Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, was chosen as Rock Island Annual Citizen of the Year in the Professional category by the City of Rock Island.
“After receiving nearly 50 nominations, the Citizen of the Year Committee is proud to announce the winners and hand out awards on Monday, August 25,” said Sarah Hayden, Community Engagement Manager for the City of Rock Island. “This year’s honorees were chosen because of their talent, generosity and commitment to the Rock Island community.”
Cullen launched the Downtown Alliance in 2023, a public-private partnership between the City and the Quad Cities Chamber. Alongside downtown property owners, he was a driving force behind the creation of the City’s Special Service Area (SSA), a sustainable funding source to enhance public spaces, encourage private investment and improve quality of life downtown. Cullen has been a key figure and advocate for the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project, securing local and State of Illinois funds for the reconstruction and renovation of key areas in the downtown core, including Arts Alley. Under his leadership, the Downtown Alliance Board of Directors launched a capital improvement grant program for downtown business and building owners; and a Clean and Safe ambassador program to maintain a welcoming environment. Cullen has also worked with small businesses to create special activities, such as holiday-themed promotions and 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Avenue during the QC Farmers’ Market, to encourage exploration downtown.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the City of Rock Island for my work downtown," said Cullen. "Although this is an individual award, I would like to share credit with the hardworking Board of Directors for the Rock Island Downtown Alliance.”
Downtown Rock Island business, Huckleberry's Pizza & Calzones was chosen as Business of the Year.
Winners were chosen by the Citizen of the Year Committee, which is composed of last year’s winners, Mayor Ashley Harris, Alderman Randy Hurt, Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden, City Clerk Samantha Gange, Executive Assistant Colleen Skolrood and Labor Day Parade Committee Chairwoman Mary Chappell.
Nine categories have been recognized: Individual; Youth; Education; Professional; Artist/Creator; City Employee; Veteran; Organization, Church or Non-Profit; and Business. The awards were founded in 1987 as a way to recognize those individuals and organizations.
Winners will also be honored in the 2025 Rock Island Labor Day Parade, on Monday, Sept. 1.