Cheryl Y. Kilday, CDME
President & CEO
Cheryl Y. Kilday, CDME is a seasoned expert in destination marketing and management, and has dedicated much of her career to membership-based organizations focused on economic and community development.
In addition to her role with Destination North Myrtle Beach, Cheryl oversees the NMB Chamber Foundation, which awards community grants to local nonprofits supporting people in need.
Cheryl serves on the Waccamaw Advisory Board through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and sits on the board of the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation. Cheryl actively participates in leadership roles, community engagement, and advocacy through input sessions, boards, and committees and is a graduate of the McLeod Health Foundation Fellows program.
Her commitment to the community extends to volunteer work, such as serving on the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol. Cheryl has also led initiatives like the North Myrtle Beach Reusable Campaign and the COVID Recovery Task Force, contributing to regional recovery efforts and sustainability.
Before joining Destination North Myrtle Beach, Cheryl held similar leadership positions with organizations in Oregon, Virginia, and Washington State. She is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and has led three organizations to earn Destination Management Accreditation, with North Myrtle Beach receiving the designation "with distinction." The organization has also maintained its 5-Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Highlights of Cheryl’s career include helping pass legislation to establish a public-private partnership for state tourism marketing in Washington State and serving on the board that created The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Cheryl also earned an Emmy Award for a series of history videos—a groundbreaking approach to travel promotion at the time. Currently, she is passionate about advancing the Destination Master Plan in North Myrtle Beach.
Cheryl is a former board member of Destinations International and a trustee for the Destinations International Travel Foundation, where she continues to serve on committees. She has also contributed her expertise to numerous state and local boards and committees dedicated to community and tourism development.
