ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (June 29, 2026) — Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, has recently obtained the designation of Certified Leader in Place Management (LPM) from the International Downtown Association (IDA). Cullen joins a community of professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills to manage and lead a place management organization.
“Having worked with Jack over the last three years, I have witnessed firsthand his dedication, innovation, discipline and effectiveness in advancing the objective of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance to reinvigorate the city’s downtown,” said Raja Krishnamurthy, Strategy and IT Executive, Royal Neighbors of America, and Chair, Downtown Alliance Board of Directors.
“Jack's ability to lead with influence and build consensus across diverse groups has resulted in meaningful progress, and this designation from the IDA further exemplifies his commitment to driving positive change for Downtown Rock Island."
To become an LPM certificant, Cullen met eligibility requirements, passed a rigorous examination, pledged to uphold IDA’s Code of Ethics, and committed to ongoing professional development in the practice of place management.
The LPM certification program provides professionals the ability to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of the place-management profession while also maintaining a commitment to ethical conduct and personal and professional growth. The exam is comprised of subject matter included in the seven core domains of professional practice developed by IDA. These domains include leadership development; organizational management; economic development; policy and advocacy; public-space management and operations; planning, design, and infrastructure; and marketing, communications, and events.
For more information about IDA’s Leadership in Place Management (LPM) certification, visit downtown.org/certification/.
About the Rock Island Downtown Alliance
The Rock Island Downtown Alliance formed in 2023 as a joint effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen livability and quality of place in Downtown Rock Island. The Downtown Alliance, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, partners with the City of Rock Island to staff, manage, and implement Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) programs.
About the International Downtown Association
The International Downtown Association (IDA) is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management.
