Myrtle Beach hires former SC police chief to lead in new diversity role

The City of Myrtle Beach has hired a diversity, equity and inclusion director as part of the organization’s effort to build a sense of belonging among staff, officials said.

Kelvin Waites, a former chief for the Georgetown Police Department, will be responsible for collaborating with city leaders to make and implement a plan for reaching diversity goals, according to the city’s Facebook post announcing the hire.

Mark Kruea, a city spokesman, said the role is the first of its kind and had been a point of discussion for a few years.

“Our staff does a good job with the ‘first in service’ goals, but we recognized a need to enhance that effort, both internally and externally,” he said in an email sent to The Sun News. “This is a diverse community, and our staff should reflect the community it serves. Equity involves giving everyone the chance to succeed. And we need to be inclusive, in every sense of the word.”

Waites has worked in law enforcement for over 24 years, which included serving as deputy chief for the Horry County Police Department, the announcement reads.

He has completed both the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Unit Commander Academy. Waites also served in a directorial role for the nonprofit AMIkids Georgetown, which helps men with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, the post states.

“Kelvin’s impressive record of community service and professional experience made him the standout candidate,” City Manager Fox Simons said in the post. “He has dynamic communication and leadership skills, a passion for collaboration and organizational management expertise that make him an asset to the city and our staff.”

Waites, a graduate of Charleston Southern University, is certified in the University of South Florida’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Program, according to the statement.

“I’m excited about working with staff and getting to know everyone here at the City of Myrtle Beach,” Waites said in the post. “We want to reflect the community that we serve and build a sense of belonging and mutual support. Celebrating our diversity, fostering equity and seeking inclusion in the conversation are desirable goals.”

This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 10:46 AM.