Brian Hollenback
President/ CEO

Brian Hollenback has served as President & CEO of Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) since June 2008, after joining the organization in 1998. Under his leadership, GROWTH has transformed into a dynamic $80+ million enterprise, guided by visionary leadership, strong Board support, and a steadfast commitment to the organization's mission.

As President & CEO, Brian oversees the strategic direction of GROWTH, its housing and development initiatives, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Central States Development Partners, Inc.; Growth General Contracting, LLC; and Home Base Property Management, LLC—all with a national presence.
Through Brian’s leadership, GROWTH is regarded as a local and national leader in developing innovative mixed-use developments.

​Brian’s visionary leadership has been further demonstrated by receipt of the following organizational awards and recognitions:
  • NCRC (National Community Reinvestment Coalition) Representative James Leach Award recognizing  the most outstanding rural non-profit organization in the country that best promotes fair and equal access to credit and capital and/or contributes the most in its community toward promoting wealth building;
  • An invitation to the White House where he presented on the importance of preserving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, and New Market Tax Credit programs.
Brian’s commitment has earned him national recognition. His work seamlessly integrates economic growth with community revitalization, and he frequently speaks at national conferences on topics including economic development, affordable housing, and leveraging investments for underserved communities.

Board Affiliations & Community Involvement
Brian serves as an Advisory Board member for Southside Community Optimal Redevelopment Enterprise CDE (SCORE), Midwest Industrial Redevelopment Fund, and BBIF Florida. He currently serves as a Board Member for the New Market Tax Credit Coalition, Visionary Ventures, and Governor of Illinois' Housing Task Force. Brian has also served as the past chair to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago-Community Investment Advisory Council and has participated on advisory boards to Freddie Mac, and various national, regional and community groups.

Awards
2018: Male Champion of Change Honoree, IWLC Quad Cities Women (& Men) Lead Change
2016: Hometown Hero Award, Modern Woodmen of America
2015: Pioneer Award, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
2015: Community Advocate of the Year Award
2013: Community First Pioneer Award, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago 
2006: Community Hero Award, Community Caring Conference
2003: Citizen of the Year, City of Rock Island, IL
1999 & 2001: Rock Island Preservation Society for personal historic renovations 
1998: Finalist, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award
1997: Community Service Award, Project NOW