The Regional Development Authority strategically funds initiatives to create a vibrant, inclusive, and growing community.

About the Regional Development Authority

Board Members

Headshot of Katie Selden

Katie Selden - Chair

Katie is the principal at Lourdes Catholic School, a native of Bettendorf who graduated from Bettendorf High School and the University of St. Thomas (B.A in Elementary Education and Catholic Studies) and St. Mary's University of Minnesota (M.A. in Educational Administration).  Her 25 years in education have included teaching elementary and middle school students, leading as a Dean of Students at Assumption High School, and as a Lecturer at St. Ambrose University in the Teacher Education Program. Her passion for the community has offered opportunities to volunteer as a Client Advocate at the Women’s Choice Center, participate as a member of the Family Museum Board of Trustees, as a committee member at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, as a member of the Piranhas Swim Team Board, as an active USA Swimming Official, plus serve in various ministries at St. John Vianney and Lourdes Catholic Church. She resides with her husband and 3 daughters in Bettendorf.

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Stacey Braden

Stacey joined Twin State in July 2024, bringing with him an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electronics Engineering from ITT Technical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to this role, Stacey developed expertise in business management, operational management, project management, and leadership through his work at a manufacturing company in the Quad Cities. At Twin State, he works closely with the Client Service Delivery and Program Teams, overseeing planning, procurement, and project execution to meet client demands. Stacey and his wife, Adrienne, live in the Quad Cities and enjoy spending time with their granddaughters. They are avid football fans, especially supporting the Tennessee Vols and the Tennessee Titans.

Headshot of Sue Daley

Sue Daley - Treasurer

Sue is a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities. She retired in 2020, after 40 years in the banking industry, including 6 years as CEO of Walcott Trust and Savings Bank. She served as a Board member for the Mississippi Valley Bankers Association, an Advisory Council member to the Superintendent of Banking Board, and a Member of the Scott County Condemnation Jury. Sue has been an active volunteer with Junior Achievement, United Way, Nahant Marsh, and the Scott County Library in Walcott. She currently serves as Board Treasurer for RDA. Sue has a passion for children and animals, adopting her beloved dog from the Scott County Humane Society. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family, especially her granddaughter.

Headshot of Nancy Chapman

Nancy Chapman - Treasurer

As a resident of the Quad Cities for over 30 years, I am honored to be a member of the RDA Board, an organization that supports so many initiatives in our community. I worked as a CPA in public accounting and finance department of CBS News in New York City. I joined Lee Enterprises in 1989 and left Lee as the CFO of the Broadcast Group when Lee sold the Group in 2000. I served as Project Manager for the Scott County Family YMCA for about two years while the YMCA added three new branches. Current community service: 1) Board and Finance Committee for the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley for about 25 years; 2) Finance Committee of CASI for 10 years; and 3) Finance Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Davenport. I’ve been active in various roles at the church for 30 years.

Headshot of Cory Bergfeld

Cory Bergfeld

Cory has been a professional in the trades and labor industries for over 3 decades. He completed his 5-year electrical apprenticeship in 2007 with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 145 in Rock Island, IL. He is currently the Business Manager of IBEW Local Union 145, which represents 1,200 union members in the electrical industry in 10 counties across Iowa and Illinois. The representation includes inside & outside construction, utility, sign, telecom, and residential. He is responsible for negotiating all the labor contracts. He serves as a Trustee on the NECA IBEW Local 145 Pension Plan and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) and an Advisor to the IBEW Local Health & Welfare Plan. Cory also currently serves on 10 other construction trades and community boards at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Cory resides in Park View with his wife and 2 children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family as well as volunteering in his community and across the Quad City region.

Headshot of Michael Cole

Mike Cole

Mike retired as a Cpl. Police Detective in 2009 after 30 years with the Davenport Police Department, including years as the Davenport Community Schools Police Liaison Officer. He worked as a Security Supervisor at Keystone Academy with at-risk youth. Michael is currently Program Director for the Youth Advocate Program in Davenport. He served on many community boards, including RDA. He served as 3rd Vice President of the Davenport Branch of NAACP. He is President of 100 Black Men Quad Cities, a nonprofit that provides mentoring for future leaders at the middle and high schools in Davenport and Rock Island. He volunteers for community events, particularly involving reducing Gun Violence and Hate Crimes. Michael has been a Diversity Trainer for the City of Davenport. Mike and his wife have been married for over 43 years and have 9 children and many grandchildren.

