A former foster care kid from the Southwest, Howard Waldie comes to the City of Myrtle Beach from the City of Virginia Beach, where he served as senior analyst for the Office of Performance & Accountability. His expansive knowledge and experience with city development, strategic planning, process innovation and service improvements made him the standout candidate for this new position.
“Howard brings both practical knowledge of municipal government and actual experience in making things work better,” said Myrtle Beach City Manager Fox Simons. “As our new chief innovation officer, his job is to help us save time, streamline systems and provide even better service to our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Some of Waldie’s significant projects for the City of Virginia Beach included championing the Office of Performance & Accountability, coordinating special projects such as the Stormwater Design Regulation Workshops, working on the Flood Protection Bond Referendum and Program Management Office and executing departmental performance plans.
Prior to his role as Virginia Beach’s senior performance analyst, Howard served as assistant to the deputy city manager from 2016 to 2020. He’s worked in the public sector since 2011, including time as an executive intern and then assistant to the director of parks and recreation with the City of Norfolk, a consultant for organizational retreats and more.
“I’m excited to be joining the City of Myrtle Beach and it’s ‘first in service’ team,” Waldie said. “Myrtle Beach has an outstanding reputation for innovation and forward-thinking, and I welcome the opportunity to be part of the city’s rapid progress.”
Waldie received his bachelor of science degree in political science, an honors degree, and minor in ethics and philosophy from Arizona State University in 2015. He served as student body president for two terms and was a member of the Board of Trustees. He earned a master’s in public administration from Rutgers University.