MOLINE, ILLINOIS (July 8, 2025) — Visit Quad Cities has announced the appointment of Jennifer Sautter as Chair of its Board of Directors and the addition of four new members for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors comprises diverse community leaders representing various businesses, organizations, attractions, and city governments. This group of dedicated Quad Citizens works to support our region’s tourism industry, economic growth, and quality of life while providing oversight and strategic direction for Visit Quad Cities.
Jennifer Sautter, who has served on the Visit Quad Cities Board since 2016, brings a strong background in marketing. She currently serves as Traffic and Production Planner at MindFire Communications, where she has worked since 2016. Her prior roles include Vice President of Marketing at Heart of America Group and marketing leadership at Von Maur.
“It’s an honor to serve as the Board Chair for Visit Quad Cities,” said Sautter. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members to build on the strong momentum of the organization and help advance our mission of positioning the Quad Cities as a must-experience riverfront destination.”
Joining the Board of Directors this year are:
- Mayor Ashley Harris, City of Rock Island
- Tasha Keegan, TBK Bank
- Mallory Merritt, Estes Construction
- Shawn Morrow, UnityPoint Health
“Jennifer has served the Quad Cities in so many positive ways and we are proud to have her lead our Board of Directors,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “Her leadership has been instrumental throughout her tenure on the Board. Always engaged and with a strong marketing and financial background, she continues to demonstrate a passion for tourism and our industry. We’re also deeply grateful to our Immediate Past Chair, Maria Ontiveros for her commitment and service to the organization and our region. We have some incredible opportunities ahead of our destination and I am energized and humbled by our Board’s leadership and their eye toward the future.”
Visit Quad Cities Executive Committee and Officers
Jennifer Sautter, Chair
Maria Ontiveros, Immediate Past Chair
Neil Dahlstrom, First Vice-Chair
Ali Wright, Second Vice-Chair
Mo Hyder, Treasurer
Dave Herrell, Secretary
Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors
Nancy Ballenger, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf and Caesar’s Entertainment
Neil Dahlstrom, John Deere
Mayor Reggie Freeman, City of East Moline
Mayor Bob Gallagher, City of Bettendorf
Steve Geifman, Geifman First Equity
Todd Hajduk, TPC Deere Run
Travis Hankins, Bally’s
Mayor Ashley Harris, City of Rock Island
Dave Herrell, Visit Quad Cities; Ex-Officio
Mo Hyder, Rhythm City Casino Resort
Tasha Keegan, TBK Bank
Ben Leischner, Quad Cities International Airport
Mayor Mike Matson, City of Davenport
John Maxwell, Scott County, Iowa
Lee Meier, CAT Scale Company/Iowa 80 Group
Mallory Merritt, Estes Construction
Shawn Morrow, UnityPoint Health
Maria Ontiveros, Mercado on Fifth and Group O
Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati, City of Moline
Jennifer Sautter, MindFire Communications
Kai Swanson, Rock Island County, Illinois and Augustana College
Ali Wright, Wright Law Offices PC
Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee
Travis Hankins, Committee Chair
Board Development and Governance Committee
Ali Wright, Committee Chair
About Visit Quad Cities
Visit Quad Cities, established in 1990, is the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Through tourism, Visit Quad Cities generates economic growth, fosters the visitor economy, and elevates the regional destination's global presence. An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s DMAP program, Visit Quad Cities promotes the regional brand, drives economic opportunities, invigorates visitor experience, and enhances quality of life and place for all Quad Citizens. For information, visit visitquadcities.com.
