Brad Lofton, President & CEO

 T:  843.347.4604
 E:  blofton@mbredc.org

Over the past twelve years, Brad Lofton has had a very successful career in community and economic development.  His background and experience includes success stories in energy, advanced manufacturing, food, logistics, technology and defense.  His leadership has generated thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in private sector tax digest for the communities he has served.       

Prior to Myrtle Beach, he served as the Executive Director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority.  During his tenure in Valdosta, Georgia, and despite a national recession, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority created over 3,000 new jobs with capital investment exceeding $500 million.  Under his leadership, the Valdosta community won a number of other national awards and received exposure for marketing, advanced manufacturing and logistics. 

Brad is a native of Moultrie, Georgia.  He has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Mercer University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.  He has served on the board of directors for the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). In 2004, he was named one of the top 40 most influential Georgians under the age of 40 by Georgia Trend Magazine. 

Laura Townsend, Business Manager

  T:   843.347.4604
  E:   ltownsend@mbredc.org

Laura joined the staff in 2008. In her role at MBREDC, she is a key contact for the corporation. She utilizes her business background in real estate, marketing and communications to coordinate special projects.  She is responsible for office administration and accounting and works with the sites and buildings inventory for the corporation.  She is a tremendous resource for development projects and for prospects.

Prior to joining the MBREDC, Laura was an information manager for a national builder. She has also held positions in administration and design.

Kate MacArthur, Director of Marketing and Existing Industry

  T: 843.347.9926
  E: kmacarthur@mbredc.org

Kate is responsible for all targeted marketing and communications as well as the support and promotion of existing industry, assistance in existing industry expansion, and the facilitation of post-announcement project development.

Prior to joining the MBREDC, MacArthur served as director of business intelligence for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In addition, she has served as a business analyst for the Area Development Partnership, a regional economic development agency in Hattiesburg, Miss. and has also worked as a partner at The Arbor Company, a consulting firm specializing primarily in the areas of economic development, community development and market analysis.

Kelly Stuart, Director of Recruitment

  T: 843.347.4605
  E: ksuart@mbredc.org

Kelly is responsible for identifying and developing project leads and successfully locating new companies to the Myrtle Beach region.

 Kelly brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, marketing, communications and public relations working on both the state and local level in urban and rural environments. Prior to joining MBREDC, Kelly was the Vice President of Client Development with North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad Partnership and was responsible for the planning, execution and evaluation of programs to identify and develop leads, prospects and clients for the Region. Prior to that, Kelly was responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Martinsville, Virginia region.

Candace Howell, Membership Director

 T:  843-655-0842
 E:  chowell@mbredc.org

Candace arrived on the Grand Strand 10 years ago and began her career in the area in broadcasting as a TV reporter and anchor.  From there she earned a masters degree in business administration and marketing and now has more than 10 years of experience in broadcasting, promotions, marketing and advertising.  Candace has worked in several industries from media to retail, tourism and non-profits.

Today, she not only serves as our Director of Membership but she is also a local TV host with WMBF News.  Candace brings a vast knowledge of the area and community to our team and has established great partnerships throughout the area.  When she isn't working you can find her serving on a variety of boards in town in the cultural arts arena or spending time with her family.   

If you want to shine the light on your business, contact Candace about our membership programs today.