Jerry Lack, an experienced Quad Cities leader, has been appointed to head the fledgling Augustana Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC) into its next phase of growth.
Mr. Lack will be the first executive director at the Hilltop CDC.
It was formed in April. The recent demolition of the former Curry Out QC building at 1407 30th St. marked a new beginning for the new CDC because opened space, both physically and symbolically, for growth in the College Hill District, a Monday, June 16, Augustana College news release said. The developable lot at 30th Street and 14th Avenue is a five-minute walk from the southern edge of Augustana’s campus.
Mr. Lack, the CDC’s newly appointed executive director, is a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities., He brings decades of experience in economic development, labor leadership and public service. He also is known for his ability to build trust, form cross-sector partnerships and move complex projects forward, the release said.
The Hilltop CDC was created this spring through a partnership between Augustana College and the City of Rock Island. It’s goal is to support neighborhood revitalization via housing, local business development and long-term investment in the College Hill District.
“In every aspect of my career, I have collaborated with others to bring new life to the places we call home,” Mr. Lack added in the release. “The Hilltop CDC is about building opportunity and ensuring the future of this community reflects the voices and hopes of those who live, learn and work here.”
Mr. Lack, who holds a Master of Public Administration from Drake University, most recently served as executive director of the Tri-City Building and Construction Trades Council.
Deep roots, experience
Prior to that he led the Illowa Construction Labor & Management Council and spent more than two decades working for U.S. Representative Lane Evans office. There he served as district director and economic and community development director for the late longtime congressman.
“Jerry brings deep roots in this community and a track record of moving good ideas into action,” Kirk Anderson, chair of the Hilltop CDC board and chief financial officer at Augustana College, said in the release. “He’s a steady, trusted leader who understands both the complexity and the opportunity here. Under his leadership, the CDC can help spark meaningful, lasting neighborhood growth.”
Miles Brainard, Rock Island’s economic development director, told the QCBJ “The city is excited to work with Mr. Lack and the new community development corporation he will be leading. The 14th Avenue corridor has many different stakeholders, but there is no doubt that he will do an excellent job bringing folks together.”
Mr. Brainard, who is a Hilltop CDC board member, added “Collaboration is always key when working toward a more prosperous future. “
Tom Weigand, a founding Noodles & Company partner and CDC board member, has worked in both national business and neighborhood development. “I know the right leadership is critical from the start,” he said in the Augustana release. “Jerry understands that revitalization is about earning trust, listening first, and building with the community.”
About the CDC
Redevelopment plans for the carryout restaurant site are being considered, and CDC leaders say they are prioritizing a space that reflects community pride and brings new energy to the area, the release said. Community members are encouraged to reach out, share ideas and be part of the vision and to watch for future updates.
For Augustana, the creation of the CDC and the hiring of its new leader also advance a key priority of the college’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan, to “connect through partnership” by activating campus edges, investing in adjacent neighborhoods and building prosperity in Rock Island, the college said.
A CDC is a non-profit community-focused organization designed to foster revitalization by investing in housing, small businesses and neighborhood infrastructure. The Hilltop CDC reflects Augustana’s commitment to being a place-based partner for growth — a pillar for regional collaboration, economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality.
Founded in 2011, the College Hill District is a walkable neighborhood that includes restaurants and businesses, including long-time establishments Fred & Ethel’s 50’s Antiques, Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, and Kavanaugh’s Hilltop Bar & Grill. Past College Hill District events have included College Hill-o-Ween, Small Business Saturday shopping days, Christmas walks and retro car rallies.