Headshot of Brock Earnhardt

Brock Earnhardt

Brock retired after a 42-year career with American Water Works Company, the last 23 years as President of Iowa American Water. He has been a leader in the public water supply industry nationally and in Iowa. Brock is a graduate of Brown University. He and his wife Carol live in Bettendorf. He has been active in the Quad Cities community as a board member and board chair of a number of civic, economic development, social service, medical, educational, environmental, and philanthropic not-for-profit organizations.

Headshot of Steve Frommelt

Steve Frommelt

Steve is the Executive Vice President at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. Steve is a native of DeWitt, Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and his Master of Business Administration degree from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. Steve has been actively involved in higher education since 2011, specifically within the community college sector. Steve has served on the Board of Directors at Vera French since 2016 and on its Executive Committee from 2017 to 2024. He is also a Board Member at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) since 2022 and currently holds the position as Chair. As a member of the Illinois Community College Chief Financial Officer organization, he has held leadership roles, including Past President and Executive Committee member since 2017. Additionally, Steve represents Black Hawk College in the Illinois Community College Risk Management Consortium, where he has served on the Executive Committee since 2018 and is the current Chair. Before joining the community college industry, Steve worked in public accounting and was the chief financial officer for a systems automation company. Beyond his professional endeavours, Steve and his wife Mia live in Bettendorf, and he is a proud father of four young adults. He enjoys spending his free time with friends, family and exploring nature by hiking and biking. As a dedicated community member, Steve is honoured to be a member of the RDA Board.

Headshot of Danielle Hines

Danielle Hines, CFP®, AAMS™

Danielle is a Financial Advisor with a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation at Edward Jones. Working in the financial industry she holds a Series 7 and Series 66 license and uses her strong understanding and expertise in investments, financial planning, and taxation to help clients and the community. Born and raised in the Quad Cities, Danielle considers it a great opportunity to serve on the Regional Development Authority. She also serves on the North Scott Rotary Board. Additionally, she is an active member at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, hiking, traveling, working out, and volunteering in the community.

Headshot of Amy Jones

Amy Jones

Amy is the Sr. Director of Social Impact for Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal life insurance organization headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois with a mission to empower women and serve communities. In this position, Amy manages their corporate citizenship activities which generate more than $25 million annually in social impact. Amy received her bachelor's degree in radio/TV broadcasting and journalism from St. Ambrose University and her master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. A dedicated life-long learner, Amy received her Certificate of Corporate Citizenship Leadership from Boston College and a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. Most recently, she received her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. Amy also teaches visual communication at St. Ambrose University as an adjunct instructor. Specifically, Amy enjoys exploring the world of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a business, public relations, and marketing strategy. She believes that CSR can proactively steward positive communication about an organization's values while doing good in communities. In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading fiction, playing tennis, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Amy lives in Bettendorf with her husband, Jason, and their two children, Dylan and Olivia.

Headshot of Erie johnson

Erie Johnson, JD, CFP®

Erie provides wealth management services by applying his education and work experience as an attorney, a fiduciary, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® to help clients implement financial planning strategies to build and modify their legacies. Erie earned a Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fayetteville State University. He practiced law for almost 11 years before working in the wealth management industry now for over 12 years. Erie is currently a member or board/committee officer of several organizations:  Quad City Estate Planning Council (QCEPC), Quad City Symphony Orchestra, The Salvation Army Central Territory Investment Advisory Board, Quad City Planned Giving Council, and Northern Illinois University College of Law Business Law Innovation Clinic Advisory Board. Erie and his wife, Heather, live in Davenport with their daughter, Aerielle.

Headshot of Karen Roebuck

Karen Roebuck

Karen is the visionary behind the non-profit organization Breath of Encouragement. Her motto, "encouraging someone one breath at a time," encapsulates her mission to uplift both mentally and physically through the transformative power of the performing arts and education. Her unwavering dedication to community service is evident in her ongoing efforts to stay connected with the youth of the Quad Cities, where she serves as a substitute teacher, providing guidance and inspiration She is a member of the Davenport Noon Optimist Club, Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 20042 and Davenport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Karen also serves on the board of the Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living. She has two wonderful adult children.

Headshot of Sam Skorepa

Samuel Skorepa

Samuel is a Partner at Lane & Waterman LLP, having started the practice of law in 2010. Sam focuses primarily on estate planning, probate, and trust administration as well as real estate transactions and development. He also assists non-profit and for-profit corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities with formation, structure, and advises on general business, contractual issues, mergers and acquisitions, governance, due diligence, and compliance. Sam is very active in the Quad Cities community, currently serving as Board Chair of the Center for Alcohol and Drug Services, Board Chair of the Robert Young Center, Board Vice-Chair of the Figge Art Museum, Board Member of the Regional Development Authority, a Past President of the Quad Cities Estate Planning Council, and past Tax Preparer for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. He resides in Bettendorf with his wife, Abbey, and daughters, Ella and Kailani.

