The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor retiring President and CEO Hal English during a retirement celebration scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at Harpoon Willy’s.
The event, titled “Hal’s Retirement Party Fun-raiser,” will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature drinks, appetizers, networking opportunities and a lighthearted roast recognizing English’s years of leadership in the regional business community.
Tickets for the event are $55. Organizers are also offering roast sponsorships and congratulatory advertisements tied to the celebration.
The retirement gathering is expected to draw business leaders, elected officials, chamber members and community supporters from across Mercer County and the greater Route 1 corridor, where English has become a familiar figure through decades of civic, governmental and economic development work.
English announced earlier this year that he plans to retire in June after serving as president and CEO of the chamber since January 2021.
During his time leading the chamber, English helped guide the organization through the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while overseeing expanded business programming, membership initiatives and regional advocacy efforts. Chamber officials have credited him with helping strengthen partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and local governments throughout the region.
His tenure also included continued expansion of networking events, public policy discussions, workforce development initiatives and educational programming designed to support businesses ranging from small local companies to large regional employers.
The chamber additionally highlighted efforts under English’s leadership to expand youth entrepreneurship and professional development opportunities, including the launch of New Jersey’s first Young Entrepreneurs Academy program.
English has long maintained deep ties to Mercer County government and business circles.
Before joining the chamber, he served as Robbinsville’s director of community development and previously held leadership roles in Hamilton Township government, including acting mayor and business administrator/director of technology and economic development.
He also worked in the banking industry as a vice president with First Choice Bank.
Outside of his professional roles, English has remained active in a wide range of nonprofit and civic organizations throughout the region. His involvement has included organizations focused on homelessness prevention, youth mentorship, economic development and community outreach.
Over the years, he has received numerous honors recognizing both his professional leadership and volunteer efforts, including awards tied to humanitarian work and community service.
A resident of the Town Center section of Robbinsville, English also currently serves on the Robbinsville Township Council. He has been involved in redevelopment, economic development and community planning initiatives in the township.
As English prepares to step down, the chamber has begun a national search for its next president and CEO.
According to information released by the organization, the search is being conducted in partnership with an executive recruitment firm specializing in nonprofit and association leadership placements.
The chamber’s leadership said it is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial executive capable of continuing membership growth, strengthening sponsorship support and expanding the organization’s regional advocacy efforts.
The next CEO will be expected to oversee daily chamber operations, public policy initiatives, membership engagement, fundraising efforts and external relations while serving as a leading representative for the organization throughout Central New Jersey’s business community.
The position profile also emphasizes experience in economic development, relationship-building and organizational leadership, reflecting the chamber’s growing role in regional business discussions involving healthcare, technology, workforce development and infrastructure.
The chamber’s board said the organization remains focused on maintaining continuity during the leadership transition while continuing its existing programs and events calendar.
Organizers said the June 18 retirement event is intended to celebrate English’s years of service while giving colleagues and friends an opportunity to share memories and wish him well in retirement.
