MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina — Following a comprehensive, community-driven search, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau proudly announces Matthew “Matt” Pivarnik, IOM, CCE, will serve as the organization’s new president and CEO.
“I’m honored to join the team at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and bring my experience to this thriving community,” Pivarnik said. “The Grand Strand is a dynamic, world-class place to live and visit, and this is an exciting time in its evolution. I look forward to working alongside the community to build on the region’s strengths and further enhance the exceptional quality of life it provides.”
Pivarnik brings more than 30 years of proven leadership experience to the Grand Strand, most recently as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas, where he oversaw operations of the Greater Topeka Chamber, Visit Topeka, GO Topeka and Downtown Topeka Inc., among others.
Pivarnik played a pivotal role in forming the Greater Topeka Partnership in 2018, a collaboration that successfully unified regional efforts and contributed to the area’s significant revitalization. Under his leadership, the capital city metro received national recognition as a top U.S. city to live and visit, experiencing a $2 billion increase in GDP, a 24 percent rise in household income and notable improvements in public safety. Prior to his time in Topeka, Pivarnik served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber and played a key role in the organization’s achievements, including receiving the top industry recognition in 2005, 2008 and 2010.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Pivarnik as the new president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,” said MBACC Board Chairman Patrick Norton. “Matt’s visionary leadership and proven track record makes him the ideal choice to lead our chamber and contribute to our community during a very exciting time.”
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, a member of the 10-person executive selection committee, echoed praise for Pivarnik’s destination development achievements. “Matt’s experience in chamber leadership and community building have been instrumental in enhancing metro regions similar to ours. He has a proven ability for infusing organizations and communities with positive energy, fostering unity and driving strategic initiatives, perfectly aligning with our vision for the future.”
Pivarnik and his wife, Wendy, will relocate to the Myrtle Beach area in the coming months as he prepares to officially take the helm of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB by mid-May. Until then, Tracy Conner will continue serving as interim president and CEO.
About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 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 and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. For more information, visit myrtlebeachareachamber.com, myrtlebeachareacvb.com and visitmyrtlebeach.com.
