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: r.gantz@stantonchase.com

Executive Overview 

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.

The Situation: A Defining Moment

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 spirt of hospitality.

•   A strategic, forward-thinking executive with experience leading associations or industry organizations
•   A hospitality champions 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 Role and Responsibilities

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

Strategic Leadership 

• 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

Advocacy & Government Relations

• Serve as the leading voice of the industry at the Statehouse
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, regional leaders, and partners
• Lead advocacy on key issues, including for each upcoming legislative session

Member Engagement & Growth

• Expand SCRLA’s membership footprint and regional influence
• Strengthen engagement with restaurants, lodging partners, and industry leaders
• Design innovative programs that deliver measurable value to members

Financial Stewardship

• Drive sustainable revenue growth and diversify income streams
• Expand partnerships, sponsorships, and strategic alliances
• Elevate the profitability and impact of SCRLA’s statewide events

Industry Innovation & Workforce Development

• Lead new initiatives aligned with national trends and emerging opportunities
• Strengthen workforce pipelines through education and training partnerships

Team Leadership 

• Build a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, respect, a passion for our members and a desire to grow
• Be known as a bridge-builder
• Inspire, mentor, develop, and retain a talented staff

Candidate Profile: Who Should Apply?

The next President & CEO of SCRLA will combine proven association leadership, a spirit of radical collaboration, passion for the hospitality industry, strong advocacy knowledge, and exceptional communication skills. Ideal candidates will be ready to lead a transformation and be inspired by the opportunity to advance hospitality in one of America’s fastest-growing states.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

•  Executive leadership within an association, chamber, hospitality organization, or similar member-driven entity
•  Someone who can lead and inspire staff– open, respectful, listens
•  Real examples of driving growth and strategic transformation
•  Experience as an effective advocate and reliable partner
•  Straight up love of the hospitality industry and passion for our members
•  Proven ability to build bipartisan relationships in politically diverse environments
• Skilled communicator with excellent media presence and ability to influence people around the issues that matter to our members
• Bridge builder across diverse regions and stakeholder groups
• Skilled P&L manager with proven ability to build assets and grow the bottom-line
• Experienced and successful working with a board of directors and governance
• Ability to travel frequently – across the state, to national events and Washington, D.C. – as well as attend dinners, evening and weekend events, and meet members, sponsors and partners at their locations
• Interest in a long-term (10+ year) leadership commitment to SCRLA

Total Rewards: The Top 10 Reasons to Love this Job

1. Our Members – Work with the most amazing people in the world – our members! We are people who love to serve and help others.
2. Statewide Impact – Shape the future of one of the South’s most important hospitality economies.
3. Political Influence – Lead high-visibility advocacy efforts with statewide
4. Growth Momentum – Build on strong tourism, population inflow, and industry expansion.
5. Statewide Unification – Bring together the many diverse regions of our state
6. Innovation & Modernization – Create ways to generate member value through new programs, events and technology. You get to build things!
7. National Connectivity – Engage with peers and partners across the country at organizations like the National Restaurant Association, AHLA, AAHOA, and national hospitality networks.
8. Long-Term Legacy – The time is now to make a mark that will ripple
9. Community Impact – Influence the lives and careers of thousands of people across the state – and the many visitors who come here.
10. A Purpose-Driven Career – Work on issues that matter on behalf of people who make a difference – and see the impact of what you do.

Suggested Links and References

   SCRLA Website

   National Restaurant Association: State of the Industry Report

   American Hotel & Lodging Association: Industry Trends