Together SC announces hiring of new President and CEO, Karen Riordan
October 22, 2024
Following a rigorous national search, Together SC’s Board of Directors announced Karen Riordan’s appointment as the organization’s new President and CEO. Dr. Shawn Edwards, Chair of the Board, shared the 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,” Dr. Shawn Edwards.
Karen Riordan
Paige Stephenson, Chair of the CEO Transition Committee, led the comprehensive search process, partnering with The Boland Group to identify the ideal candidate to succeed President & CEO Madeleine McGee, who stepped down after 13 years of transformative leadership. Stephenson highlighted the inclusive and transparent process that engaged a broad range of stakeholders across the state.
“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,” Paige Stephenson.
Karen Riordan comes to Together SC after six successful years as President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she fostered strong partnerships and launched innovative programs to strengthen the local economy and tourism industry.
“I am humbled to be chosen as the next President and CEO, and excited about growing this important statewide network that does so much good for the Palmetto State. Together SC offers education, resources and tools to over 950 members 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,” Karen Riordan.
During her time at the Myrtle Beach Chamber and CVB, Riordan was instrumental in driving local economic growth and elevating Myrtle Beach’s national profile. Her efforts led to the launch of two 501(c)(3) organizations—the Partnership Grand Strand Chamber Foundation and Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful, a partner of Palmetto Pride and Keep America Beautiful. Riordan’s vision also brought about the successful “You Belong at the Beach” rebranding campaign and secured significant events, such as the Myrtle Beach Bowl and PGA TOUR’s Myrtle Beach Classic.
Riordan will officially join Together SC on October 21 and looks forward to collaborating with the Board, staff, and members to continue advancing the organization’s mission of strengthening South Carolina’s nonprofit sector.
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.
