Bill Lynn Biography

Bill is running for his third term as alderman. Bill was born and raised on the farm in central Illinois.  He graduated from Easton High School in 1964, and attended Blackburn College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry.  Later he received a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois.  He came to Davenport over 20 years ago to teach at Marycrest College. He previously taught at Eastern Illinois University and Palm Beach Community College. About 12 years ago he accepted a position at St. Ambrose University where he is an Associate Professor of Economics.  He teaches both undergraduate and MBA courses including finance and economics. 

He has been married to Arletta for 38 years and he has one son, Kyle. His family has been very supportive of his being an alderman although it is very time consuming and sometimes difficult for the family. He has lived on Walling Court for over 20 years.

He has worked as a consultant for small businesses doing consulting for over 100 aspiring entrepreneurs.  He has been instrumental in helping several small businesses open and succeed.  For several years he worked as a small business consultant for the Institute for Social and Economic Development.  He has also done small business consulting for the Veteran’s Administration and the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program.

He has worked in the poverty program in Kansas City.  He has worked as a chemist and a salesman and owned and operated several businesses. He has a very wide ranging, diverse background.  He is also knowledgeable of environmental issues.  He is a senior fellow for the Institute for Environmental Research and Education.  He has been involved in environmental studies for the EPA and an organization in Seattle Washington. 

He believes his two largest accomplishments on the council have been creating the Guardian Angel chapter and helping the Village of East Davenport develop a vision and strategic plan.