, resigned June 28th after controversy){kind=link}
Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC), resigned from the organization today, Friday, June 28th.
From early on, Karen Riordan was a controversial figure who grew increasingly controversial when she promised to work with the NGO New Americans Program in bringing illegal immigrants into Horry County to support the local tourism and construction industries.
With a dismal 2024 first quarter of tourism in Myrtle Beach, the writing was on the wall for the end of her tenure at the position.
Over 231 locals reponded to requests sent out by MyrtleBeachSC News. Each of those readers stated that it was time for Riordan to go.
Said Don Hoe of Horry County, “Thank you for your coverage. Please keep it up! $54MM???? For what ROI??? Save the $$$ and lower taxes!!! This is why people despise politicians!!!! They are all sewer rats including the mayor. “
Said Fortune Five Hundred executive, Laura Casselman, “According to Karen, she serves in her position for ‘supporting growth of our business community’ yet there is no growth, only continued decline. In my industry, this is the primary reason CEO’s are fired. If you can’t do the job, you don’t deserve to have it. While she should resign, she should have also already been let go for failure to do the job she’s been hired to do.“
As the chamber’s first female president and CEO, Riordan is a Virginia native. She replaced former CEO Brad Dean. Dean left for the Tourism Job in Puerto Rico. The $54 million tax subsidy paid to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce continues to underperform in relation to the tax dollars invested.
Riordan told local media she is stepping down to “pursue new opportunities and spend more time with her family.”
As soon as possible, the Chamber’s board of directors will begin the search for a new president and CEO. Interim leadership plans will be announced soon.
Said Karen Riordan in a prepared statement, “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.”
MBACC provided the following: 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, Chairman of the Chamber board of Directors said, “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.”
Karen Riordan resigns
Said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune:
“Over the past six years Karen Riordan and I have not only developed a valuable partnership between the City of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, but we also became friends. Karen has been resolute in her support of our downtown revitalization plans and she understands its importance to our entire area and to the state. The City of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce have always been strong allies. Moving forward, I am confident that we will continue working closely together to make Myrtle Beach a better place for our residents and visitors alike.“
This coming August 2024, MyrtleBeachSC News planned a streaming forum of Fortune 500 speakers to address the issues Karen Riordan presented as leader of MBACC.
Today, the forum was officially cancelled with the news of her announcement.