City of Myrtle Beach Hires Director of Diversity (DEI)

The City of Myrtle Beach welcomes Kelvin Waites as the organization’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).  Waites brings a wealth of community knowledge and know-how to this new position.  Kelvin (pronounced Kevin) has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience in both Horry and Georgetown Counties, culminating as chief of the Georgetown Police Department.  He also is a military veteran, serving four years in the US Army.

“Kelvin’s impressive record of community service and professional experience made him the standout candidate,” said City Manager Jonathan “Fox” Simons, Jr.  “He has dynamic communication and leadership skills, a passion for collaboration and organizational management expertise that make him an asset to the city and our staff.”

The new position was approved and funded in the city’s Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget, effective July 1, 2021.  The director will work with city leaders to develop the strategy and action plan needed to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion goals and then drive the city to successfully implement that plan.

The director also will promote best practices in equity and assist with the city’s long-term transformational change.  Specific duties include city-wide training opportunities and gathering, analyzing and reporting quantitative and qualitative data to identify opportunities to advance the organization.

“I’m excited about working with staff and getting to know everyone here at the City of Myrtle Beach,” Waites said of his new post.  “We want to reflect the community that we serve and build a sense of belonging and mutual support.  Celebrating our diversity, fostering equity and seeking inclusion in the conversation are desirable goals.”

Waites earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Charleston Southern University.  He also received certification from the University of South Florida’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Program.  He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Drug Unit Commander Academy, both in Quantico, Virginia.

His previous experience includes:  Military Intelligence Corps’ Morse interceptor; criminal investigator for the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; criminal investigative sergeant and lieutenant of enforcement for the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office; deputy chief of police for the Horry County Police Department; captain of operations and chief of police for the Georgetown Police Department; and executive director of AMIkids Georgetown, a nonprofit that provides housing and assistance for young men involved with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.