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.
2026 JAYCEES BOARD
Brianna Powell
Chairperson
Bri’s began her Jaycees journey in 2022 with the Cedar Valley Jaycees and continued it after returning home to the Quad Cities. Originally from Illinois City, she joined the Jaycees to connect with other driven young professionals. Bri currently serves as Chairperson and Wedding Expo Committee Co-Chair, helping lead one of the organization's key fundraising events.
By day, Bri is the Marketing Communications Coordinator for Ag Spectrum. Outside of work, she is a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, golfing, being on the water with family, reading with the Jaycees Book Club, and exploring great local food.
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
President
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. Previously, he has served as the VP of Community Development in 2024 and 2025, and is currently 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, or kicking back at one of the Quad Cities’ many great breweries or coffee shops.
Wylie Halferty
Treasurer
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.
JJ Harris
VP of PR & Marketing
A QC native, JJ joined the Jaycees in the fall of 2024. She wanted to meet like-minded people and get involved in the community. Within the organization, she keeps busy by participating in chapter events, as well as various volunteer opportunities.
JJ works in higher education, where she helps students navigate their college experience. In her free time, she loves to read cozy mysteries, spend time with family, bird watch, and visit art museums.
Briseida Rivera
VP of Management
Briseida was born and raised in California and joined the Jaycees of the Quad Cities in March 2024 as a general member, seeking meaningful connection and opportunities to serve within the local community. Since becoming a member, she has built relationships with fellow young professionals, participated in individual development trainings, engaged in volunteer initiatives, and expanded her professional network.
Briseida is currently a Lead Certified Family Development Specialist, where she works directly with families and organizations in the community. During her free time, she loves spending time with her family, baking, reading books, making puzzles, and exploring new interests.
Samantha Sharp
VP of Community Development
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, Wedding Expo committee, and is an active participant in membership and ID events, as well as volunteer opportunities.
Samantha is an Occupational Therapist in Muscatine, IA, and the Quad Cities area. She 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!
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.
Charmaine Sibley
State Director
Charmaine Sibley joined the Jaycees in 2021 after years of encouragement from a fellow member, and she has never looked back. Originally from Chicago’s south suburbs, she relocated to the Quad Cities Area after getting married in 2016 and quickly found a sense of community through the Jaycees.
Professionally, Charmaine works full time in the financial field, where her strong work ethic, curiosity, and commitment to growth have helped her steadily climb the ranks. Those same qualities led her to step into leadership within the Jaycees, serving as Treasurer from 2022 through 2025. She also served as State Director in 2025 and will continue in that role in 2026, helping bridge the connection between the local chapter and JCI Iowa. In this capacity, Charmaine is passionate about aligning chapter initiatives with opportunities at the state and international levels, opening doors for members to deepen their involvement, expand their networks, and continue their leadership journey within the organization. She also serves as co-chair of the chapter’s newest fundraiser, the Wine & Chocolate Experience.
Outside of work and volunteering, Charmaine is the reigning queen of the grill and happily accepts any grill-off challenge. She loves traveling with her husband and adventure buddy, Kyle, and never turns down a game night, pool day, or hot tub hangout, because those moments are often the best parts of life
Peyton Tucker
VP of Membership
Peyton is a Quad City native who just recently joined the Jaycees in 2025. She was looking for a way to meet new people and give back to her community, and after hearing about the Jaycees from a friend, she was excited to jump in and get involved. She is so happy to have the opportunity to serve the organization and recruit new members as VP of Membership.
Peyton currently works for UPS an On Road Supervisor where she helps manage 40+ drivers and the centers daily operations. In her free time she loves to travel, cheer for any Hawkeye sports, and work on her many hobbies which most recently includes needlepoint.