Continuing Our Work Together: Welcoming Ben Gougeon as Executive Director

​ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — August 10, 2026 -- The Quad City Arts Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Gougeon as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective August 10, 2026.

Gougeon brings more than 30 years of experience working in the arts, both as a theatre and film artist and in leadership and administrative roles with nonprofit organizations in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and New York. His professional background also includes management roles in the hospitality and retail industries, bringing additional experience in operations, customer service, and team leadership. As Executive Director, he will lead Quad City Arts in advancing its mission to enrich the quality of life in the Quad Cities through the arts by supporting artists, expanding arts education, and creating meaningful public art experiences throughout the region.

The Quad City Arts Board of Directors launched its search for the organization’s next Executive Director on May 21, 2026, beginning a comprehensive process to identify the organization’s next leader. Led by the Board’s Executive Director Search Committee, the search included outreach to qualified candidates, interviews, and thoughtful evaluation to identify a leader with the experience, vision, and collaborative approach needed to guide Quad City Arts into its next chapter.

The Board’s search committee sought a leader who would honor Quad City Arts’ longstanding mission while strengthening the organization’s capacity to serve artists, students, audiences, and communities throughout the Quad Cities. The appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in Gougeon’s ability to lead the organization with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to our community.

“Throughout this search, our Board remained focused on finding the right leader for Quad City Arts—someone who shares our commitment to artists, education, and community partnerships,” said Jenni Swanson, President of the Quad City Arts Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome Ben as our next Executive Director and are confident he will build upon the strong foundation created by our staff, volunteers, board members, artists, donors, and community partners. Together, we look forward to expanding opportunities for the arts and continuing to serve the Quad Cities with creativity, collaboration, and excellence.”

Gougeon said he is honored to serve the organization and community in an expanded role.

“Quad City Arts has a remarkable history of connecting people through creativity and strengthening our communities through the arts,” said Gougeon. “In my previous role, I loved being able to serve as a connector and create partnerships with the many organizations doing necessary work throughout our region. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented staff, dedicated board members, artists, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners to expand access to the arts and build upon the organization’s strong foundation. Together, we have an exciting opportunity to strengthen the impact of the arts throughout the Quad Cities for years to come.”

Prior to this appointment, Gougeon served as Events Coordinator and Director of Community Engagement at Quad City Arts, where he oversaw the Visiting Artist Series, Chalk Art Fest, Riverssance Festival of Fine Art, Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, Arts Dollars Grant program, and numerous public art initiatives, including the upcoming Tapestry installation in downtown Moline. He also served as host of Talking Art, a podcast produced in partnership with WVIK, where he helped share the stories of artists, arts organizations, and creative work happening throughout the region. His knowledge of the organization, relationships throughout the community, and commitment to the mission provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.

Each year, Quad City Arts enriches the region through public art, arts education, exhibitions, performances, artist support initiatives, and Festival of Trees—its signature fundraising event that helps make arts programming possible throughout the Quad Cities. Through partnerships with municipalities, schools, businesses, and community organizations, Quad City Arts continues to make the arts accessible and impactful across eastern Iowa and western Illinois.