Natalie English, the current President & CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, boasts over 30 years of dedicated leadership in advocating for businesses. With more than a quarter-century in chamber leadership roles, Natalie has found her calling in fostering collaborations between businesses, government bodies, and elected officials to elevate her community as a prime destination for business growth and investment.
Her extensive experience spans monitoring legislative and regulatory issues at local, state, and federal levels, contributing to pivotal infrastructure investments crucial for economic development in the regions she has served. Natalie's leadership acumen and policy influence have significantly shaped the ease and cost of doing business, enhanced quality of life, and strengthened workforce dynamics.
During critical junctures such as Hurricane Florence and the COVID-19 pandemic, Natalie spearheaded the Chamber's response efforts, guiding her team to connect members with essential resources and advocating with elected bodies to define essential businesses. She collaborated with organizations like the Small Business Administration, aiding local businesses in accessing crucial support. Post-Hurricane Florence, her initiatives led to the formation of a long-term recovery group, effectively matching community needs with available resources and positioning Wilmington as an open and resilient business hub.
Her leadership was instrumental in orchestrating an educational campaign exploring potential partnerships for NHRMC, culminating in a transformative $1.2 billion community foundation creation with Novant Health—a development set to shape the future of New Hanover County and southeastern North Carolina for generations.
Passionate about workforce development, Natalie collaborates closely with educational institutions to innovate job-specific opportunities in southeastern North Carolina. Her knack for leading teams to drive innovation and education among chamber members has significantly augmented revenue and resource accessibility, empowering local businesses to thrive.
Natalie's credentials include a B.A. in Communications from North Carolina State University and her distinction as a Certified Chamber Executive. She's been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte by the Mecklenburg Times, a Woman to Watch by Wilma Magazine, and a consistent presence in the WilmingtonBiz 100 list as an influential Power Player and Economic Development Leader by Business North Carolina.
Beyond her professional commitments, Natalie dedicates her time to various nonprofit boards, actively engages in community initiatives, and holds leadership roles in organizations like the United Way of the Cape Fear, the Ports, Waterways & Beaches Commission, and the Tourism Development Authority. Her involvement extends to civic responsibilities within the City of Wilmington, showcasing her commitment to community enrichment.
In her leisure moments, Natalie relishes time with her son, enjoys golfing with friends, savoring culinary experiences, indulging in travel, and pursuing her love for reading and writing.
