Who I am:
Born September 10, 1987; life-long resident of Rock Island County, Illinois.
Married Ellie (Martinez) on August 16, 2024; Ellie works logistics for the US Army at the Arsenal.
Middle-class family: mother Dawn (Summers), Moline; three younger sisters Courtney (brother-in-law Joey), Haley, and Carlee; father Wade (deceased).
Educated by Rock Island-Milan Public Schools.
Augustana College graduate; Bachelor’s Degree in political science cum laude (2010).
Lewis University graduate; Master’s Degree in organizational leadership (2016).
Avid mountain biker; local charity 5k & half-marathon participant.
Dues-paying member of the NAACP, Farm Bureau, and Moose Club.
Pro-Union, Pro-Constitution & Rule of Law.
My experience:
Chief Deputy to Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney (2017-2022).
South Rock Island Township Clerk (2013-2025).
Rock Island County Board Vice Chair (2014-2017).
Rock Island County Board member representing District 15 (2010-2017).
Democratic precinct committeeperson (2008- present).
Volunteer boards: Arrowhead Ranch (2011-2017), QC Area Labor Management Council (2011-2017), Project NOW (2012-2013), St Pius Parish Council (2009-2012).
Grant coordinator at Washington Jr High School, Rock Island, in charge of over $100,000 annually for Lights On For Learning academic enrichments and support for at-risk students (2012-2017).
What I offer:
I have long-standing working relationships with key County stakeholders & local leaders.
I know the property tax process from adoption, to extension, to billing, and delinquency.
I know the County’s software systems, policies, and the budget process & management.
I know the framework of the Illinois Counties Code.
I know the levels of government and their leaders from Townships to the National government.
I have good demeanor, public speaking skills, and strong writing & reading abilities.
I believe public servants should serve the people, not themselves.
I believe in good government that is effective and responsive to the people it serves.
Accomplishments:
From making tax payments easier to make, to initiating more anti-fraud measurers, and from streamlining tax reports to other local governments to keeping the books balanced, I am modernizing the Treasurer's Office and making it more secure. My goal in office is to make government better for the people it serves.
In 2025, the Treasurer's Office underwent a remodel to make it safer and more secure for our employees, the public, and our assets and equipment. I am proud that the work was completed using local union labor and the IMPACT Agreement.
During my 30th month on the job, we made our 10 millionth dollar in investments. That is $10,000,000 that didn't have to be raised in taxes or cut from programs, just the result of a new investment program I initiated.
Last Summer, I unmasked the Probation Department scheme that ripped off over $900,000 from the County. I quickly worked with the Sheriff's Office to ensure that justice would be served. If you steal or attempt to steal from this County you will be caught and you will be held accountable.