MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has selected its new President and CEO.
Karen Riordan was announced as the new leader during a press conference Tuesday morning. She is the current president and CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance in Williamsburg, VA.
Riordan brings more than 25 years of marketing and leadership experience to her new role in Myrtle Beach.
Riordan is replacing the former President and CEO, Brad Dean, who resigned from the role in March.
In a press release, Riordan said she is excited about the new opportunity.
“This move allows me to lead the next chapter of phenomenal tourism success for the area, while serving a vibrant business community with over 2,800 chamber investors. Like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, it is a very special model that has the chamber of commerce leading all business and tourism initiatives to grow economic impact and support the community,” Riordan said.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce seems excited about Riordan as well.
“This is a perfect time for Karen Riordan to become the chamber’s next president and CEO. After a rigorous nationwide executive search, we’ve selected a very strong leader at a time when the chamber is in a very strong position following years of exceptional growth,” Carla Schuessler, chair of MBACC’s board of directors said in a press release.
“Our excitement about Karen Riordan’s ability to steer and operate the organization is strengthened by her leadership experience with businesses, destinations and marketing,” Jim Creel Jr., chair of the Search Committee, said in a press release. “We all felt energized by Karen and knew she would be a success due to her visible and contagious passion for Myrtle Beach.”
Karen Riordan is going to start her new position in Myrtle Beach in late August.
