Dr. Chantz Miles Joins St. John Fisher University as Entrepreneur-in-Residence

St. John Fisher University alumnus Dr. Chantz B. Miles ’22 (Ed.D.) will return to campus as the inaugural Rebecca Pelino ’86 Entrepreneur-in-Residence, a new position within the School of Business. He will serve as visiting assistant professor.

Funded in part through a $150,000 gift from alumna and Board of Trustee member Rebecca Pelino ’86, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program is designed to create a robust entrepreneurship program at the School. Miles will bring his unique experience as a health care and technology entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful business ventures.

“Dr. Miles brings a wealth of experience, networks and enthusiasm to Fisher,” said Dr. Carol Wittmeyer, interim dean of the School of Business. “Fisher has significant entrepreneurship expertise and interest across the campus and I look forward to Dr. Miles’ leadership to help the campus develop entrepreneurship programs and activities that support the start-up dreams of our students.”

With more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, Miles has a broad background in nonprofit and for-profit business organizations. He holds expertise in leadership development, professional and personal coaching, strategic planning, human resource management, and organizational and program development.

As the Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Miles will teach courses, mentor students in both the Entrepreneurship and Investment Clubs, and connect students with internship and experiential learning opportunities in the community. He will also guide students in their pursuit of business plan and entrepreneurship competitions as well as association memberships.

Miles currently serves as the regional director of the SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In this role, he assists small businesses with finding access to affordable capital and expanding their economic footprint; develops relationships with policymakers at the city and state level; and facilitates trainings for businesses on networking and customer service tactics and techniques.

Prior to joining SBDC, Miles was the division director of business development for the Urban League of Rochester. There he served as director of the Entrepreneur Assistance Center, mentoring and advocating for small businesses. He also offered specialized advice to businesses working to obtain Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise certification.

Miles holds an associate’s degree from Monroe Community College; two bachelor’s degrees from SUNY College at Buffalo; and an Executive MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from Fisher, where his dissertation concentrated on implementing organizational culture and technology to further organizational effectiveness in charitable nonprofit organizations.

“I am honored to be selected as the inaugural Rebecca Pelino ’86 Entrepreneur-in-Residence within the School of Business at St. John Fisher University. I look forward to making an impact on our students and developing long-lasting relationships with businesses in our Rochester community,” said Miles. “The School of Business has an excellent reputation for helping its students prepare for continuing their education or transitioning into the real world. Fisher’s commitment to academic programs has accelerated the Rochester community’s growth in jobs and income.”

As a Fisher alumnus, Miles said he has seen firsthand the benefits of being a member of the campus community and the access that provides students.

“This role fits perfectly with my experience, education, and motivation to create a premier entrepreneurship program at the School,” he said. “As an experienced entrepreneur, I believe in providing insightful advice to students and assisting them with navigating the land mines of the entrepreneurship journey.”