DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 18, 2026) — Common Chord, the Quad Cities’ community music organization, announced the addition of Margot Day as the new development director. In this new capacity, Day will lead the organization’s efforts to develop resources that advance its mission of improving our community with the power of music.
Day started in her new role February 4. She joins the staff at Common Chord in this newly-created position at their downtown Davenport offices.
According to Tyson Danner, Executive Director for Common Chord, “We are thrilled to have someone with Margot’s nonprofit arts experience and community connections join our team. As we continue to expand our reach and prepare for our next phase of growth, Margot’s leadership will prove invaluable.”
Day said about her new role, “I am excited to join the dedicated and talented team at Common Chord. I was drawn to the organization’s commitment to music education for area students. I look forward to building on this momentum and connecting with community members to share our story and our impacts through music.”
Day comes to Common Chord after more than a decade of serving as the performing arts director at Quad City Arts in charge of the nationally-recognized Visiting Artist Series. Under her leadership, the series provided services to more than a dozen public and private school districts in eastern Iowa and western Iowa through 1,455 engagements by 112 performing artists and ensembles. Her work in grant-writing at the national, regional, and local level, plus her efforts in resource development, fostered the program’s growth and impact. She also led a pilot professional-development program to support Quad City area musicians and theater artists.
Day previously worked at The Quad-City Times as a newsroom aide and taught for ten years in the Wilton (Iowa) Community School District as a high-school English and journalism teacher. She graduated from The University of Iowa, with a Bachelor’s degree in English and French and a Master of Arts of Teaching degree.
To learn more about Common Chord’s upcoming summer programs and community performances and to donate, visit commonchordqc.org.
About Common Chord
Common Chord, based in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to build a more vibrant and welcoming community, fueled by music in all its forms. Founded in 2004 as the River Music Experience, the organization has continued to adapt and respond to community needs over its 22-year history. Common Chord provides accessible, inclusive music education programming and concert programs to more than 50,000 people each year. For more information, visit commonchordqc.org/ or follow us on social media.
Common Chord receives core mission support as a Legacy Partner of The Cultural Trust. Additional leadership support is provided by The Bechtel Trusts, The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, The Regional Development Authority, Pierce's Promise, and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Corporate leadership support is provided by Common Chord's Rockstar Sponsors, Roto-Rooter, and The Tangled Wood.
