ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The City of Rock Island has hired Thomas "Tom" Flaherty for a newly-created dual role of assistant to the city manager and economic development director.
Flaherty started in the role on Oct. 9 and will work with the Community and Economic Development Department, while managing projects and activities related to development activity in the city.
Flaherty grew up in Davenport and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University. He has nearly 20 years of municipal and economic development experience.
He most recently served as economic development director for Mahaska County, where Oskaloosa is the county seat. Flaherty served as vice president of regional business development for the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce from 2012 through 2017.
“We are excited to bring Tom Flaherty on board to help energize retail, industrial and commercial growth in Rock Island,” City Manager Todd Thompson said. “Tom brings extensive municipal experience to the City and has successfully fostered millions of dollars in growth for other communities. His record of business retention and growth will benefit the community as a whole.”
According to a press release from the city, over the course of his career, Flaherty has generated more than $325 million in economic development expansions and secured an additional $178 million in regional downtown redevelopment projects.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work for the City of Rock Island,” Flaherty said. “The staff has been positive, collaborative, and I am excited to get to work."
