COEUR d'ALENE - Charlie Miller will be leaving his position as the executive director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation on July 2.

Miller told The Press he has been offered a position as the fund development and donor relations officer for the Idaho Community Foundation and will begin his new career July 7.

"I got a great opportunity," he said. "I inquired into it. I was just curious because it seemed like something that was up my alley."

Miller, of Coeur d'Alene, said it was a tough decision to leave, because he really loves what he does with the Trail Foundation, but feels that the Idaho Community Foundation will allow him to work with even more nonprofits and has a "far-reaching arm" that will have him covering the northern half of Idaho from Grangeville to the Canadian border.

"When I had an opportunity like this, I just couldn't pass it up." he said. "I'm really looking forward to it."

His office will be in Coeur d'Alene, so he intends to stay very involved in the local pedestrian/bike community.

"People will see me as much as they ever have," he said.

Bob Hoover, ICF president and CEO, told The Press that Miller will be an excellent addition to the ICF staff.

"He has a deep connection to North Idaho and a passion for enriching the quality of life for all who live here," Hoover said.

John Bruning, president of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation's board of directors, said Miller told the foundation about two weeks ago of his decision to leave. He said they will miss Miller and it will be difficult to fill his shoes.

"We hate to see Charlie go. He's been a great executive director," Bruning said. "He's become the face of the trail."

Miller has been working for the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation for seven years and has utilized it for recreation since he was a kid. Bruning said Miller is a true advocate for the Centennial Trail and his passion is evident.

Miller's position will eventually be filled. In the meantime, Bruning has appointed a search committee that will meet next week. He said the board plans to advertise for the position in the near future and interested parties can contact the Trail Foundation through the Chamber of Commerce. Bruning said he and board vice president Ned Power will be temporarily filling in for Miller when he leaves.

"Ned and I will be Charlie until we fill the position," he said. "We'll do the best we can to keep the ship from running aground."