Richard W. Slagle agreed Monday to lead the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton until the job is filled permanently.

Stuart Robinson, chairman of the chamber’s board, said Slagle was a logical choice because he has previously served as the chamber president. This would be his fourth time in the role, the third as the interim president.

Slagle was offered the temporary job Friday after being approached Thursday afternoon.

“If I can help, I’ll be glad to help,” he said. “I’m certainly not interested on a permanent basis.”

Robinson could not be reached for comment late Monday.

The position came open after the board of directors terminated longtime president and CEO Bill Triick last week.

Slagle, 87, first came to the chamber in 1959, serving as the executive for 10 years before leaving for a job with Armco.

While this is his third time as the interim president, he said he isn’t going to serve as long as his last interim position, which lasted two years and ended before Triick was hired.

“Middletown and the chamber have been very good to me and my family,” he said. “If I can give back a little bit, then I will.”

Slagle said he’ll be heavily involved in every aspect of the chamber.

An immediate search will be initiated to find a permanent president and CEO for the chamber, officials said.

Resumes for the job should be sent to: Chairman of the Selection Committee; the Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton; 1500 Central Avenue; Middletown, OH 45044.

Electronic submissions will not be considered.