Marilyn Hatley Named 2026 Citizen of the Year

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recognized former North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley as the 2026 Citizen of the Year during its Annual Meeting in April, honoring decades of leadership and public service to the Grand Strand.

The Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by A&I Fire and Water Restoration, recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and commitment reflect the very best of the community. Few people embody that spirit more than Hatley.

Originally from Albemarle, North Carolina, Hatley moved to the Myrtle Beach area with her husband, David, in 1970 after he graduated from pharmacy school. What began as a move for work quickly became a lifelong commitment to the North Myrtle Beach community.

Hatley was first elected to North Myrtle Beach City Council in 1996 before serving as mayor from 2001 until 2025. Over more than three decades in public office, she helped guide the city through periods of growth, infrastructure expansion and regional collaboration.

Among the projects she is most proud of are the Main Street connector road and bridge, and the growth west of the Intracoastal Waterway, which reshaped the future of North Myrtle Beach. She also played a key role in advocating for federal beach renourishment funding, helping bring millions of dollars in coastal investment to the Grand Strand.

Hatley strongly believed in regional cooperation, helping to form the Coastal Alliance to strengthen communication and collaboration among local governments and community leaders along the coast.

Throughout her career, she built strong working relationships at the local and state levels while remaining focused on what she believed was best for the community as a whole. Her leadership style emphasized collaboration, communication and steady service.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Marilyn Hatley as the 2026 Citizen of the Year for her lasting contributions to North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand.