Matt Pivarnik to Depart Greater Topeka Partnership, Accepts CEO Role with Myrtle beach area chamber of Commerce
After nearly a decade of transformational leadership in Topeka, Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), has announced that he will be leaving the organization to assume the role of President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce encompasses Partnership Grand Strand and Visit Myrtle Beach. Pivarnik’s final day with the GTP will be May 18, 2025.
Pivarnik arrived in Topeka in 2016 as the CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, Topeka witnessed a historic era of collaboration, economic revitalization, and community growth. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Greater Topeka Partnership, bringing together entities like GO Topeka, Visit Topeka, and Downtown Topeka, Inc. into a unified organization that has since led numerous economic and community development initiatives.
“Matt has been a transformational leader for Topeka,” said Cody Foster, former chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership and co-founder of Advisors Excel. “While I’m sad to see him leave the community, both as a leader and a friend, I also know he’s built a solid foundation for a new leader to come and build upon. The team he’s assembled and the progress that has been made over the past decade has positioned Topeka, and the next leader of the GTP, to do some incredible things.”
During Pivarnik’s tenure, Topeka experienced significant business investments, population growth, and downtown revitalization efforts that reshaped the city’s future. His leadership was instrumental in fostering regional collaboration, attracting new industries, and positioning Topeka as a hub for economic and community development.
“Matt Pivarnik has been more than a leader—he’s been a true friend and a driving force behind Topeka’s transformation,” said Dr. Shekhar Challa, current chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership and owner of Kansas Medical Clinic. “When he first arrived, we were a community that was often divided and unsure. Matt saw Topeka’s potential and helped our community believe in itself. His ability to bring people together and rally our community around a shared vision has made a lasting impact. While I’m personally sad to see him go, I’m incredibly grateful for his leadership, friendship, and all he’s done to make Topeka a better place.”
Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Pivarnik’s lasting influence on the capital city.
“Matt Pivarnik’s leadership has changed the trajectory of Topeka for the better. His unwavering commitment to progress and his ability to unite business and community leaders has been truly inspiring. He has made Topeka stronger, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. He and his wife Wendy have been friends to all, and my wife and I wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University and incoming 2026 Chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership, highlighted Pivarnik’s role in fostering collaboration between the business community and local institutions.
“Matt Pivarnik’s leadership has elevated the way Topeka’s public and private sectors work together to drive growth and innovation. His passion for this community and his ability to connect people and ideas have positioned Topeka for a strong future. While he will be missed, his contributions will continue to shape our city’s success for years to come.”
Reflecting on his time in Topeka, Pivarnik expressed gratitude for the relationships and progress achieved under his leadership.
“The last nine years have flown by in a flash, and it has been an amazing ride! I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside incredible leaders in moving Topeka & Shawnee County forward, and I will forever be a ‘Super Fan’ of this community that Wendy and I love so much. While this is heartbreaking in so many ways, the time is right for us to go in a new direction. I am happy that the Greater Topeka Partnership and all its entities are in a strong operational and financial position. The Partnership Executive Leadership Team is in the very top of its class in the country, and they are in position to lead the organization into the future. Topeka has changed dramatically and positively during our time here, and I credit that to this team, our full staff, volunteer leadership, stakeholders, and elected leaders. My life has been enriched by Topeka, and I will forever be indebted to this amazing place. The momentum has exceeded all our expectations, and Topeka’s best days are ahead.”
As the Greater Topeka Partnership prepares for this leadership transition, incoming 2026 GTP Chair Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek will lead a search committee to identify Pivarnik’s successor. More details on the search process will be announced in the coming weeks.
