Quad City Arts Executive Director Kevin Maynard has been nominated by Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms to fill the third ward seat vacated in January by former Alderwoman Judith Gilbert.
The council is expected to vote at its Monday, Feb. 26, meeting on whether to confirm Mr. Maynard’s appointment.
“We were grateful to receive a large response from third ward residents interested in serving the city,” Mr. Thoms said in a news release today, Feb. 23. “After careful consideration and meeting with all the applicants in person, I am honored to nominate Kevin Maynard to be Rock Island’s next third ward alderman, pending city council approval.”
The mayor added, “I look forward to working with Kevin and welcome him to Rock Island City Council.” If appointed, Mr. Maynard’s term will run through April of 2025.
Mr. Maynard is a Geneseo, Illinois, native who holds Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Western Illinois University. He was a member of the inaugural 2022 class of QCBJ 40 Under 40 honorees.
Arts ‘are essential’
The leader of Rock Island-based Quad City Arts has more than 15 years of experience in arts management and philanthropy. According to the news release, he believes arts “are essential to a healthy community – driving tourism, the economy, and improving the quality of life.”
Mr. Maynard also chairs the Illinois Presenters Network. He co-hosts the No Business Like Arts industry podcast. He serves on the board of Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo.
Before joining Quad City Arts, Mr. Maynard served as executive director of The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois. There he led a successful community campaign to renovate the 100-year-old theater.
Mr. Maynard is married to Lily Blouin. She is active in the Quad Cities’ theater scene. “When I took my position at Quad City Arts, I could have lived in any of the Quad Cities, but Lily and I focused on and actively chose Rock Island,” Mr. Maynard said in the release.
He added: “We love the city’s diversity, its history, and can feel the promising future. We love Rock Island, and I look forward to getting to work with my fellow city council members.”
