QUAD CITIES, USA (April 2, 2026) – When Rene Gellerman joined United Way Quad Cities in 2018, the organization primarily raised funds and distributed them to local programs. Today, through a coordinated network across Scott and Rock Island counties, United Way plays a broader role - connecting people to what they need to move their lives forward.
 
That includes strengthening early learning, ensuring families can access essentials like food, childcare, housing and healthcare, and creating pathways for individuals to gain the skills needed for better-paying jobs and achieve greater financial security.
 
After eight years of leading that transformation, Gellerman has informed the Board of Directors of her intention to step down as President & CEO in June.
 
During Rene’s tenure, United Way Quad Cities evolved into a strategic community impact organization - aligning more than 75 nonprofit organizations, school districts, grassroots efforts, and businesses around shared goals that drive measurable results. Along the way, individuals and business leaders increased their investment in the work, reflecting growing confidence in both direction and results.
 
This progress has been driven by a disciplined internal team working alongside organizations across the community - bringing expertise, data, focus, and a shared commitment to results.
 
A Community Doing Hard Work Together
 That work has been guided by the Rise United 2030 goals, United Way Quad Cities’ long-term commitment to improving education, financial security and health throughout the region.
 
“These aren’t United Way goals, they’re community goals,” said Gellerman. “They only move when people come together, stay focused, and keep going - even when progress is hard.”
One of the clearest examples is United for Schools, a place-based model launched under Gellerman’s leadership.
 
The initiative brings coordinated resources directly into six Title I schools, addressing the barriers that keep kids from showing up and succeeding. At several participating schools, early results have included double-digit improvements in attendance and reading proficiency, an encouraging signal of what’s possible when efforts are aligned around students and families.
 
The work has also drawn national attention and national investment. Last year, the Ballmer Group awarded United Way Quad Cities a $1 million challenge grant to expand the model, recognizing both its early results and long-term potential.
 
"I’ve loved this work, and I'm proud of where we are today," Gellerman said. "The progress we've made happened because enough people in in the Quad Cities chose to show up - to invest, stay at the table, and to work toward something bigger than their own piece of it. That’s harder than it sounds, and it’s something this community should be proud of.” 
 
A Deliberate Transition at a Moment of Strength
Gellerman noted that the timing of her departure was intentional and planned to align with the organization’s momentum and readiness for its next chapter.
 
“This is a strong moment for our United Way,” she said. “The foundation is in place, the goals are clear, and the work is gaining traction. There are a lot of important needs in every community, but real progress requires clarity and focus. We can’t do everything. What matters is being clear about where we can make the greatest difference and bringing people together around that. That’s the approach we’ve taken, and it’s starting to show the results we’re seeing across the region. Whoever comes next will have the opportunity to build on that and take it even further.”
 
Looking ahead, Gellerman plans to remain engaged in the community and explore new ways to support philanthropy, social impact and long-term strength of the Quad Cities.
 
“I’ve spent my career working to improve the conditions that shape people’s lives,” she said. “That work doesn’t stop here. I’m excited about what’s next and the opportunity to continue contributing to the future of this community in new ways.”
 
Board Response
“Eight years ago, we asked Rene to help us define what United Way should be in a changing world,” said Bob Waterman, Chair of the United Way Quad Cities Board of Directors. “She did exactly that - shifting the organization from a traditional passthrough model to one focused on aligning partners and resources around measurable results. Thanks to her leadership, our organization is in a position of strength, and confident in our path forward. We’re looking for a leader who will build on this momentum and continue advancing our work across the region.”
 
About the Search
A national search is now underway to identify United Way Quad Cities' next President and CEO. Gellerman will remain closely engaged throughout the transition to ensure continuity and continued progress.
 
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About United Way Quad Cities
 
United Way Quad Cities (UWQC) is a social change organization that mobilizes the Quad Cities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing education, financial security and health, UWQC is working toward a future where every Quad Citian in every neighborhood can reach their full potential.