The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal is proud to present the second set of eight biographies of our latest Forty Under 40 honorees. This year’s class represents almost two dozen business sectors – from banking and finance to community building, construction, education, energy, housing, insurance, law, marketing, nonprofit work and more. It even includes a few local TV personalities.
Each year, Forty Under 40 honorees are selected based on their career accomplishments, civic and philanthropic efforts, their leadership and devotion to a multitude of community causes and efforts.
Our sincere congratulations to the 2024 class of Forty Under 40 honorees. We are encouraged by your leadership and the future you will pave in and for our Quad Cities region.
Mauricio Diaz
Executive Director | Dress for Success Quad Cities
AGE: 27
Home: Davenport
Education: Mount Mercy University
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
How long at your current job? Two years, three months
Local mentors: Rita Rawson, Scott County supervisor; Meg Pfoutz, human resources director at Electro Freeze/HC Duke and Son, former president of Dress for Success Quad Cities; and Marcelena Ordaz, executive director, Lift Women’s Foundation.
Best advice ever received? “Run your own race. Who cares what others are doing? The only question that matters is, ‘Am I progressing?’” – Robin S. Sharma
Your biggest break so far? Being able to empower women to achieve economic independence every day at Dress for Success Quad Cities.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I listen to New Jeans (Korean pop music).
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Climate change, as we are next to a river and so many economic factors are affected. Floods will continue to be more frequent, water and soil quality will change over time, and we will see more derechos in the future. This hurts folks that live near the river that are already impoverished communities.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Causes that empower women to achieve financial independence — Dress for Success Quad Cities, Lift Women’s Foundation, Mercado on 5th, Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber, Lead(h)er.
Passions outside the workplace? Tending to houseplants; volunteering at advocacy groups, civic engagement groups, organizations like Optimist Club and Kiwanis that support amazing children’s organizations like Project Renewal.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? We lead through compassion and are willing to organize in order to create a healthy work environment.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I want to be able to continue to serve my community through service, philanthropy and mentorship.
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Ellen Gackle
Community Health Consultant | Scott County Health Department
AGE: 29
Home: Davenport
Education: MPH, University of Iowa
Family: Greg Gackle, dad; Judy Gackle, mom; Cresston Gackle, brother
Hometown (childhood): Bettendorf
First job? Youth sports referee at the YMCA
How long at your current job? Two years, four months
Local mentors: My mom, Judy Gackle, has been my No. 1 mentor my entire life. I’d also like to thank Tiffany Peterson, community health manager, Scott County Health Department; and Brooke Barnes, deputy director, Scott County Health Department.
Best advice ever received? From a book I read recently: “Part of getting to know yourself is to unknow yourself.” Don’t let the assumptions of others or yourself limit you in who you want to be or what you want to achieve.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I am big into sports. I played baseball in the BPV league when I was younger. I threw a killer circle change-up.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Access to affordable and timely healthcare, both physical and mental. Some may have access to care, but the cost of visits, medications, and specialty services is not feasible for many.
Passions outside the workplace? Spending time with my family, especially my parents, and being outside.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? Being on the edge of two very different generations, I would say I really value the idea of balance in the workplace. … I think our generation really recognizes the importance of prioritizing mental health just as much as physical health, so we can continue being our best, both at work and at home.
What do you want to accomplish by 50? I hope to have made even the smallest impact in creating systems and environments that enable people to live their healthiest lives.
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Max Gellerman
Commercial Real Estate Agent | Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate
AGE: 33
Home: Bettendorf
Education: BBA Marketing, University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business
Hometown (childhood): Bettendorf
Local mentors? Dad, David Gellerman. He imparted invaluable life skills that have shaped who I am today. One of the earliest lessons was the importance of a firm handshake paired with confident eye contact. On weekends … we would visit the convenience stores our family owned, where I learned to face shelves. … My dad volunteered annually to teach Junior Achievement to my class. … He transitioned from coaching my sports teams to guiding my life decisions. … He’s been a constant presence, offering wisdom and support through every stage. I’m thrilled to work alongside him at Hawkeye.
