The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Randall (Randy) McKeel Jr. as the executive vice president of finance. McKeel will be responsible for leading the financial division of the organization in all day-to-day functions as well as assisting the many facets of the organization with resource planning to meet goals.

McKeel joins the organization with nearly 28 years of experience in the tourism industry, with the past 14 years focused on accounting and finance-related activities. Most recently, he served as the chief financial officer at The Children’s Museum of Memphis. He enjoyed a 21-year tenure at the museum where he directed finance, accounting, public relations, special events, education, programs and the visitor centers for the museum. In 2017, he helped reopen the restored 1909 Dentzel Memphis Grand Carousel in a brand-new facility rental space at the museum, a $6 million project. The same year, McKeel was named “CFO of the Year” in the Memphis Business Journal.

“Finding an individual with the correct mix of tourism industry experience and finance is a tough proposition. We engaged a specialized search agency to find the right person to join our team.” Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce commented. “With Randy we have the best of both worlds in an award-winning individual who has the financial acumen our organization needs, while at the same time he brings almost three decades of experience in our area’s number-one industry, travel and tourism.”

McKeel has also worked for the Association of Children’s Museums, the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau and Youth Villages. He has a master’s degree in accounting from Strayer University and is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. He is currently pursuing his Certified Management Account (CMA) designation with the latter.

McKeel’s first day with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is Sept. 16.