American CEOs gathering in Washington, D.C., told CNBC on Wednesday that corporate tax reform, less burdensome regulations, and improvements in education are among the things that could help unlock the economy's potential and create jobs.

"We're all apprehensive about doing a high-five and declaring victory here when so much more is possible," said AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson on the sidelines of the quarterly meeting of the Business Roundtable.

Stephenson, who's also chairman of the roundtable, said on "Squawk Box" that corporate leaders would like to see the president tap a point-person to drive corporate tax reform through Congress.

There's "general agreement" that the U.S. tax code is not competitive, he added. "If we want to move the economic growth rate further, we need to change the tax code."

Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon agreed, saying "we are working against people from other countries that have an advantage."

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink also stressed the need to overhaul business taxes, and said such reform should be revenue neutral. "Some companies have to accept they do not get tax deductions they previously get."