The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has designated Natalie Haskins English, Senior Vice President of Public Policy of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). The CCE is the only national certification for chamber professionals. The announcement was made Aug. 2 at ACCE’s annual convention in Louisville, Ky.

“The applicants who are designated CCEs rightfully earn this outstanding recognition through hard work, countless hours of dedication to their field, and leadership of their chambers to achieve their missions. We applaud this year’s recipients and are proud to have them join a long tradition of professional excellence,” says John MacMartin, CCE, president and CEO of Minot Area (ND) Chamber and CCE Commission chairman.

 English is one of only 12 chamber executives in the nation who earned the CCE designation this year. The CCE program is designed to assess and test the applicant's knowledge of the core chamber management areas: management, planning and development, membership and communication, and operations. Candidates are required to submit an application outlining their professional achievements and activities, prepare a written presentation, complete an intensive interview by a panel of CCEs, and pass a comprehensive four-hour examination. Since the program was initiated more than 40 years ago, only about 520 individuals have earned this highest designation in the profession. 

 English manages the Chamber’s efforts to affect policy relating to business issues at all levels of government.  She and her team of Chamber staff serve as the voice for business at the city, county, state, federal and school board levels of government. Key examples of that work include  advocating for reform of the workers compensation, regulatory and tort systems; ensuring local, state and federal governments fund our road and transit needs; and working with the CMS board and staff to implement changes that positively affect academic achievement and the graduation rates. 

 English is an active volunteer and has served on numerous boards. Her list of professional accolades is lengthy:

• Marshall Memorial Fellowship recipient
•  2008 Women in Business Achievement Award Winner
• Named among the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte in 2009
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Community Service Award in 2010
• Senior Fellow of the American Leadership.

She received her B.A. in Communications from North Carolina State University.