Executive Director – Bi-State Regional Commission

Executive Director

Bi-State Regional Commission is seeking a practical, collaborative, and forward-looking regional executive to lead one of the Midwest’s most distinctive bi-state planning and intergovernmental organizations. This is a rare opportunity to guide a respected regional commission through its first Executive Director transition in more than 25 years while advancing transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and regional cooperation across a five-county, two-state region (the `Quad Cities’ on the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois).

The Commission is seeking an executive who brings:

• Transportation planning, funding, and regional infrastructure credibility
• Experience leading grant-funded public or intergovernmental organizations
• Skill building trust with elected officials, member governments, state/federal partners, and staff
• The ability to strengthen economic development, grant strategy, and member-service value across the region

The role requires visible neutrality, sound public-sector judgment, and the ability to lead through influence rather than formal authority. Bi-State’s value is grounded in trust, technical credibility, funding leverage, and practical service to member governments throughout the five-county region. The organization provides transportation planning, community and economic development, grant administration, GIS and mapping services, environmental planning, and regional collaboration that benefits member governments throughout the five-county region.

Reporting directly to the Commission, the Executive Director leads approximately 18 employees and manages an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 million supported through federal, state, local, contract, and member-government funding. Bi-State operates in a project-funded environment where staff time, grant eligibility, transportation funding, reimbursement documentation, and audit readiness are directly connected to organizational sustainability. The next Executive Director must be comfortable leading a technical, grant-funded public organization where transportation planning and programming are central to both mission and budget.

The salary range for this position is $135,000–$160,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

View full position profile brochure for required qualifications and more information.

Please apply online.

For more information on this position, contact:
Clay Pearson, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment
claypearson@governmentresource.com | 713-816-8639