Beach bound.

• Author: Maurer, Kevin
• Position: NC TREND: Eastern Region

One of Charlotte's most energetic community leaders is embracing a new role in the Port City.

Natalie English starts as president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce this month. English, 49, previously worked as chief public policy officer for Charlotte's chamber. She fills the position vacated by Dick Blouse, who had been interim CEO since last summer after the retirement of Connie Majure-Rhett. The latter had led the chamber for 22 years.

"It has been a longtime goal of mine to lead a chamber of commerce," English says. "I've been in the chamber business for 20 years. I love it. It's my calling."

An N.C. State University graduate, English helped spearhead campaigns supporting $5 billion in Charlotte area infrastructure investments since 2006. One of her more challenging tasks was helping block efforts that would have stripped funding for Charlotte's light-rail program. Her experience in legislative and regulatory policy made her the perfect fit for the new post, Wilmington Chamber Chairman Charlie Mattox said in a release.

Having learned the importance of regional collaboration, she plans to reach out to other economic-development organizations in the Cape Fear area. "We envision working closely with them," she says. "The Wilmington Chamber can't do it alone. We can't be the be-all, end-all."

New Hanover County in 2014 commissioned a report by Atlanta-based consulting firm Garner Economics that concluded the area's...