Rod has been a part of The Center since 2023, joining the communications and IT teams as a multimedia specialist. In his role, he supports The Center’s programs and partners through creative media design, production, and technical implementation. With a background in video production, graphic design, photography, and digital marketing, he brings a versatile and thoughtful approach to storytelling to amplify The Center’s mission of building healthier rural communities.
Rod was raised in an urban area, but his connection to rural began with his grandmother in Missouri. Through his visits with her, he realized the realities of what it means to access care in a rural community, often watching his mom drive several hours to take her to doctor’s appointments. Despite experiencing barriers to care and being urged to move closer to the city, she embraced her quiet life in the country. Through his work with The Center, Rod has come to fully understand what she loved most about rural living.
Rod earned his bachelor’s degree in media communications and his master’s degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of roles such as videographer, photographer, and freelance multimedia producer. He is a storyteller at heart and has a passion for helping organizations share their stories in new and exciting ways. In his role at The Center, he finds purpose in making a lasting impact on rural communities.
In his opinion, the most pressing need in Rural Health is the need to implement telehealth services. He says, through adequate funding, health care providers would be able to expand service lines and give rural patients an easier way to connect with medical professionals and receive the care they desperately need.
Outside of work, Rod loves riding his bike around his neighborhood. He also enjoys skateboarding and rollerblading.