Brodey Hanson
Executive director, the Bridges at Ankeny
Age: 32
Mentor: Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus Inc.
Reasons he is a Forty: Brodey has led his nursing home through a pandemic while maintaining quality of care and remains in the top 10% of nursing homes in the nation. He was a founding member of a nonprofit organization, Speak Out Against Suicide, to reduce the suicide rate in Iowa and bring awareness to mental illness. He helps coach sports for adults with mental and physical disabilities and volunteers his time and resources without accolades and enjoys doing so anonymously.
What are your goals in your role at your company? I like to see beyond the ever-changing regulatory compliance of senior living and focus back on nurturing for my residents as well as building my team up by focusing on employee engagement.
What are your goals for your community involvement? Recently I have found a new passion for working with the intellectually and physically disabled through Link Associates. I am proud to help coach and mentor them into living a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally. We cannot wait for the Special Olympics to showcase their hard work and talents!
What’s your biggest passion, and why? One area that I’m enthusiastic about is self-development and self-improvement in my personal life. I’m always looking to challenge myself and learn new things. I am currently learning American Sign Language and Spanish to aid in communication when meeting new people from different walks of life.
What is it that drives you? Overcoming adversity in my personal life has aided me in developing empathy and compassion for vulnerable individuals, which led me into the health care field. I feel a sense of fulfillment when working for seniors. Knowing my actions and decisions have a real-life impact for their quality of life and peace of mind for the families that entrusted their loved ones’ care to my team.
What are your aspirations for the future? I’d like to volunteer for an organization that advocates and aids in the process of policy changes that would improve the lives of vulnerable Iowans.
Three hobbies: Traveling, volleyball and exploring state parks with my dog, Chloe.
Fun fact: Brodey’s goal is to travel to a minimum of three countries per year. This year Brodey will travel to Mexico, Canada, Peru and possibly Argentina.
One word to describe you: Solicitous.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I wish that the Central Iowa business community would do everything in their power to support small businesses. There are many amazing restaurants, clothing vendors and art vendors that make Des Moines so unique. One purchase can change the lives of many.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I would not be where I am today in life without the great support system I have that drives me to be a better person on a daily basis. I feel centered and whole as a person regardless if I am at work or home as I am constantly surrounded by amazing people that lift one another up. A huge shout-out to my residents, staff and leaders at the Bridges at Ankeny for being a great team and helping me achieve this award.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Assess what gives your life worth, value or happiness and find an organization that has a mission aligning with what you set. Ask questions about volunteering or being a part of that organization and never sell yourself short; embrace your talents.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why? As a former firefighter and EMT, I wish that there was better access to mental health counselors and crisis counselors for everyone, especially children. Mental health is a taboo topic that needs to be addressed. Far too many people, including children, have considered or attempted self-harm and it continues to be a challenge for too many, only further exacerbated by COVID. I firmly believe everyone should have access to mental health services.