ABOUT THE JAYCEES
A Jaycee is a member of the Junior Chamber International, a worldwide organization of young professionals that is not affiliated with any particular religion or political party. Jaycee members are between the ages of 21-40, who meet regularly in local chapters to build connections and community. Famous Jaycees include Bill Clinton, Tom Monaghan (founder of Domino’s Pizza), JFK, Elvis Presley, Al Gore, Charles Lindbergh, Ted Turner, and Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Our local Jaycee chapter is more than 80 years old, making us one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa, and the only remaining chapter in the Quad Cities. We pride ourselves on blending social opportunities with service – like planning our Wedding Expo, hosting our Jaycee Santa program, and fundraising by connecting with the community through a love of wine and chocolate! If you want to learn more, check out our Projects and Events pages.
JAYCEES BOARD
Brianna Powell
President
Bri’s Jaycees journey started in 2022 with the Cedar Valley Jaycees but when she made her way back home to the Quad Cities, she knew she had to keep the momentum going! Originally from nearby Illinois City, she was on the lookout for a way to connect with other ambitious young professionals—and the Jaycees delivered. Along with President, Bri also serves as a Wedding Expo Committee's Co-Chair, helping bring one of the Jaycees’ fundraising events to life.
By day, Bri is the Marketing Communications Coordinator for Ag Spectrum. She’s also busy making a difference as a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters and staying involved with the Rock Island County Fair. When she’s not working or giving back, you can find her whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, hitting the golf course or the water with family, diving into a good book (shoutout to the Jaycees Book Club), or exploring the best eats around the QCA.
Julia McNeil
Chair of the Board
Originally from Massachusetts, Julia made the move to the Quad Cities in early 2019 and quickly found her place in the community. In 2021, she was introduced to the Jaycees and jumped right in as a general member. From there, she hit the ground running—serving as VP of Community Development in 2022, VP of Individual Development in 2023, taking the reins as 2024 President, and now continuing to make an impact as Chair of the Board.
Outside of the Jaycees, Julia is the General Manager for the Quad Cities River Bandits bringing excitement to the ballpark and beyond. In her free time you can find her soaking up the great outdoors, passionately cheering on her beloved New England sports teams, and exploring all the hidden gems the Quad Cities has to offer.
Charmaine Sibley
State Director & Treasurer
Charmaine Sibley joined the Jaycees in 2021 after years of hearing about it from a friend—and she’s so glad she took the leap! Originally from Chicago’s south suburbs, she relocated to the QCA after getting married in 2016.
Charmaine works full time in the financial field, climbing the ranks with her drive and willingness to learn. Always up for a new challenge, she stepped up as the Jaycees' Treasurer in 2023. She now also serves as 2025 State Director keeping the chapter connected with JCI Iowa, as well as the co-chair of the chapter's newest fundraiser called the Wine & Chocolate Experience.
Outside of work and volunteering, Charmaine is the reigning queen of the grill and will gladly take on anyone in a grill-off! She loves traveling with her adventure buddy—her husband, Kyle—and never turns down a game night, pool day, or hot tub hangout. Because, let’s be real, those are some of life’s best moments!
Melanie Handlon
Secretary
Melanie joined the Jaycees in August 2021 after moving to the Quad Cities from Schererville, Indiana, eager to meet new people, build lasting connections, and give back to her new community. She quickly found her place and now keeps busy as Secretary, a member of the Wedding Expo committee, and an active participant in the Jaycees Book Club.
By day, Melanie is a Student Actuary at Royal Neighbors of America, where she also serves as Chapter Co-President. When she’s not crunching numbers or volunteering, you can find her cheering on her favorite sports teams, exploring local shows and expos, or spending quality time with her son—her favorite sidekick.
Drew Grace
VP of Community Development
A Bettendorf native, Drew found his way to the Jaycees at a fundraising event in fall 2022—and he was hooked! He was looking for a way to connect with other young professionals, but what really drew him in was the Jaycees' passion for giving back to the community. Along with serving as the VP of Community Development in 2024 and 2025, he is one of the Wedding Expo Committee's Co-Chairs.
Drew is a Branch Manager at IHMVCU, helping people navigate their financial goals. In his free time, you’ll find him hitting the trails for a hike or bike ride, networking, volunteering, hanging out with his 2 cats, or kicking back at one of the Quad Cities’ many great breweries or coffee shops.
Kaylyn Hall
VP of PR & Marketing
Originally from Canada, Kaylyn joined the Jaycees of the Quad Cities in August 2023 to connect with more people in the Davenport area. Since then, she’s been an active member, participating in Book Club, the Wedding Expo, volunteering, as well as taking part in membership and individual development events.
A former college hurdler at Iowa State University, Kaylyn has a great passion and appreciation for running—especially by the river with her dog. Also in her free time she enjoys exploring local shops and watching her favorite movie, The Greatest Showman. As an interior designer, she’s living out her childhood dream inspired by HGTV, with Japandi as her favorite design style (Look it up if you're not familiar, it's beautiful).
Wylie Halferty
VP of Management
Wylie, originally from nearby Stockton, Iowa, joined the Jaycees in February 2023 because he wanted a way to connect with like-minded people in the community. He continues to be involved because he enjoys giving back to the community and the friendships he has made within the organization.
Wylie is a Licensed Funeral Director at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory. Outside of work, you can most likely find him spending time outdoors playing golf, biking, hiking, and spending time with his family, friends, and goldendoodle, Henry.
Michele Walloch
VP of Individual Development
Michele joined the Jaycees of the Quad Cities in March 2024 to connect with others and give back to the community. She’s an active member, regularly attending meetings, Book Club, and serving on the Wine and Chocolate Experience committee.
As a funeral director at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Michele provides compassionate support to families during difficult times. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, concerts, and outdoor adventures with her corgi, Roscoe—who’s climbing the ranks at the Quad Cities Visitor’s Center as Vice President of Barketing. Michele has high hopes for his career growth and dreams of one day becoming a stay-at-home dog mom.
Samantha Sharp
VP of Membership
Samantha joined the Jaycees of the Quad Cities in May 2024 to meet new people, network, and give back to the community that has given her so much. She’s already making an impact as a member of the Wine and Chocolate committee, a volunteer for the Wedding Expo, and an active participant in membership and ID events.
Samantha is an Occupational Therapist at Lutheran Living in Muscatine, IA, and also serves as a Deputy Coroner for Rock Island County. In her free time, she enjoys dinners with friends, reading, hiking, and working out. A proud Iowa Hawkeye fan, you can always find her cheering on the football team!