Charles “Chas” Miller III was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1960 and currently resides in Barrington,Rhode Island. He began his undergraduate studies at the American University in Paris, where he spent two years before completing his degree in Art History at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Following graduation, Miller held positions at three prominent organizations dedicated to historic preservation and the arts: Preservation Action, a national citizens’ lobby for preservation; the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C.; and the American Academy in Rome, where he worked from its New York office.
Forward/Miller & Co. Ltd.
After overseeing the American Academy’s Centennial Celebrations in 1994, Miller established Forward/Miller & Co. Ltd., created to assist non-profit organizations with fundraising, development, and special events. Over the past three decades, the firm has partnered with more than 100 organizations, including The Frick Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The New York Botanical Garden, The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, the American London Symphony Orchestra Foundation, and the International Foundation for the Canadian Centre for Architecture, among others.
Forward/Miller has also guided individuals in planning personal celebrations and milestone occasions, including such high-profile events as Chelsea Clinton’s wedding in July 2010.
Institutional Leadership and Consulting
In addition to leading Forward/Miller, Chas held concurrent roles at several major institutions. At Columbia University in the City of New York (2004–2008), he served as Senior Consultant to the Office of the President and the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, advising on initiatives and events of international scope for President Lee C. Bollinger and other senior leaders.
For nearly fourteen years, until June 2018, Miller also served as Executive Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation in New York City. During his tenure, the Foundation experienced significant growth, launching thirteen gala dinners that raised over $3.5 million, producing more than 150 events, and organizing 39 study trips across countries including Sweden, England, Ireland, Italy, Argentina, Turkey, Russia, Japan, and Cuba. Under his leadership, the Foundation transferred more than $5 million to London’s Sir John Soane’s Museum—the world’s oldest historic house museum—to support conservation, exhibitions, endowment funding, and other key initiatives.
Cultural Travel and Tour Direction
Today, Miller continues his work in cultural travel consulting and project management through Forward/Miller. In 2018, he joined Arrangements Abroad and the Museum Travel Alliance, which collaborates with nearly 100 museums and cultural institutions to offer specialized travel experiences for members and supporters.
In April 2022, he expanded his focus by joining Classical Excursions, a bespoke travel firm specializing in programs centered on historic architecture, interior design, and gardens. Miller now works exclusively with Classical Excursions, curating and directing cultural journeys across the globe.
As a Tour Director, he has led both domestic and international trips to destinations including Cuba (18 times), Iran, Japan, Turkey, Russia, Argentina, and throughout Europe and the United States.
Philanthropy and Board Service
Beyond his professional endeavors, Miller is deeply engaged in philanthropy and arts leadership. He serves as Executive Director of the Charles A. and Lois H. Miller Foundation, which supports initiatives in healthcare, education, historic preservation, heritage, and the arts.
He is Vice President and a founding member of the Board of the Havana Heritage Foundation, where he also coordinates the Havana Heritage Foundation Traveling Grant for Cuban Architects, enabling recipients to participate in programs with The Prince’s Foundation in the United Kingdom.
Miller’s previous and ongoing board and advisory roles include:
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Newport Art Museum – Former Board Member and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee (currently serving on the committee).
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Preservation Society of Newport County – Member of the Collections Committee, Kingscote House Committee and the Annual Symposium Committee. And works with the office on providing travel programs to members.
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National Trust for Historic Preservation – Advisory Board Member, Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios Program.
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American University of Paris – Founding Member, President’s Alumni Advisory Council.
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International Arts & Artists (Washington, D.C.) – Former Vice Chair.
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The Olana Partnership – Member of the Emeritus Council.
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Hudson Opera House (now Hudson Hall) – Former Chair of the Advisory Board.
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Northwest Connecticut Arts Council – Former Board Member.
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