General counsel for Gates Foundation, CEO of local business join board of directors

Edna Denise Garrett

Two Quad Citizens have joined the board of directors of the Quad Cities Community Foundation, adding new perspectives and a deep commitment to furthering philanthropy to the Quad Cities region’s largest source for community philanthropy.

Edna Denise Garrett, associate general counsel for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Janet Masamoto, founder and president of JTM Concepts, each began serving their first three-year term at the end of January. Jean Moran, a community leader and long-time volunteer at the Community Foundation, continues to serve as chairperson.

“We are so grateful to have a board of directors comprised of knowledgeable, talented and fiercely dedicated members of our community who are committed to both their professional lives, and the ways in which they give back, in our community,” said President and CEO Sherry Ristau. “Denise and Jan both bring thoughtful viewpoints, ideas and energy to the board so that we can continue our transformational work thanks to the generosity of donors.”

Garrett, of Bettendorf, Iowa, is an associate general counsel at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the world. She serves as the primary contact for compliance issues and advises staff regarding ethics, risk, and tax compliance. A graduate of Duke University School of Law, she is also a board member for United Way of the Quad Cities, the Figge Art Museum, and Quad City Bank and Trust.

Jan Masamoto

Masamoto, of Rock Island, Illinois, is the founder and president of JTM Concepts, which provides technical services for businesses and corporations. Since starting the company in 1994, she has grown the woman-led, minority-owned business to include 3D application development. In addition to her service on the Community Foundation board, Masamoto is on the board of the Putnam Museum, and the advisory boards of WQPT and Western Illinois University, among others.

Moran, chairperson of the board, is excited to continue to have an active, engaged board that is reflective of the Community Foundation’s commitment to championing people from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. “The Community Foundation is welcoming of everyone, and I am so proud to work with board members who are reflective of the rich diversity of our entire community,” Moran said. “We want to engage our community—no matter their age or circumstance—in ways that further generosity in our region. The addition of Denise and Jan to our board will allow us to continue to do just that.”