Best advice ever received? Be in the room. … We have to put ourselves in a position to meet new people, grow our network, and learn from those that have taken different paths than our own.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I spent the first eight years of my professional career in downtown Chicago (which) allowed me to have so many experiences I wasn’t sure were possible here in the QC. … It was a great motivator moving home and seeing so many new things developing here.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My parents and grandparents believed that loyalty and hard work were the keys to unlocking opportunities and achieving success. … What makes our generation unique is … we can still apply the tried-and-true methods of the past while also embracing and adapting to the innovative techniques that are constantly emerging.
What do you want to accomplish by age 50?
To become the 4th generation leader of our family business … and to continue expanding the business … On a personal level, I look forward to starting a family and finally breaking 80 on the golf course.
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Mike Giudici
Senior Director, Wealth Management | Choreo
AGE: 38
Home: Bettendorf
Education: BA in Finance, Economics & Philosophy, St. Ambrose University; MBA, University of Iowa.
Family: Wife, Jennifer; daughters Isabella, Grace and Rose.
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
First job? Detasseling corn
How long at your current job? 11 years
Local mentors? Dave Beck, senior director, RSM; Mike Thomas, senior director, Choreo.
Best advice ever received? Focus on what you can control. The world is constantly changing. By channeling your energy into areas where you have influence, you can make tangible progress and build resilience against setbacks.
Your biggest break so far? Professionally, it was working at RSM for the last decade, learning from people much smarter than myself. Personally, it was meeting and falling in love with my wife, Jennifer, 17 years ago at St. Ambrose University.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Attracting and keeping graduates in our community. Many people choose to leave the Quad Cities, and as someone who did just that right after graduation, I found that there simply isn’t a better place to grow your career and raise a family than right here.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley and Junior Achievement of the Heartland, both tremendous nonprofits that are focused on engaging and educating our community’s youth.
Passions outside the workplace? Being a “dance dad” to our three daughters, hiking with our family, golfing and playing basketball.
Something people should know about your generation in the workplace? My generation is extremely resilient and has a high level of adaptability. We started our careers in the late 2000’s during the Great Recession, and as a 2009 graduate I thought myself lucky to have a job in finance after graduating. We’ve dealt with recessions, a pandemic, changing technology, and have learned over the years how to navigate a complex and often challenging world.
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Hannah Howard
Executive Director | Lead(h)er
AGE: 33
Home: Muscatine, Iowa
Education: Iowa State University
Hometown (childhood): Muscatine, Iowa
First job? Lifeguarding at the local aquatic center
Local mentors: Every mentee and mentor I’ve connected with through Lead(h)er’s Strike a Match Mentorship program has mentored me in some big or small way. Mentorship truly has the power to transform someone’s life, career path, and personal journey, which is why I’m so passionate about my organization’s mission.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? It’s crucial for Midwest communities like ours to unite in creating cool, vibrant spaces rich in culture, recreation, and growth opportunities. It’s been inspiring to see so many organizations in the Quad Cities come together, making visible progress in these areas. This collective effort not only helps retain talented young adults but also fosters a new generation of workforce leaders who are passionate about making our community a better and brighter place.
Passions outside the workplace? Traveling is my biggest passion, I’m always planning my next road trip or dreaming about the next country I’d like to visit. (As I write this I’m preparing for a trip to Iceland!)
What do you want to accomplish by age 50? My father died while I was a senior in college … He was only 58 years old and he never had the chance to retire. …I knew I wanted to spend a lifetime doing impactful work that matters and makes the world a better place. I never want to miss an opportunity to spend time with my friends or family making memories. … While I can’t tell you exactly what I want to accomplish by the age of 50, I can tell you that my goal is to fit as much life, meaning, laughter and adventures into the time I’m given.
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Ben Keith
Vice President, Electric Transmission | MidAmerican Energy
AGE: 39
Home: Davenport
Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville; and UTHS.
Family: Wife, Kelly; boys Kaden, Carter and Bennett
Hometown (childhood): Grew up in Moline, but went to East Moline schools.
Local mentors: Julie Keith, nurse at John Deere Harvester (retired), my mom; Mike Galliart, operations manager (retired), MidAmerican Energy, former boss and family friend; and Jordan Voigt, president, MercyOne-Genesis, family friend.
