A Legacy of Voice, Vision, and Community

NSA Carolinas was founded in 1979 just six years after Cavett Robert incorporated the National Speakers Association on July 12, 1973. Since its earliest days, the chapter has served speakers in both North Carolina and South Carolina, supporting a dynamic community for speakers at all stages of their careers, from newcomers to established professionals. ers in the country.

Rooted in the Spirit of Cavett

The chapter's story begins with a shared belief that professional speakers are stronger together. Inspired by NSA founder Cavett Robert's vision of "building a bigger pie so everyone could have a bigger slice," a group of passionate communicators in the Carolinas came together to form a local community dedicated to that same spirit of generosity and growth.

A Chapter of Champions

Few chapters in the National Speakers Association can claim a legacy as distinguished as NSA Carolinas. The chapter is proud to have more Hall of Fame (CPAE) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) members than any other NSA chapter. 

Among the chapter's most celebrated members are six recipients of the Cavett Award — NSA's highest honor, presented annually to the member whose career most exemplifies the spirit of the association's founder. Those six Cavett Award winners are Ty Boyd, Dr. Nido R. Qubein, Jeanne Robertson, Mike Frank CSP CPAE, Al Walker, and Lenora Billings-Harris CSP CPAE. 

Dr. Nido R. Qubein, who received the Cavett Award in 1985 and went on to become President of High Point University, has been a cornerstone of the chapter's history. The late Jeanne Robertson, beloved humorist, motivational speaker, and Hall of Famer, left such an indelible mark on the chapter and the profession that the chapter proudly sponsors the annual Jeanne Robertson Award for Excellence in her honor, recognizing her exceptional achievements as an athlete, educator, humorist, and motivational speaker. 

Building the Profession, Decade by Decade

Over more than four decades, NSA Carolinas has grown into one of the premier regional chapters within the National Speakers Association. The chapter has seen numerous members assume leadership roles at the national and international organization levels, with many publishing books and achieving notoriety in their respective fields. Members attribute much of their success to the professional development and guidance they received from the chapter and their fellow members. 

The chapter has consistently served as both a training ground for emerging voices and a gathering place for nationally recognized professionals. Many chapter members are regularly invited to speak to other NSA chapters, sharing their expertise with speakers across the country and internationally. 

Take a look at interviews and videos from some of our legends in the links below:

Mike Frank, CSP, CPAE - Cavett Award Winner, Hall of Fame Speaker

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP®, CPAE - Hall of Fame Speaker, NSA national board member

Valda Ford, Past-president of NSA Carolinas and NSA national board member

Jane Jenkins Herlong, CSP, CPAE - Hall of Fame Speaker

Meridith Elliott Powell, CSP, CPAE - Hall of Fame Speaker, Past President of NSA national

Dr. Nido R. Qubein - President of High Point University

Today: Energizing the Next Generation

NSA Carolinas energizes a professional environment for aspiring and established speakers to elevate their speaking and advance their business skills. Programs include live and virtual professional development events, Speaker Lab feedback sessions, local member dine-arounds, and an annual Speaker Academy. 

Our members span a wide range of experience, expertise, and industries but share the common goal of impacting the lives of others with their message. Roughly half of today's members are aspiring or emerging speakers, proof that the chapter's founding mission of welcoming and developing new voices is as alive as ever.

The history of NSA Carolinas is not just a story of great speakers. It's a story of a community that believed in the power of the spoken word to change lives — and built something lasting around that belief.

We are so appreciative of these members below who have served the chapter in leadership over the years!

Board Members

Member Awards/Service

Chapter Awards