Earle A. Chiles | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1904-09-09)September 9, 1904 |
| Died | December 5, 1982(1982-12-05) (aged 78) |
| Occupation(s) | Business executive, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1918–1982 |
| Known for | Fred Meyer, Inc. Chiles Center Earl A. Chiles Business Center Earle A. Chiles Center and award Earle A. Chiles Research Institute atProvidence Portland Medical Center |
Earle Arden Chiles (September 9, 1904 – December 5, 1982) was a former president ofFred Meyer, Inc. and founder of the Chiles Foundation inPortland, Oregon.[1]
Chiles was born in 1904 inBaker City, Oregon, the son of Ira Chiles and Eva Chatfield.[2] After his parents divorced in 1908, Chiles and his mother moved to Portland where Mrs. Chiles met and later marriedFred Meyer.[3]
He began working for his stepfather in 1918 while still in high school, and after graduating from theUniversity of Oregon he earned a master's degree in business administration fromHarvard Business School.[1]
After graduating from school, Chiles returned to Fred Meyer, Inc. and quickly rose through management ranks, serving as company president from 1955 to 1968.[3]
He formed the Chiles Foundation in 1949[4] and became active in grants for education and research. An endowment in 1984 created theChiles Center at theUniversity of Portland.[5]
While at Harvard, Chiles married Virginia Hughes.[6] Their son,Earle M. Chiles, later continued his father's work at the Chiles Foundation.[7]
Chiles had been president of thePortland State University foundation and had been a director of theUniversity of Oregon foundation. He was a member of theArlington Club,Waverley Country Club, and Portland Yacht Club.[1]