Headshot of Suteesh Tandon

Suteesh Tandon

Experienced Top management executive/Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry as well as the Corporate world. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Business Planning, Customer Service, Business Process Improvement, and Forecasting. Strong General manager and finance professional. Chartered Accountants from the Institute Of Chartered Accountants Of India.

Headshot of Ami Wells

Ami Wells

Ami is a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities with over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has held various positions focusing on fundraising, management, strategic planning, budgeting, CRM software, and governance, reflecting her profound commitment to community development. Throughout her career, Ami has served as the Executive Director for several local foundations and has taken on the role of Interim Executive Director for another, demonstrating her adaptability and leadership during transitional periods. Ami holds strong credentials, including the prestigious Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation and Certified Fundraising Management (CFRM) from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and in Nonprofit Management from Iowa State University. These qualifications underscore her expertise and commitment to furthering the field of philanthropy. As the owner of Nonprofit Solutions, LLC, Ami is dedicated to encouraging best practices within the nonprofit sector and empowering organizations to achieve their missions effectively. She actively serves on multiple boards, including the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, Davenport Early Learning Project, Genesis Health Services Foundation, and Scott County Master Gardeners, where her contributions significantly impact the community. Ami has significantly contributed to local education through her engagement with Bettendorf and Davenport Schools and involvement with senior communities in the Quad Cities. She and her husband, Doug, travel frequently and prioritize spending cherished time with their adult children and extended family, creating lasting memories together.

Headshot of Michael Wiebler

Michael Wiebler

Michael Wiebler is currently the Director of Content Strategy at the National Football League where he leads and supports strategic planning, distribution & partnerships to help grow the NFL and its 32 clubs’ digital content businesses.  Prior to this he held positions at Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment and Sony Pictures, respectively.  Michael has bachelor’s degrees in Cinema and Marketing from the University of Iowa, and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. In the community, Michael is a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, and has a passion for the intersection of business, creativity and philanthropy to support the underserved.  He is also a founding board member of Steph’s Tribe, a Quad Cities based non-profit in honor of his late sister, that supports local families impacted by cancer. Michael grew up in Davenport near Vander Veer Park, attending Grant Elementary, J.B. Young Middle and Assumption High.  He moved to Los Angeles after college to pursue a career in entertainment, but moved back home in 2021 to be closer to family and friends while still being able to maintain his career goals.  In his free time he likes to spend time with his wife, Kelly, and 6-year-old daughter, Celeste, in addition to reading, watching movies and running.

Headshot of Dana Wilkinson

Dana Wilkinson

Dana recently retired from her profession as an interior designer and part owner of Paragon Commercial Interiors, Inc., the business she began 39 years ago in Davenport Iowa. Dana is a lifelong Iowan, growing up in Forest City Iowa, graduating from Iowa State University, and after a few years living in Chicago, returned with her husband Mark to raise their family in the Quad Cities. Dana’s current community and board service includes: Figge Art Museum; Downtown Davenport Partnership; Putnam Museum & Science Center; Iowa State University College of Design Advancement Council; RDA; Trinity Regional Health System; and US Bank Advisory Board. In addition to a strong belief in community service, Dana is a devoted mother of two amazing and successful children along with their amazing and successful spouses, and grandmother “Gigi” to 7 amazing and wonderful grandchildren.

Headshot of Ken Beck

Ken Beck, ex officio, Scott County Board of Supervisors

Coming soon

Headshot of Kyle Gripp

Kyle Gripp, ex officio, Davenport City Council

Kyle works in Quality Management at the Rock Island Arsenal. Kyle has also served as the Alderman At-Large for the city of Davenport since 2016. Kyle also serves on the Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation (GDRC), is the liaison to the Davenport Riverfront Improvement Commission, and is a board member of the Davenport Central Hall of Honor. Kyle volunteers his time teaching a government class at the 180 Zone, teaching 3rd graders at Eisenhower Elementary through Junior Achievement, and coaching baseball at Southeast Little League. Kyle and his wife Abby live in Davenport and have four children. Kyle enjoys seeing how the RDA is able to support all of the great nonprofits in Scott County.