MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Following a comprehensive, community-driven search, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) proudly announces Matthew “Matt” Pivarnik, IOM, CCE, will serve as the organization’s new president and CEO.
Pivarnik brings more than 30 years of proven leadership experience to the Grand Strand, most recently as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas, where he oversaw operations of the Greater Topeka Chamber, Visit Topeka, GO Topeka and Downtown Topeka Inc., among others.
“I’m honored to join the team at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and bring my experience to this thriving community,” Pivarnik said. “The Grand Strand is a dynamic, world-class place to live and visit, and this is an exciting time in its evolution. I look forward to working alongside the community to build on the region’s strengths and further enhance the exceptional quality of life it provides.”
Pivarnik played a pivotal role in forming the Greater Topeka Partnership in 2018, a collaboration that successfully unified regional efforts and contributed to the area’s significant revitalization. Under his leadership, the capital city metro received national recognition as a top U.S. city to live and visit, experiencing a $2 billion increase in GDP, a 24 percent rise in household income and notable improvements in public safety. Prior to his time in Topeka, Pivarnik served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber and played a key role in the organization’s achievements, including receiving the top industry recognition in 2005, 2008 and 2010.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Pivarnik as the new president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,” said MBACC Board Chairman Patrick Norton. “Matt’s visionary leadership and proven track record makes him the ideal choice to lead our chamber and contribute to our community during a very exciting time.”
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, a member of the 10-person executive selection committee, echoed praise for Pivarnik’s destination development achievements. “Matt’s experience in chamber leadership and community building have been instrumental in enhancing metro regions similar to ours. He has a proven ability for infusing organizations and communities with positive energy, fostering unity and driving strategic initiatives, perfectly aligning with our vision for the future.”
Mike Hagg, retired HTC CEO, chaired the 10-person executive search committee that included many notable leaders from across the Grand Strand. Hagg commended Winner Partners, the search firm used to recruit top executives, for presenting an exceptional slate of highly qualified candidates.
“With more than 150 accomplished business leaders from across the country and locally expressing interest in the position, the search process was rigorous,” Hagg said. “While several stood out, Matt’s experience as a strategic visionary and his passion for community made him the clear choice to drive positive impact for our entire region.”
Pivarnik and his wife, Wendy, will relocate to the Myrtle Beach area in the coming months as he prepares to officially take the helm of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB by mid-May. Until then, Tracy Conner will continue serving as interim president and CEO.
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Editor’s Note: A full bio and headshot for Matt Pivarnik is available HERE.
About the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Search Committee and Selection Process:
In September 2024, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) board of directors formed an executive search committee tasked with overseeing the process of appointing the organization’s next president and CEO. Mike Hagg, retired CEO of HTC, chaired the 10-person committee of community leaders and business professionals from across the region, representing various industries and institutions. Members are as follows: Brenda Bethune, Mayor, City of Myrtle Beach; Johnny Gardner, Chairman, Horry County Council; Dr. Michael Benson, President, Coastal Carolina University; Clay Brittain, Chairman of the Board, Brittain Resorts & Hotels; Terrance Herriott, Vice President, Conway National Bank; Matt Klugman, Chief Operating Officer, Vacation Myrtle Beach; Steve Mays, President, Founders Group International; Bhumi Patel, Partner, Burr & Forman; and Robert Stinnett, Regional Manager, WonderWorks. Dr. Benson, Mr. Klugman and Mrs. Patel are current MBACC board members. After an RFP and evaluation process, the search committee selected Winner Partners in November 2024 to manage the recruitment process. Over 150 potential candidates were vetted with seven being formally interviewed by the committee and three final candidates undergoing an in-depth evaluation process. The committee selected Matthew Pivarnik and the MBACC board of directors voted to approve their decision on March 17, 2025.
About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community — serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded MBACC its five-star accreditation — one of only a few chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, MyrtleBeachAreaCVB.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com.