Riley Center Initiatives

At the Riley Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, our initiatives reflect a deep commitment to supporting informed leadership, engaged scholarship and community-driven progress. Grounded in research and shaped by collaboration, these efforts aim to address real-world challenges and strengthen the social, cultural and economic fabric of communities across the region. Whether through academic partnerships, public programs or applied research, each initiative represents a unique opportunity to connect people, ideas and institutions in ways that foster resilience and long-term impact.

Initiative for Purposeful Tourism

This initiative serves as a destination management and marketing advisory group dedicated to helping communities navigate the opportunities and challenges of tourism. Launched through a partnership between the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities and the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTMT), the program is led by HTMT faculty member Brumby McLeod and guided by an experienced founding advisory team: Chris Stone (former CEO, Visit Greenville), Perrin Lawson (former executive, Explore Charleston), and Bill Malone (former CEO, Visit Park City). 

The program provides expertise and strategic support for place based projects focused on tourism's economic, social and cultural impacts. It aims to equip local leaders with practical tools for sustainable tourism development and community enhancement. 

Key Objectives:

  • Serve as a resource for communities addressing tourism-related challenges such as overtourism, economic development, and quality of life. 
  • Offer high-impact presentations and content at regional and state-level conferences for city and county managers. 
  • Provide professional advisory services for communities seeking to optimize tourism's benefits while mitigating its downsides. 
  • Equip current and emerging leaders with tools for effective destination management and development. 

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative or exploring opportunities for collaboration, please contact Brumby McLeod at mcleodb@cofc.edu