The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber has named Hal English to be the next president and CEO.
Peter Crowley, current president and CEO, will retire on Dec. 31. English will assume the role on Jan. 4.
Crowley announced his retirement in June, launching a nationwide search for a successor. The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber is one of the largest regional chambers in the state; having acquired the MidJersey Chamber in 2019, it now serves over 1,600 members across five counties in Central New Jersey, according to information provided by the chamber on Nov. 9.
English is a long-time resident of Mercer County and has held numerous leadership positions across the county.
He is also a nationally recognized author with his book, “Behind the Ivy Walls,” a testament to his resiliency and triumph of his life.
“It has been my honor to serve as the chamber’s president and CEO for these past 12 years. I’ve had the chance to work with amazing staff, amazing chamber members and some of the leading business leaders in our region. Hal’s appointment makes me excited for the upcoming years ahead,” Crowley said in the statement.
The announcement comes after an extensive six-month national search for the position, conducted by executive search and recruiting firm, Dennis C. Miller & Associates. Dennis C. Miller is known for its success recruiting chamber presidents and executive directors nationwide, and is a recognized leader in recruiting leaders in the nonprofit industry, according to the statement.
“I am excited to welcome Hal as our new president and CEO,” Brenda Ross-Dulan, chairman of the board, said in the statement. “His knowledge of the region, coupled with his extensive work with nonprofits and small businesses make him a perfect match to follow our exiting president, Peter Crowley. In addition to his business success, Hal has experience in legislative responsibility from his present role as director of Community Development in Robbinsville and through his previous legislative work in Trenton.”
“I am excited to lead the chamber and work with such an amazing board and equally amazing staff,” English said in the statement. “I have had the honor to be a Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber member for many years and witness the tremendous growth and business impact that this organization has accomplished. I look forward to helping continue that growth.”
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber is a membership organization committed to promoting business growth within the Central New Jersey and Mercer County region. With more than 8,000 individual chamber member contacts and more than 1,600 member companies, the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber is one of the largest regional chambers in the state. More information can be found at www.princetonmercerchamber.org.