President & CEO, South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association

This role is designed for a radically collaborative builder who desires to make an impact on an entire industry across the state of South Carolina.

For immediate consideration please email:

The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA) stands at a remarkable moment in its evolution. For more than 75 years, SCRLA has served as a voice for South Carolina’s hospitality industry — a vibrant, resilient, and rapidly growing sector that fuels the economic and cultural heartbeat of the Palmetto State.

South Carolina’s hospitality landscape is entering a new era of opportunity. Tourism continues to grow at record-setting levels, lodging performance remains strong across Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Columbia, Greenville, and the Upstate, and restaurant innovation is flourishing statewide. National Restaurant Association forecasts project U.S. restaurant sales surpassing $1.1 trillion in 2025, while AHLA anticipates robust hotel demand, rising ADR, and increased investment across key markets — trends that directly benefit South Carolina’s dynamic hospitality ecosystem.

SCRLA is poised to build on this momentum. With an energized Board of Directors, a spirit of statewide collaboration, and a renewed commitment to advancing the industry’s future, the Association is ready to increase its impact, strengthen its political influence, and elevate member value in powerful new ways.

For a visionary and radical collaborator, this role offers the opportunity to shape a statewide transformation — uniting diverse markets, enhancing advocacy efforts, expanding member engagement, and positioning SCRLA as one of the most forward-thinking hospitality associations in the nation.

South Carolina’s hospitality industry is experiencing strong growth, expanding statewide demand, and increasing national visibility. Communities such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia are emerging as hospitality powerhouses — each contributing uniquely to the state’s identity as a premier travel and dining destination.

Against this backdrop of growth and reinvention, SCRLA is entering a defining moment. The Association is ready to strengthen its statewide voice, build deeper regional connections, elevate signature events, grow membership, and expand its role as a trusted partner across all sectors of hospitality.

The next CEO will embrace this moment of possibility — bringing ideas, modern association leadership, and the ability to unify diverse perspectives into one powerful direction.

The next CEO must be:

• A collaborative leader who embodies the spirit of hospitality.
• A strategic, forward-thinking executive with experience leading associations or industry organizations.
• A hospitality champion for our members and who understands restaurants, lodging, tourism, and workforce needs.
• A charismatic relationship-builder who can unite regions and inspire stakeholders.
• A bipartisan, politically savvy leader who can build relationships across the state.
• A builder of modern member value, programs, and events.
• A dynamic communicator and advocate for South Carolina’s hospitality future.
• A leader ready to make a long-term commitment to the state and to SCRLA.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a statewide transformation at a time when the industry is ready for renewed collaboration, stronger advocacy, and an elevated future.

The President & CEO serves as the chief advocate, strategist, unifier and ambassador for South Carolina’s hospitality industry. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this individual will lead SCRLA into its next era of growth — advancing its influence, deepening member engagement, and strengthening its statewide presence.

The position requires significant statewide and national travel, along with a flexible schedule to support industry events, advocacy initiatives, and member engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a bold, future-focused vision for SCRLA.
• Strengthen statewide momentum by uniting diverse hospitality markets.
• Modernize operations, programs, and events to elevate member value.