Chamber’s 2026 Generation Next cohort begins this week

The Chamber is pleased to announce the names of 39 young professionals who have been named to the Chamber's 2026 Generation Next cohort. The goal of the cohort is to help transform aspiring professionals into influential community leaders ready to advance the Quad Cities region. The program kicked off on February 18, and will continue to meet once per month for the next 4 months.

"Generation Next is the premier resource helping individuals become involved in the QC community through board and committee service," said James Porter, Vice President, Small & Minority Business for the Chamber. Our board governance and service program gets you ready to lead, serve and make bold moves in the Quad Cities."

"I hope to build stronger connections within the Quad Cities and learn how I can make a real impact in the community," said Olivia Warren, of Origin Design. "I also want to grow as a leader by learning how volunteerism can align with career development, and by networking with organizations that value engaged professionals. Ultimately, I want to leave the program feeling confident and prepared to take on leadership roles that create positive change in the Quad Cities," she said.

Steven McConnell of St. Ambrose University agreed that he's looking for ways to help serve in the Quad Cities. "I believe that connection is what builds a community and helps it to thrive. Discussions and collaboration on what the future of this community could look like is the foundation of the future, health and success of this great area," he added.

Below is a complete list of participants in the 2026 cohort:

Amanda Bertolozzi – MindFire Communications
Donte Blanchard – Choreo LLC
Joushua Blount – Augustana College
Jakob Boley – Choreo Advisors
Nicolas Cave – LRS
Wade Conner – Wade’s Property Services, LLC
Josie Comeaux – IHMVCU
Ashley Dekarske – Merrill Lynch
Catherine Dittmer – Merrill Wealth Management
Kelli Duran – MercyOne Genesis
Kiel Engstrom – TeamLogic IT Moline
Josh Fleming – Echelon Risk + Cyber
Rachel Forman – Ascentra Credit Union
Michaela Gryzlo – Quad Cities Community Foundation
Tony Holland – Melody of Hope Advocacy Center
Ashley Horberg – Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Shantel Jackson – Quad City Bank & Trust
Chad Krakilo – Morgan Stanley
Vivian Le – R.I.A. Federal Credit Union
Kaela Matt – Empeople Credit Union
Steven McConnell – St. Ambrose University
Josh Meyers – Myers Martial Arts Academy LLC
Kimmi Miller – Quad City Bank & Trust
Michael Possin – Deloitte & Touche LLP
Jerry Rodriquez – Shive-Hattery
Julia Rodriguez – Quad City Bank & Trust
Morgan Santeee – R.I.A. Federal Credit Union
Katie Schroeder – Deere & Company
Erica Schroeder-Cerda – LivWell Seniors
Landon Seibert – ABC Supply Co INC
Jessica Skiles – Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
Alan Silas – MetroLINK
Makenzie Thompson – Rock River Electric
Clare Tobin – German American Heritage Center and Museum
Erron Vandemore – Russell
Sarah Wallace – ACCESS Community Health
Olivia Warren – Origin Design
Cami Zucker – Lane & Waterman, LLP