Your trusted source for community news
Metrocrest Area Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Gallops has earned the Certified Chamber Executive designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Recognized as the highest professional designation in the chamber of commerce profession, the CCE is currently held by fewer than 300 chamber professionals.
Gallops is one of 19 chamber professionals from 12 states to earn the designation in 2026. He was recognized during the ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans.
“Earning the CCE designation is a tremendous honor, but I did not pursue it simply to add letters after my name,” Gallops said. “I pursued it because I believe our members and communities deserve the very best leadership their Chamber can provide. This process challenged me to examine how I lead, strengthen my skills and bring that knowledge back home to better serve Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch and the broader Metrocrest area.”
As president and CEO, Gallops leads the Metrocrest Area Chamber, which represents more than 500 businesses throughout the region. His leadership has included guiding the merger of the Farmers Branch Chamber with the Metrocrest Area Chamber, strengthening regional collaboration and expanding the Chamber’s work in business advocacy, leadership development, workforce development and member support. Gallops’ primary CCE essay and presentation focused on the merger and the leadership decisions required to successfully bring the two organizations together.
The CCE certification process evaluates candidates across four core areas of chamber management: management; planning and development; membership, communications and revenue; and operations. Candidates must successfully complete an application and professional development review, three written essays, a four hour examination and an oral presentation and interview before a panel of CCE commissioners.
“Certified Chamber Executives represent the highest level of professional achievement in our industry,” said Justin McLaughlin, CCE, executive vice president and COO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber and chair of the CCE Commission. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation and excellence, setting an example for chamber professionals across the country.”
The first CCE designation was conferred more than 40 years ago. It remains the only globally recognized certification program exclusive to the chamber of commerce industry.
Local News Matters.
