In the world of economic development and chamber leadership, few credentials carry as much prestige as the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation. It’s more than a professional milestone, it’s a national recognition of excellence, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to community prosperity.

That’s why it's a big deal that the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance now has three CCEs on staff. They are Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer, Christine Kennedy, COO and Executive Vice President, and Heath Barret, Vice President of Membership Development. This is a rare and powerful achievement that solidifies the Alliance among the top-tier chambers in the country.

What Is the CCE?

The Certified Chamber Executive is the highest professional designation awarded by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). It signifies that a chamber professional has demonstrated mastery across multiple dimensions of organizational leadership, including:

• Strategic planning and governance
• Financial management
• Membership and investor development
• Advocacy and public policy
• Community and economic development
• Leadership and organizational culture

Achieving the CCE is no small feat. It involves meeting strict eligibility requirements, submitting a comprehensive professional portfolio, and passing a rigorous exam process. Most importantly, it reflects years of demonstrated leadership, vision, and measurable impact in the chamber industry. An important statistic to note, only 3% of chamber employees across the country have earned the designation.

Why the CCE Matters

Having a CCE on staff is more than a badge of honor.  It represents a commitment to excellence in serving local businesses and regional economic growth. CCE-certified professionals bring:

• Strategic Foresight – They understand how to position a region for long-term success amid rapidly shifting economic landscapes.
• Operational Excellence – CCEs are trained to manage complex budgets, teams, and initiatives with efficiency and clarity.
• Policy Leadership – They advocate effectively at every level of government to advance the interests of their members.
• National Perspective – As part of a network of certified leaders, CCEs stay ahead of emerging trends and bring best practices home to their regions.

In short, CCE-certified leaders don’t just manage chambers, they lead them forward.

Why It Matters for the Lynchburg Region

With three Certified Chamber Executives now on staff, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has entered rare territory. Less than 3%” of Chamber professionals are CCE’s . Having three demonstrates the Alliance’s exceptional depth of talent, strategic insight, and professional credibility.

This milestone directly benefits the entire Lynchburg region. It means:

• Elevated economic development strategies that attract, retain, and grow regional investment
• Stronger advocacy efforts that give local businesses a voice at the state and federal levels
• Innovative programs and partnerships that address workforce, infrastructure, and education needs
• Greater collaboration and leadership capacity across all sectors
• Enhanced national recognition that puts the Lynchburg region on the map for business relocation and talent attraction

It’s not just a win for the Alliance. It’s a win for every entrepreneur, investor, employer, and resident who calls the Lynchburg region home.

A Sign of Strategic Leadership

The CCE designation is one of the clearest signs that an organization isn’t just operating.  It’s leading.

As the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance continues to drive the region’s growth, its team of Certified Chamber Executives brings unmatched expertise, vision, and dedication to the table. This achievement affirms what many in the business community already know: the Lynchburg region is in exceptionally capable hands.