Monica Vehige, CEO of McLeod Loris Seacoast, and Sherrill Nielson, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Seacoast, were recognized on October 4, 2021 by the North Myrtle Beach City Council for their service on the North Myrtle Beach COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.

The North Myrtle Beach COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force was formed by City Council on April 20, 2020, and by Resolution it automatically dissolved on December 8, 2020. The task force existed solely to advise City Council on issues related to economic recovery in North Myrtle Beach in the aftermath of the COVID-19 emergency.

Areas of task force focus included but were not limited to identifying resources, such as grants, loans, and other financial assistance, available to businesses in the city; establishing general public outreach and information programs; and recommending to City Council possible actions that would aid economic recovery. As part of its duties, the task force reviewed any relevant data, studies, assessments, reports, and evaluations relating to the economic impact of COVID-19 in North Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and South Carolina, and was empowered to hear additional presentations and comments from relevant stakeholders and members of the public.

The members of the task force included Cheryl Kilday, chairperson; Cathy Weis, vice-chairperson; Mendel Bell; Frank Boulineau; Brandon Cox; Jim Eggen; Johnathan Fussell; Joe Gosiewski; Chad Hatley; Mike Mahaney; Jeff Martini; Marc McDowell; Billy McGonigal and Ray Sessions.

Vehige and Nielson of McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital advised the task force.