About Inner Banks Strategies
Inner Banks Strategies is a government relations firm rooted in North Carolina and built on a commitment to helping clients navigate complex public policy landscapes with clarity and impact. Led by founder Dennis English, the firm specializes in strategic advocacy, charter school support, economic development, and municipal engagement. Whether securing funding, influencing legislation, or building high-level partnerships, Inner Banks Strategies turns trusted relationships into measurable results. Grounded in experience and guided by purpose, the firm serves as a strategic partner for organizations seeking to create meaningful change through policy.
Strategic Relationships.
Proven Results.
Purpose-Driven Policy.
12+ Years of Policy Leadership
​Real-world experience influencing state and local government decision-making.
$20M+ in Secured Public Funding
Helping clients access disaster recovery, education, and infrastructure funds.
25+ Strategic Partnerships
Strong relationships across charter networks, government agencies, and business coalitions.
100% Mission-Aligned Advocacy
Every engagement is purpose-driven, rooted in client and community outcomes.
One Clear Goal
Turn strategy into results by connecting people, policy, and progress.
Dennis M. English, MPA
President, Inner Banks Strategies LLC
At Inner Banks Strategies, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. Whether navigating legislation, securing funding for municipalities, supporting charter school development, or guiding businesses through complex government systems, we bring strategic insight and a deep understanding of public affairs to every engagement. Our work is rooted in trust, purpose, and results, connecting leaders, communities, and policymakers to solutions that move progress forward. With a proven track record across multiple sectors, Inner Banks Strategies is more than a government relations firm; we are a partner in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Our Expertise
Navigating Public Policy
Dennis English is a seasoned government relations strategist with over 15 years of experience shaping policy, securing funding, and building high-impact coalitions across education, economic development, and public affairs. As President of Inner Banks Strategies LLC, Dennis leads the firm’s advocacy efforts with a focus on delivering strategic solutions that create measurable results for charter schools, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations.
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His public service career includes serving as Special Assistant to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, where he focused on strengthening small business policy and statewide economic growth. Prior to that, Dennis worked with the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, leading business retention and expansion initiatives across Eastern North Carolina. His expertise also extends internationally—he developed a strategic investment plan for Liberia’s National Investment Commission under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to attract U.S. business partnerships.
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In the education sector, Dennis has helped guide five charter schools through the approval and development process in North Carolina. He successfully led the state’s first charter school assumption, assembling a new governing board within two weeks and winning the support of the Charter School Advisory Board. His legislative efforts have resulted in critical policy wins, including securing a million-dollar transportation grant for charter school access.
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Dennis’s advocacy has also supported municipal recovery and resilience. Following Hurricane Matthew, he represented the Town of Princeville at the White House, securing over $20 million in federal disaster recovery funding through targeted lobbying and strategic engagement.
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With a track record built on relationships, results, and reputation, Dennis continues to serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for organizations seeking to navigate the intersection of policy and progress.
Securing Impactful Funding
We specialize in navigating public policy and securing impactful funding to drive positive change in charter school advocacy, municipal recovery, and economic development.
Commitment to Excellence
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our work, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality guidance and support.
Impact-Focused Solutions
Our approach is impact-focused, aiming to deliver real and measurable results that make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
Building Genuine Relationships
We believe in building genuine relationships with our clients and partners, fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration for long-term success.
Personalized Approach
Every solution we offer is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of our clients, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.