MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announce the immediate appointment of Tracy Conner as the Interim President and CEO following the resignation of Karen Riordan.

Conner will collaborate with the Chamber’s board of directors and staff to ensure the seamless continuation of the organization’s operations and strategic initiatives during the search for a permanent replacement.

“Tracy’s extensive experience and commitment to the community, including his dedication to promoting the region as a premier golf destination, make him an ideal choice for this role. His leadership will undoubtedly steer the Chamber and CVB toward continued success and growth while we search for new leadership,” said John Rutenberg, Chair of the Board of Directors.

Conner brings more than 35 years of professional experience to the position, including extensive connections within the Grand Strand’s business community as well as the national tourism and hospitality industries.

Through his leadership positions with organizations such as the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association and Golf Tourism Solutions, he has played a crucial role in marketing the Grand Strand as the “Golf Capital of the World,” securing the PGA TOUR’s Myrtle Beach Classic and ensuring the success of its inaugural tournament. 

Conner has been actively involved with the Chamber and CVB for several years, serving on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Advocacy Council. He and his wife, Debbie, are long-time residents of Myrtle Beach.

“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to working closely with our members, stakeholders and staff to ensure the Chamber’s continued success in serving the Myrtle Beach area for which I care for so deeply,” Conner said.

The Chamber’s board of directors will soon establish a committee and select a firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next leader, with more details to be announced at a later date.

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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.