Katy Area Chamber’s Matthew Ferraro Earns Prestigious Certified Chamber Executive Designation
The Katy Area business community is celebrating a major professional achievement as Matthew Ferraro, President/CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, has earned the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
ACCE, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, represents over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related economic development organizations, connecting more than 9,000 professionals worldwide. Its CCE program is recognized globally as the highest professional certification exclusive to the chamber industry, requiring candidates to demonstrate expertise in core areas including management, planning and development, membership, communications, and revenue and operations.
Ferraro is one of just 26 chamber leaders from 19 states to earn the designation in 2025, making this year’s class the largest in the program’s four-decade history.
“We applaud this year’s Certified Chamber Executives for their commitment to industry excellence,” said Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM, President/CEO of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber and Chair of the CCE Commission. “Earning this designation highlights their expertise and dedication, distinguishing them as leaders in the Chamber profession.”
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Ferraro’s achievement reflects more than 13 years of experience in nonprofit organizational management, a career that began with an internship at the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau while earning his BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2012. His leadership journey includes completing the U.S. Chamber’s prestigious four-year Institute for Organization Management program in 2017 and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence at Texas A&M in 2023. He currently serves as a Board Member and Governance Chair for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The CCE recognition affirms Ferraro’s ongoing commitment to fostering business growth and community development in Katy. As the head of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce since April 2019, he has guided the organization through a period of strategic growth, deepening partnerships between local businesses and community stakeholders.
The Broader Impact of Chambers of Commerce
Ferraro’s achievement reflects not just personal dedication but the vital role chambers of commerce play in communities nationwide. According to ACCE’s 2024 Impact and Value of Chambers of Commerce study, 81% of U.S. adults view their local chamber as a trusted resource and partner for businesses, while 90% believe chambers help grow the local economy.
The research also shows that chamber membership directly benefits local businesses—64% of adults familiar with their chamber are more likely to purchase from a business that belongs to it, and 63% are more likely to recommend it to others.
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Chambers are also recognized as key players in community well-being, with 76% of respondents saying they are stewards of a strong economy, 74% crediting them with creating jobs and promoting local development, and 72% acknowledging their role in tackling community challenges.
A Win for Katy’s Businesses and Residents
For Katy-area residents and entrepreneurs, Ferraro’s certification signals alignment with national best practices and access to a global network of economic leaders. The Katy Area Chamber’s ability to advocate for pro-business policies, connect members, and address local priorities is strengthened by his achievement.
The ACCE report also reveals that 70% of U.S. adults wish they knew more about their local chamber’s work—particularly its community impact, membership, and leadership. Ferraro’s leadership offers an opportunity to further educate and engage Katy’s business community while ensuring its voice remains strong in regional and statewide economic conversations.
As ACCE continues to provide its members with education programs, original research, and peer networks, Ferraro’s CCE credential ensures those resources are brought home to benefit Katy’s growing and dynamic economy.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
