News Summary
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has appointed Matt Pivarnik as its new CEO, set to officially start in May 2025. With over 30 years of experience, Pivarnik aims to enhance the Grand Strand’s quality of life through collaboration and strategic development. He succeeds Tracy Conner, who served as interim CEO following Karen Riordan’s resignation. Pivarnik’s proven track record in transforming economic landscapes positions him to drive significant growth for Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Welcomes Its New CEO!
Exciting news for the residents of Myrtle Beach! The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) announced the appointment of Matt Pivarnik as their new CEO on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for this vibrant coastal community. After a thorough search that stretched across the nation, Pivarnik was officially voted in by the board back in March 2025 and is expected to officially step into his new role by mid-May 2025.
Meet Matt Pivarnik
With *over 30 years of leadership experience* under his belt, Pivarnik is no stranger to the world of chambers of commerce. His most recent achievement was as the CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas, where he played a fundamental role in the organization’s creation back in 2018. His efforts helped transform Topeka’s economic landscape, leading to impressive figures that saw a whopping $2 billion increase in GDP and a remarkable 24% rise in household income. It’s safe to say he knows how to get things done!
A Proven Track Record
Before his time in Topeka, Pivarnik served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Under his dynamic leadership, the Tulsa Chamber received *top industry recognition* in several years, including 2005, 2008, and 2010. With such a successful track record, it’s clear that Pivarnik is equipped to steer the MBACC towards new heights.
Vision for the Grand Strand
Pivarnik’s enthusiasm for his new role is contagious! His primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the Grand Strand area. He believes in the power of radical collaboration which involves engaging citizens, county commissions, and local community leaders in crafting strategies that will benefit all. He is determined to ensure that the voices of private sector leaders, chamber board members, and citizens are heard when it comes to identifying needs and opportunities for improvement.
Looking Ahead
This change comes after the resignation of the previous CEO, Karen Riordan, in June 2024. Since then, Tracy Conner has been serving as the interim CEO, but excitingly, the time has finally come for Pivarnik to take the reins. Board president Patrick Norton emphasizes that Pivarnik will be instrumental in driving the *momentous growth* of Myrtle Beach. This sounds like just what the area needs as it continues to thrive and attract visitors.
Engagement and Strategy Development
One thing Pivarnik is particularly focused on is establishing collective strategies that work for everyone. He aims to implement shared metrics that can better serve both local businesses and residents. By fostering this collaboration among various stakeholders, he hopes to ensure that Myrtle Beach remains a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
What’s Next?
The count down is on as Myrtle Beach gears up to welcome Matt Pivarnik into his new position. He’s set to officially begin his journey with MBACC in mid-May 2025, and there’s plenty of excitement buzzing around town about what he will bring to the table. With an impressive background and a strong vision, many believe Pivarnik is just the leader Myrtle Beach needs right now to navigate the future. Stay tuned for updates on the positive changes coming to this beautiful coastal city!
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- WMBF News
- Charleston Business
- Myrtle Beach Online
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach CEO Matt Pivarnik
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
