Two nonprofit corporations in the Quad Cities region of Illinois and Iowa have joined forces and hired a joint executive director to enhance the potential of the Rock Island Arsenal to drive large-scale economic growth in the region.
In announcing their partnership, the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance — an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber — and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute also reported the hiring of retired Army Col. Shawn Creamer as executive director.
“This partnership between QCMI, the Quad Cities Chamber and RIADA brings together regional economic leadership and a shared commitment to innovation and workforce development,” said Jay Walsh, the QCMI board chairman and the University of Illinois System’s vice president for economic development and innovation.
“By aligning our vision, resources and expertise, we will accelerate advanced manufacturing and defense-related technologies that strengthen both the regional economy and national security,” Walsh said. “Shawn’s appointment reflects that vision. His record of leading complex organizations, forging strategic alliances and delivering results makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide QCMI’s growth and impact.”
In carrying out their long-term economic development agenda, RIADA and QCMI will leverage cutting-edge research and the development, demonstration and transfer of advanced manufacturing and material technologies. Their collaboration will further develop the local workforce and expand Rock Island Arsenal’s strategic role in the national industrial base and mobilization ecosystems.
“Shawn’s experience and time of service in the U.S. Army, especially at First Army and at the Army Headquarters at the Pentagon, gives him unique insights into the strategic importance of many aspects of the Rock Island Arsenal,” said Scott Lohman, chairman of the RIADA board of directors. “He is well positioned to advise the board and guide this organization over the next several years.”
Lohman said the Rock Island Arsenal is at a critical juncture with the changes associated with the Army Transformation Initiative, and Creamer’s experience in the Indo-Pacific will provide important insights into American defense requirements in that crucial region.
“Our combined strengths in manufacturing and defense, guided by Shawn’s unified leadership, will allow us to maximize efficiency, effectiveness and impact throughout the Quad Cities region,” Quad Cities Chamber President & CEO Peter Tokar III said.
Creamer said the region benefits from a strong local workforce.
“I firmly believe that the QC region’s manufacturing foundation has a bright future. We have a community that understands the value of hard work,” Creamer said. “The workforce here has the manufacturing skills to compete globally, and our industrial base ecosystem is a strength we need to market.”
The region’s congressional delegation applauded the partnership and its potential to support the local defense and manufacturing sectors.
“I’m excited to welcome retired Army Colonel Shawn Creamer as the new executive director of the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute,” U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said. “He brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of the Arsenal’s role in our community. I look forward to seeing his work help strengthen local jobs, support our military and grow the Quad Cities economy.”
“The Quad Cities has always been central to our nation’s manufacturing and defense strength, and this partnership between RIADA and QCMI takes that commitment to the next level,” U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks said. “Col. Creamer brings the experience and vision needed to expand the Arsenal’s mission, grow good-paying jobs and position our region for long-term economic success.”
