About the QCBJ’s 2024 Most Influential list
The QCBJ’s Most Influential list recognizes the Quad Citizens who made the biggest mark on the region within the past year, whether it was through their leadership, business accomplishments, community building or philanthropic efforts. The QCBJ asked our readers in October to nominate those leaders they believe were the most influential, and tallied their votes to build and rank our final list.
- Decker Ploehn, City Administrator, City of Bettendorf
- Dave Herrell, President & CEO, Visit Quad Cities
- Andrew Lehman, Tournament Director, John Deere Classic
- Michael Giudici, Senior Director/Wealth Management, Choreo
- Doug Kratz, Founder, TBK Bank Sports Complex
- Andrea Talentino, President, Augustana College
- Jerry Jones, Executive Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
- Kent Pilcher, President and Owner, Estes Construction
- Julie Larson, President & CEO, YWCA Quad Cities
- Sharon Varallo, Executive Director, Augustana Prison Education Program, Augustana College
- Ryan Hintze, CEO, President & Owner, Iron Tee Golf, TBK Bank Sports Complex & Cornbelt Capital
- Paul VanDuyne, President & CEO, IMEG
- Mara Downing, VP Global Brand Management and Corporate Communications, John Deere; President, John Deere Foundation
- Jim Russell, CEO & Founder, Russell
- Dwight Ford, Executive Director, Project NOW
- Diane Nelson, CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois
- John May, Chairman & CEO, John Deere
- Kevin Koellner, Founder, Build to Suit Inc.; Manager, Focus Real Estate Development
- Laura ‘Divot’ Ekizian, President & Chief Relationship Officer, Quad City Bank & Trust
- Rene Gellerman, President & CEO, United Way Quad Cities
- Kathy Wine, Executive Director, River Action
- LaDrina Wilson, CEO & Founder, IMAN Consulting (QCBJ Most Influential 2022)
- Caitlin Russell, President, Russell (QCBJ Most Influential 2023)
- Sangeetha Rayapati, Mayor, City of Moline
- Joe Slavens, President & CEO, Northwest Bank & Trust Co.
