The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live, work or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their achievements and distinguished contributions to the community and beyond.
Brock will be honored at an awards luncheon next year. The fourth annual Hometown Heroes luncheon will honor those nominated in 2024.
Get to know Brock more here.
What I like most about living/working in Peoria: I’m a family man and Peoria is safe, has access to parks, trails and activities to engage with my kids and my Big Brothers Big Sisters “Little”. To me, living in Peoria feels like you are out of the big city, but not too far removed if you want access to Phoenix. It has great mountain bike trails and we have the best parks, like Papago. Me and my kids love to go there!
Personal background highlights: I came to Optum nine years ago from Washington State after seven years designing wellness centers for Continuing Care Retirement Communities. At Optum – Arizona, I was tasked with designing free-for-anyone-55+ Optum Community Centers to combat major chronic conditions faced by seniors, to encourage older adults to lead their healthiest lives. My model was successful, and I was tasked with overseeing the construction of Optum Community Centers around the country, including many in Arizona. My concept for the Optum Community Centers is built around physical activity as the best way to manage chronic conditions; intellectual stimulation to reduce cognitive decline; emotional support; and rebuilding otherwise shrinking social connections. Each community center has a full gym, socialization area and classroom for exercise activities, medical and mental health lectures and art and crafts. The centers also have an annual wellness exam clinic for Optum physician-ordered, patient routine screenings.
The Optum Community Centers are a new care delivery system that has the potential to flip the way we think about senior wellness. I am very proud to be one of the principal architects of a new paradigm that’s helping seniors in our communities stay healthier, happier, and more socially connected.
I was recently promoted to Director of Engagement overseeing provider relations.
Professional background highlights: I get the most personal satisfaction when I make an impact, whether it be on an individual or through a huge work project. The theme is always related to living a healthy lifestyle. Progressing through college and a master’s program, I was sure I’d get a doctorate and become a professor. Early in my career, I was encouraged by a mentor to work for a while before going to graduate school. I then found my way to a nonprofit, creating wellness centers for retirees. I realized the tremendous impact I could have on a specific group. I have never looked back and have dedicated my professional life to creating interventions that change the lives and health trajectory of the 55+ population.
I have been published and quoted extensively in multiple Arizona news media outlets such as yourvalley.net, 12News, Inspired 360, Greater Phoenix in Business Magazine, Phoenix.org, Arizona Digital Free Press, KTAR and Business Wire with op-eds and stories about how Optum helps seniors live their best lives. I am a member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association. I have also competed in the United Ninja Athlete Association three times, most recently in 2023.
What does it mean to be a Peoria resident/worker?
I’ve lived in Peoria for 10 years and know many of my neighbors. When I go to the grocery store or the gym or am in town, it feels very much like I with my people. I love it!
What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better?: My core purpose is to help the healthcare industry work better so it can better serve the community. I am very proud to have designed our Optum Community Centers serving the 55+ community, at no cost, with a variety of programs that feed the community’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional well-being. We have two West Valley Optum Community Centers that serve Peoria residents. I am also on the executive committee for West Valley Heart Walk this year and we are expecting exponential growth and participation from Peoria residents.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?: I always tell my kids to leave each day better than how you found it. Picking up trash at the park or smiling at someone who looks down may seem like small gestures, but in the aggregate make a big difference.
Changes I’d like to see in this area: I would love to see more offerings, like we see in Scottsdale and Phoenix, come to Peoria. It’s starting and I’d like to see that continue.
My family (what have they taught you): I have the three best kids in the world. Being a dad is the best job on the planet. I cannot even comprehend what it would be like without them. They have taught me patience, perseverance, humility and dedication to goals. They motivate me. My mom and dad are eternally patient and supportive. They moved from Seattle to Peoria to help our family. That has helped me appreciate the sacrifices we make so that our families can achieve their greatest heights.
My interests and hobbies: I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and longboarding. I also love to watch soccer, baseball and gymnastics. I love to crochet and compete in obstacle course races, American Ninja Warrior-style.
The trait(s) I admire in others: I consider myself a servant-leader and who is eternally optimistic, achieving through difficult circumstances. I really admire excellence. I love when people are exceptionally good at what they do in the moment whether they are a CEO or a waiter at a local restaurant. Greatness is greatness.
People who inspired me (and how): Steve Macias, our CEO of Optum Arizona New Mexico, always puts patients first and allows people like me to thrive in a system of patient-centric care.
Jesse Owens—he is awesome. He overcame so much diversity and used his excellence to thumb his nose at Hitler during the 1936 Olympics.
My guiding philosophy: I actually have two. Leave the world a better place every day than how you found it. Iron sharpens iron. I love it when my friends challenge me and I challenge them. We make each other better.
My advice to today’s youth: Small acts of kindness and small personal changes add up. For example, picking up the trash at the park and eating better are forward acts that can result in large
positive changes personally and for the community.
Name a couple future goals: I want to raise my children and my Big Brothers Big Sisters “Little” to be amazing adults who serve their communities. I want to continue to figure out how to make our healthcare system better for everyone in Arizona and in throughout the county.
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