(Image courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.— The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert Whitehurst as its new Community Advocacy Manager. This newly created position will play a critical role in educating residents on the chamber and CVB’s role in enhancing quality of life throughout the Grand Stand.

Whitehurst most recently served as a meteorologist at WMBF News in Myrtle Beach and is a seasoned communicator with over a decade of experience in public messaging, digital content creation and stakeholder engagement.

“Robert’s experience in public communication and his deep understanding of the local community make him the perfect person for this role,” said Jimmy Gray, Chief Advocacy Officer at MBACC. “He has a natural ability to connect with people, explain complex issues in an understandable way, and bring communities together. We are thrilled to have him join our team.”

The Community Advocacy Manager position was created to further MBACC’s mission of fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders, especially new residents of the Grand Strand. Whitehurst will focus on in-person conversations about the chamber’s mission and programs as well as sharing information digitally.

Within his first few weeks of being at the chamber, he has already began to develop a resident-focused newsletter and is offering a ticket giveaway to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic for those residents of Horry and Georgetown County who sign up before April 24. More information can be found at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.

“I’m honored to join the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and take on this exciting new role,” Whitehurst said. “Myrtle Beach is a place I love and have called home for years. I look forward to working with our residents to strengthen our community.”

Whitehurst and his family live in the Carolina Forest area and enjoy time at the beach as well as camping.