Two nonprofit organizations in the Quad Cities region, spanning Illinois and Iowa, have formed a strategic alliance and appointed a shared executive director to amplify the economic potential of the Rock Island Arsenal. The collaboration unites the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), affiliated with the Quad Cities Chamber, and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI), signaling a coordinated push to strengthen advanced manufacturing and defense capabilities in the Midwest.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Shawn Creamer has been named the new executive director, bringing extensive military leadership experience from roles at First Army and the Pentagon. His appointment is seen as pivotal in aligning regional economic development with national defense priorities.
Jay Walsh, chairman of QCMI’s board and vice president for economic development at the University of Illinois System, emphasized that the partnership consolidates regional strengths in innovation and workforce training. He noted that combining resources and expertise will accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, benefiting both local industry and national security.
Scott Lohman, chairman of RIADA’s board, highlighted Creamer’s background in the Indo-Pacific region as particularly valuable amid ongoing shifts under the Army Transformation Initiative. The Arsenal, Lohman said, stands at a crucial turning point, and Creamer’s insights will help guide its evolving role in the national defense industrial base.
Peter Tokar III, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, expressed confidence that unified leadership will enhance operational efficiency and expand the region’s strategic footprint. Creamer himself praised the local workforce, noting its strong manufacturing skills and work ethic, which he believes position the area to compete globally.
The initiative has drawn support from federal representatives. U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen welcomed Creamer’s leadership, anticipating positive impacts on employment and military readiness. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks echoed this sentiment, stating the partnership elevates the Quad Cities’ historic role in defense and manufacturing, fostering job creation and long-term economic resilience.
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University of Illinois System News
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. n nIn 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. n n“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. n n“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.” n nIn 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. n n“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.” n nLohman 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. n n“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. n nCreamer said the region benefits from a strong local workforce. n n“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.” n nThe region’s congressional delegation applauded the partnership and its potential to support the local defense and manufacturing sectors. n n“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.” n n“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.”