MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces with sincere gratitude and best wishes the resignation of its President and CEO Karen Riordan effective June 28, 2024.
Riordan, who has served the Chamber and CVB with dedication and distinction since 2018, has decided to step down to pursue new opportunities and spend more time with her family.
John Rutenberg, Chair of the Chamber board of directors, expressed his heartfelt regard for Riordan’s leadership over the past six years. “Karen’s vision for our chamber, CVB and community have been transformative for the Grand Strand’s business community by continuing to foster the area as a thriving destination. We are thankful for her service, and we wish her the very best in any of her future endeavors.”
During her tenure, Riordan has been instrumental in the local business environment, including economic growth and promoting Myrtle Beach as a premier destination for tourism. This includes leading the Chamber and CVB through milestones such as launching community enhancement efforts like the Partnership Grand Strand foundation and Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful, rebranding the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach highlighted by the successful “You Belong at the Beach” campaign, and participating in notable events such as the Myrtle Beach Bowl and the PGA TOUR’s Myrtle Beach Classic.
“It has been a great honor to serve as president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the support of our members, staff, board and community. While I look forward to new challenges ahead, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB will always hold a special place in my heart,” Riordan said.
The Chamber’s board of directors will soon begin the search for a new president and CEO. Interim leadership plans will be announced in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition.
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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.