WS Chronicle

Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. is excited to announce that Calvin McRae, vice president of public policy, has been named to the ACCE (Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives) 2023 Forty Under 40 list of emerging leaders shaping the chamber of commerce industry. This annual recognition showcases the industry’s top young professionals who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve.  

By building connections with local businesses and with policymakers on the local, state, and national levels, Calvin has effectively advocated for public policies that favorably impact Winston-Salem and Forsyth County’s ability to attract economic investment and talent. He has been influential in the process to secure ARPA funding for Forsyth County that benefits dozens of local institutions in the post-pandemic recovery period. He has also worked with elected representatives and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to advocate for critical infrastructure projects and to obtain funding for major infrastructure that’s essential to Forsyth County’s competitiveness.  

“Calvin’s extensive knowledge of complex governmental and economic conditions and trends enables him to operate effectively in a diverse and rapidly changing political environment. His ability to seek common ground and reach consensus among diverse groups is admirable,” says Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.   

Calvin holds a bachelor of arts and MBA from King University in Bristol, Tennessee. He has over a decade of experience in policy and government, including as a staffer for electoral races and consultant for nationwide policy initiatives. He currently serves on the Utilities Commission for Forsyth County, the Board of Directors for Go Global NC, the Executive Board of Kaleideum Museum, the Board of Directors for Truist’s Triad Advisory Council, the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees, and the Executive Board of the Winston Salem Police Foundation.  

ACCE has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. The full 2023 Forty Under 40 list was announced publicly in the Fall 2023 edition of Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine.