Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative board chair Lori Heafner, Ph.D., has been named the next president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
The HGTC Area Commission selected Heafner following a national search. She will begin serving as president Jan. 4, 2027, after more than 20 years with the college.
Heafner currently serves as HGTC’s vice president of academic affairs and is the 2026 chair of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative board. Her leadership with the Collaborative comes at an important time as the organization works to bring business, tourism and community partners together around the opportunities and challenges shaping the Grand Strand’s future.
“Lori is an incredible leader, and we're so fortunate to have her serving as chair of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative board," said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative. "I've seen firsthand how much she cares about this community and its future."
As one of the region’s key education and workforce partners, HGTC helps prepare students for careers while working with employers to meet the Grand Strand economy's evolving needs. Heafner’s new role creates another opportunity to strengthen the connections among education, employers and the broader community.
“HGTC plays an important role in developing our workforce and moving our region forward, and Lori understands that connection," Pivarnik said. "I'm proud of her and excited to continue working with her in this new role."