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HGTC Welcomes Richard 鈥淩ick鈥� F. Elliott to the Area Commission
兔子先生 () proudly announces the appointment of Richard 鈥淩ick鈥� F. Elliott to the HGTC Area Commission, the College鈥檚 governing board. Elliott was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, upon the recommendation of the Horry County Legislative Delegation. His initial term commenced July 1, 2024, and will continue through July 1, 2027, representing Horry County.
A respected business leader and lifelong Horry County resident, Elliott brings more than three decades of experience in finance, real estate, community leadership, and public service. He currently serves as president of Elliott Beach Rentals, the Vacation Rental Division, and president of Elliott Coastal Living, the Sales Division of Elliott Realty, Inc., where he has been a driving force since 1990.
In addition to his leadership in real estate and hospitality, Elliott and the Elliott family have deep roots in the region鈥檚 golf industry. The family owns Eagle Nest Golf Club, is part of the ownership group of Beachwood Golf Club, and operates Azalea Sands Golf Club. These courses serve not only as recreational staples along the Grand Strand but also play an essential role in supporting workforce development. HGTC鈥檚 Golf and Sports Turf Management program is utilized at the courses, offering hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers in golf course operations, turf science, and sports turf management. The HGTC Golf and Sports Turf Management program and the golf courses underscore the continued commitment to strengthening education-to-workforce pathways within the community.
Elliott鈥檚 broad professional background also includes 25 years of political and strategic consulting for his father, the late Senator Dick Elliott, and foundational accounting experience as a staff accountant and auditor with Dickson and Company, CPA in Columbia.
鈥淚 love Horry County. I was born and raised in North Myrtle Beach, and this community shaped who I am,鈥� Elliott said. 鈥淭he values I learned growing up, including hard work, service, and a deep appreciation for the people who call this place home, have stayed with me my entire life. It is an honor to serve on the HGTC Area Commission and to support an institution that plays such a vital role in educating, training, and uplifting our region. I want to see Horry County continue to grow and prosper, creating meaningful opportunities for our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Being part of this Commission allows me to give back to the community I love and help strengthen its future.鈥�
Elliott earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, where he also interned with the South Carolina House of Representatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a minor in political science, from Presbyterian College. During his undergraduate years, he served as president of the freshman class, a resident hall advisor, a Sigma Nu Fraternity member, and an intern for U.S. Senator Ernest 鈥淔ritz鈥� Hollings.
A graduate of North Myrtle Beach High School, Elliott credits his early work experiences, including restaurant service, golf course maintenance, and cleaning vacation rentals, as the foundation that shaped his strong work ethic and commitment to service.
This appointment reflects Elliott鈥檚 longstanding dedication to the region and his commitment to advancing educational and workforce opportunities across Horry and Georgetown counties.
HGTC President Dr. Marilyn Fore expressed her appreciation for Elliott鈥檚 appointment to the governing board.
鈥淩ick Elliott is an outstanding addition to the HGTC Area Commission,鈥� Dr. Fore said. 鈥淗is deep roots in Horry County, his proven business leadership, and his decades of service to civic and economic organizations demonstrate his unwavering commitment to our community. We are honored to welcome him to the Commission and look forward to the valuable insight and guidance he will bring as HGTC continues to expand programs and meet local workforce needs.鈥