ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (November 18, 2025) — The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) have joined forces to maximize the resources of both organizations to drive large-scale economic growth for the Quad Cities region. Colonel Shawn Creamer (US Army, Ret) has been hired as the joint Executive Director.
"This partnership between QCMI, the Quad Cities Chamber and RIADA brings together regional economic leadership and a shared commitment to innovation and workforce development,” said QCMI Board Chair and University of Illinois System Vice President Jay Walsh.
“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. His record of leading complex organizations, forging strategic alliances, and delivering results makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide QCMI’s growth and impact.”
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 between the two entities 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.
“I am pleased to welcome Shawn as our newest Executive Director for the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance,” said Scott Lohman, Chairman of the RIADA Board of Directors.
“Shawn’s experience and time of service in the US 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.”
The partnership between the two organizations will lead to unique opportunities for our region. “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,” said Peter Tokar III, President and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber.
“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,” he added.
“I am excited to join the team and help lead the RIADA and QCMI nonprofits,” said Shawn Creamer.
“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.” Creamer added that he hopes to contribute to improving the region’s strong manufacturing position and use its strengths to add more manufacturing jobs.
RIADA Board Chair Lohman further 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,” Lohman said.
“His experience with the US 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,” Lohman said.
Supporting our defense and manufacturing sectors has been a focus of our region’s congressional delegation, and this new partnership will help spotlight opportunities for future development.
“I’m excited to welcome retired Army Col Shawn Creamer as the new Executive Director of the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen.
“He brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of the Arsenal’s role in our community. I look forward to seeing his work help strengthen local jobs, support our military and grow the Quad Cities economy.”
“The Quad Cities has always been central to our nation’s manufacturing and defense strength, and this partnership between RIADA and QCMI takes that commitment to the next level,” said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
“Col Creamer brings the experience and vision needed to expand the Arsenal’s mission, grow good-paying jobs and position our region for long-term economic success. I look forward to working together to strengthen the Quad Cities’ role in America’s industrial base.”
Recent accomplishments:
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; and
- 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.
The transition of QCML to QCMI led to the major investment by Iowa State University in establishing the Quad Cities Smart Design and Manufacturing (QCSDM) Lab in Davenport. The QCSDM Lab conducts research and development including additive manufacturing, additive construction, robotics, spark-plasma sintering, and more.
Creamer succeeds Jeff Nelson who served as interim director for QCMI, with Jeff transitioning into the role of QCMI board treasurer/secretary. Creamer also succeeds Mike Hutchison, former RIADA Executive Director.
About Creamer:
Col Shawn Creamer (Ret) is an accomplished senior executive and retired US Army Infantry Colonel with thirty years of progressive leadership experience driving strategy, operations, and organizational transformation in some of the most complex and demanding environments. Previously, Creamer was Chief Operating Officer at First Army; Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy at US Forces Korea; an Infantry Brigade Commander at US Army Pacific; and served as a special advisor to the Army Chief of Staff at the Pentagon. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Webster University and Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel — The Military College of South Carolina. He is also a Research Fellow with the Strategic Studies Program at MIT and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council. Creamer is active in the Quad Cities Veteran’s Network and other organizations, is a published author and speaker and an Eagle Scout.
About QCMI:
The Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) is a transformative 501c3 non-profit corporation partnership of Western Illinois University, the University of Illinois System, and Iowa State University that aims to create a hub for cutting-edge research, workforce development, technology transfer, and industry collaboration. QCMI aligns directly with the Department of Defense and actively engages with both public entities and private companies.
About RIADA:
The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) is a community-led QC Chamber-affiliated 501c6 non-profit corporation, dedicated to the support and promotion of the Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities region's defense industry. RIADA was established to promote the continued health and vitality of Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) as a significant contributor to our national defense and major employer in the QC. In doing so, RIADA seeks to defend the existing missions and employment on RIA and seek opportunities to add additional missions and employment. In addition, RIADA seeks to support and promote defense industries located in the QC.