Best advice ever received? Know where you want to go but be open minded about how you get there.
Your biggest break so far? I was given a unique opportunity as a young engineer to join the frontline operations team at MidAmerican and it has set me on the path that I am on today.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy cooking and usually volunteer to be in charge of the holiday meal for the family. I also enjoy working in the yard and planting flowers.
If you had $1 million to give, what would you support? I would definitely do something to support youth in the area, increased activities for kids or teens, specifically around sports or STEM.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace? I think most of my generation values a purpose at work or a better work/life balance rather than just what their paycheck is. It’s a total value proposition as opposed to the highest salary you can get.
Passions outside the workplace? I love to coach. I started at a young age with my younger brother’s soccer team and have been hooked since. I helped coach varsity soccer in the area several years ago and now focus on my three boys with baseball, soccer, basketball and football coaching. I also enjoy playing as much golf as I possibly can – and I try to bring my boys with me as well.
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Katrina Keuning
Director of Brand and Content Strategy | Visit Quad Cities
AGE: 33
Home: Rock Island
Education: Northern Michigan University
Family: Husband Kristopher Keuning; sons Levi and Theo; parents Terry and Cindy Lamansky
Hometown (childhood): Brighton, Michigan
First job? Data entry at a car dealership.
How long at your current job? Nearly three years.
Local mentors: Dave Herrell, president & CEO, Visit Quad Cities; Charlotte Morrison, former VP of marketing at Visit Quad Cities; and Jessica Waytenick, marketing director, NAI Ruhl Commercial.
Best advice ever received? “Use your brain, don’t use anybody else’s brain.” – Cindy Lamansky
Your biggest break so far? When I first moved to the Quad Cities, I was fortunate enough to have tons of family in the area who helped acclimate me, and the biggest shoutout goes to my grandparents (Nanny and Pop) who invited me to live in their house while I got on my feet.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? The historic bell tower you always passed on the way to class at Augustana was designed and built by my Swedish-immigrant great-grandfather, Philip Peterson.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? The Quad Cities has somewhat of a blank-slate reputation. More often than not when you’re telling an outsider about the Quad Cities, it follows with some geography cues and a few notes of what life is like here. There is great opportunity in being a steward of the Quad Cities’ brand and helping people see what being a Quad Citizen is all about.
Passions outside the workplace? My two biggest passions are my sons Levi and Theo. I look forward to introducing them to some of my favorite things as they get older, like running, genealogy, and the beauty of the Midwest.
What do you want to accomplish by age 50? Run another marathon or two, and bonus points if I could get my sons to do it with me!
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Kevin Langan
Senior Engineer/Associate Principal | IMEG
AGE: 39
Home: Bettendorf
Education: BSE and MS in mechanical engineering, University of Iowa
Family: Wife; three children, ages 13, 11 and 8
Hometown (childhood): Davenport
First job? Lagomarcino’s (soda jerk, candymaker, dishwasher).
Local mentors? Mike Zorich, IMEG chief operations officer, co-worker; Doug Howard, attorney, Nationwide Insurance, personal friend and mentor at our church.
Your biggest break so far? My family and upbringing. I feel I was given every opportunity to succeed from an early age. My family provided the love, support, and tools to grow and succeed in life. They are the solid foundation I’ve built from. That theme has repeated in adulthood. I’ve been blessed with an amazing wife and children who constantly inspire, challenge, love, and support me.
Biggest issue facing the Quad Cities, why? Creating and sustaining momentum for the Quad Cities to be seen as a desirable destination for young professionals and the next generation. In my experience, I’ve seen success convincing natives to stay in the area, but attracting people to move to the area can be quite difficult. The Quad Cities is the sixth largest community along the Mississippi River, so there’s a lot of potential and opportunity to continue growing the Quad Cities as a desirable destination. There are other communities of similar size with a vibrancy and attractiveness we can look at to replicate.
What do you want to accomplish by age 50? I would like to possess the confidence that I’ve consistently applied my gifts and skills to have a positive impact on this community and the world at large. I prefer to not tie accomplishments to reaching specific targets, since that depends on many factors outside my control. Instead, I prefer to tie accomplishments to knowing I’ve applied myself in the best way possible given what life throws at me.
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