(Logo Courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach)

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Visit Myrtle Beach announced an updated leadership structure designed, officials said, to strengthen the organization’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents across the Grand Strand.

MBACC and Visit Myrtle Beach CEO Matt Pivarnik and the Executive Committee of the MBACC Board of Directors have appointed Jimmy Gray and Stuart Butler to presidents of the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach respectively.

Gray and Butler will continue to report to Pivarnik and the three will be accountable to the board. 

“This is an exciting time for the chamber and our region,” Pivarnik said. “Establishing clear leadership for the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach will help advance specific initiatives with a higher level of focus while maintaining the critical partnerships and team approach that the organization is known for."

Pivarnik added, "Jimmy and Stuart are highly respected and will professionally represent our region at the local, state, national and international level.” 

Patrick Norton, chief marketing officer for Brittain Resorts and chairman of the MBACC Board said, “One of the reasons we chose Matt as our next CEO is because he brings the kind of experience that has shaped successful organizations like ours where tourism, business and community all overlap.”

Norton added, “This new structure kicks off a stronger, more focused chapter for the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach. It’s a natural evolution that helps us better serve not just our members and partners, but the whole Grand Strand.”

Gray has been with the Chamber for seven years, serving as the chief advocacy officer, and Butler for four years, serving as the chief marketing officer.

In their new roles, Gray and Butler will oversee distinct areas of strategic focus.

As Chamber president, Gray will lead initiatives related to business development, advocacy, membership engagement and community partnerships.

He will be supported by Cindy Gettig, executive vice president of Business Development.

As president of Visit Myrtle Beach, Butler will direct destination marketing, brand strategy and tourism promotion.

He will be joined by Diane Charno, executive vice president of Marketing and Communication, and Bob Harris, executive vice president of Group Sales.

Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community — serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded MBACC its five-star accreditation — one of only a few chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction.

The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. 

Myrtle Beach Lights Up July 4th with Fireworks, Festivals, and Family Fun

Communities across the Grand Strand are kicking off July with fireworks, festivals, and more; Visit Myrtle Beach shares what Fourth of July celebrations are planned across Myrtle Beach. Read More »