Chamber of Commerce for Nonprofits has a new CEO

The Boland Group is pleased to celebrate the successful recruitment of Karen Riordan as President & CEO of Together South Carolina (“Together SC”). We were engaged to recruit a CEO of this “Chamber of Commerce for Nonprofits” who 1) is passionate about the power of the nonprofit sector to advocate for the good of all; 2) knows how to lead an industry association that represents all of its nonprofit members as the face of the sector, and 3) is committed to best practices in working with the private sector, local government and local nonprofits to positively impact the lives of all South Carolina residents.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COLUMBIA, S.C. — Following a rigorous national search, Together SC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Karen Riordan‘s appointment as the organization’s new President and CEO.

Dr. Shawn Edwards, Chair of the Board, shared the exciting news, emphasizing the Board’s confidence in Riordan’s leadership to guide Together SC through its next chapter of supporting and strengthening South Carolina’s nonprofit sector.  “Karen will be a tremendous asset to South Carolina’s nonprofit community. Her extensive leadership experience and commitment to value-driven work align perfectly with Together SC’s mission. I am confident she will build on the legacy of excellence set by Madeleine McGee and continue to elevate the work of nonprofits across our state. We are thrilled to have her lead our talented team.”  

Paige Stephenson, Chair of the CEO Transition Committee, led the comprehensive, thorough search process, aided by The Boland Group, to find the successor to President and CEO Madeline McGee, who retired after 13 years of distinguished service. Paige shared “The Transition Committee’s goal was to identify a future-focused leader who would build on Together SC’s established foundation of innovation and champion the nonprofit sector in this ever-changing philanthropic landscape. We know to meet the increasing needs of our membership and help build the nonprofit leader pipeline Together SC needs exponential growth. We firmly believe Karen is the leader to meet that challenge.”  

Riordan joins Together SC after six years with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “I am humbled to be chosen as the next President and CEO, and excited about growing this important statewide nonprofit that does so much good for the Palmetto State.  Together SC offers education, resources and tools to over 900 nonprofits across South Carolina.  These incredible nonprofits do great work serving their local communities in a wide array of sectors: housing, food, children, seniors, animal welfare, the arts, as well as health and human services.  I am thrilled to be supporting the nonprofit and philanthropic community that serves so many citizens of South Carolina,” Riordan said.

During her tenure at the Myrtle Beach Chamber and CVB, Riordan was instrumental in growing the local business environment and promoting Myrtle Beach as a premier destination for tourism. She launched two 501c3 nonprofits associated with the chamber: Partnership Grand Strand chamber foundation and Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful, affiliated with Palmetto Pride and Keep America Beautiful.  Riordan was the driving force behind rebranding “Visit Myrtle Beach”, the successful “You Belong at the Beach” marketing campaign, and bringing notable sporting events to the area, such as the Myrtle Beach Bowl and the PGA TOUR’s Myrtle Beach Classic.

As Together SC’s first new CEO in thirteen years, Karen spearheaded a record-breaking Summit Conference and responded beautifully to unexpected cuts in federal grants to nonprofits. This charismatic leader is ensuring South Carolina’s nonprofits focus on strategies to diversify funding, and evaluate ways they can collaborate to eliminate duplicate costs through shared services. Karen has already elevated the professionalism of the organization’s advocacy efforts, reflecting support for all nonprofits, regardless of political party or geographic location.

Ann Boland

About Together SC: 

Together SC is a thriving statewide network of over 950 nonprofit and philanthropic organizations dedicated to making South Carolina a better place to live. As the state’s only membership organization focused on strengthening the entire nonprofit and philanthropic community, Together SC provides the tools, resources, and connections nonprofits need to succeed. By advocating for a vibrant, equitable South Carolina, Together SC unites leaders to drive impactful change that uplifts all communities.