A new leader has been named for the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI).
Col. Shawn Creamer (U.S. Army, ret.) has been hired as the groups’ joint executive director.
The RIADA, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and QCMI jointly announced his appointment Tuesday, Nov. 18.
According to a news release, RIADA and QCMI share the common long-range goal of delivering billions of dollars of economic impact to the QC region by harnessing cutting-edge research, development and demonstration and transfer of advanced manufacturing and material technologies. The collaboration will help develop the talent of the QC workforce and expand Rock Island Arsenal’s strategic role in the national industrial base and mobilization ecosystems.
“This partnership between QCMI, the Quad Cities Chamber and RIADA brings together regional economic leadership and a shared commitment to innovation and workforce development,” Jay Walsh, QCMI board chair and University of Illinois System vice president, said in the Tuesday news release. “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.”
“Shawn’s appointment reflects that vision,” Mr. Walsh added. “His record of leading complex organizations, forging strategic alliances and delivering results makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide QCMI’s growth and impact.”
Mr. Creamer succeeds Jeff Nelson, who served as QCMI’s interim director. Mr. Nelson, who recently retired after decades of leading MetroLINK, will transition into a role as QCMI board treasurer/secretary. Additionally, Mr. Creamer succeeds Mike Hutchison, the former RIADA executive director.
Mr. Creamer is an accomplished senior executive and retired U.S. Army Infantry colonel with 30 years of progressive leadership experience driving strategy, operations and organizational transformation in some of the most complex and demanding environments.
Region’s manufacturing might
The colonel’s resume also includes serving as chief operating officer at First Army; deputy director for Strategy, Plans & Policy at U.S. Forces Korea; an infantry brigade commander at U.S. Army Pacific; and served as a special advisor to the Army chief of staff at the Pentagon.
Mr. Creamere holds a master of arts degree from Webster University and bachelor of arts from The Citadel – The Military College of South Carolina.
He also is a research fellow with the Strategic Studies Program at MIT and a non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council. Active in the Quad Cities Veteran’s Network and other organizations, Mr. Creamer is a published author and speaker, and an Eagle Scout.
“I am excited to join the team and help lead the RIADA and QCMI nonprofits,” he said in the news release. “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. The workforce here has the manufacturing skills to compete globally, and our industrial base ecosystem is a strength we need to market.”
He added that he hopes to contribute to improving the region’s strong manufacturing position and use its strengths to add more manufacturing jobs.
Welcoming the new executive director, RIADA Chairman Scott Lohman said “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. He is well positioned to advise the board and guide this organization over the next several years.”
According to the release, the two organizations’ partnership will lead to unique opportunities for the bistate region.
‘Critical juncture’
Mr. Lohman also emphasized that the future of the Rock Island Arsenal is at a critical juncture with all the changes and reorganization associated with the Army Transformation Initiative.
“Shawn’s experience and background will help us to remain steadfast advocates for protecting and growing all elements on the Arsenal,” he added. “His experience with the U.S. Army in the Indo-Pacific will provide us with important insights on how the Arsenal can continue to be postured to support American defense requirements in the most important region of the world.”
Peter Tokar III, the president and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber and Grow Quad Cities, also applauded Mr. Creamer’s selection for the combined role.
“We’ve been asked to deliver innovative strategies that drive economic growth, and the partnership between RIADA and QCMI represents one of the most forward-thinking collaborations in the country,” he said in the release. “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.”
RIADA successfully advocated for two military construction (MILCON) projects on the Rock Island Arsenal totaling $9.25 million in investment, in support of the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC), in the FY26 appropriations bill including:
- Forging Equipment Annex: $5 million in Minor Construction funds to house the expanding forging capability at JMTC.
- New Weapons Quality Assurance/Calibration Facility: $4.25 million in Minor Construction funds for a new building for JMTC.
The new tri-university partnership between University of Illinois, Iowa State University and Western Illinois University will broaden QCMI’s portfolio into cutting-edge research, development, demonstration, transfer and workforce development to support advanced manufacturing and material technologies.
