After graduation from the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting, Brad Dean worked as a financial analyst for General Electric, and in 1993, he joined the Rank corporation, which had just purchased the Hard Rock Cafe chain. In 1995 he was tapped to open and run the Myrtle Beach location, which became one of the most successful in company history.

After working with Hard Rock Cafe for three years, Brad joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce as its chief financial officer, and in 2003, was named president and chief executive officer of the chamber.

With over 20 years of Hospitality and Tourism industry experience, Currently Brad serves as the CEO of Discover Puerto Rico the island’s Destination Marketing Organization. He serves in various leadership roles with a variety of organizations. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Travel Association and member of their Executive Committee. Also, he is part of the National Council of State Tourism Directors, and has previously served on numerous boards and councils, including DMAI, American Red Cross, United Way of Horry County, Careteam, Junior Achievement, Donate Life of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He also holds a Master’s Degree from Moody Bible Institute.