Rod Brooks

Rod Brooks’ story is one of transformation—from corporate executive to passionate community builder. After a 45-year marketing career, including nearly two decades as Chief Marketing Officer of PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company, Rod retired in 2018 to pursue what he calls “The Grandpa Project”—prioritizing meaningful relationships and intergenerational connections.

Rod’s journey began at Washington State University before he became Chief Marketing Officer for several regional and national brands. But his true passion emerged around his 60th birthday when a family gathering with all his children, their spouses, and grandchildren under one roof for the first time made him realize that time was more important than corporate achievements.

Rod’s connection to Chelan began in 2003 when he and his wife Cindy purchased their first vacation home on Lake Chelan’s South shore. They became full-time residents in 2019, drawn by the community’s warmth and potential for deep connections. Cindy, a retired pediatric nurse, volunteers at Chelan Valley Hope, sharing the family’s commitment to serving others.

Now, with ten grandchildren, Rod focuses on building bridges between generations and fostering community relationships. He has developed programs like “Grandpa Camp” and “Grandpas in the Classroom” at Morgen Owings Elementary, believing that meaningful connections transform communities one relationship at a time.

Rod is excited to bring his passion for relationship-building and community connection to amplify the Community Center’s role as a gathering place for all.

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