AZ AARP HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY NEW ADVOCACY STATE DIRECTOR’S WORK

AARP Arizona is thrilled to have Brendon Blake as the new Associate State Director of Advocacy.  Brendon works as a member of the state team in collaboration with the national office to promote AARP’s strategic advocacy issues. He has been part of the AARP AZ State office team for the last 5 years, “It’s an honor and a pleasure to replace my mentor Steve Jennings and I am thrilled to be leading our advocacy efforts in the state” said Brendon. “Steve left an incredible foundation of relationships and achievements he spent years cultivating, I’m both humbled and confident in my ability to fill his shoes with the amazing team of staff and volunteers around me”.  His work during the past year as a Senior Program Specialist has resulted in increased AARP visibility at the AZ legislation and the AZ Corporation Commission with issues such as long-term care, utilities and Rx pricing to name a few.

Brendon is an Arizona native who grew up hiking around the Phoenix area. He left Arizona to complete his undergraduate degree in Psychology Concordia University in Irvine, California, returning home to complete both his Masters in Social Work and Public Administration at Arizona State. He began his career at AARP in 2017 after completing an internship with the organization during graduate school. In addition to his work at AARP, he serves on the board of a local nonprofit in the northwest Valley. The areas that Brendon is focused on include his work in transportation, affordable housing and homelessness, and long-term care.

“AARP is committed to enhancing its work in all communities,” says Blake. “We are creating transformational opportunities for Arizona residents and encourage them to Be the Change.” Brendon is married to his wife Lauren and they enjoy spending time together doing activities such as hiking, photography and traveling.  

To reach Brendon, please email him at bblake@aarp.org