brought the chamber a long way in his tenure and he’s always done a good job for us,” he said. “He had a good ride while he was there and did a good job.”

Duwell said he has given the chamber board until June 12 to respond to his request for a meeting. It will be up to Harris, but he said a lawsuit isn’t out of the question.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.