After three decades of dedication to wellness and fitness, Brad Roy is stepping down from his position as the executive director of the Logan Health Medical Fitness Center. Throughout his distinguished career, Roy has integrated the power of exercise into both his professional philosophy and day-to-day operations at the center.
“Exercise isn’t just about taking care of your heart, lungs, and muscles; it also provides significant benefits for your brain,” Roy said, reflecting on his career’s core principles.
A San Diego native, Roy’s passion for fitness began in high school, where he excelled in track and cross-country. At Carlsbad High School, he broke several school records and earned the title of Athlete of the Year during his senior year. His success continued at the collegiate level, where he studied exercise science and physical education while competing in both sports.
After graduating, Roy returned to Carlsbad, where he worked as a substitute teacher and coach, expanding the high school’s track and cross-country programs. “To me, success is if I find you 50 years from now and you’re still running,” Roy said with a smile, referencing his former students. “They’re all still running.”
Roy’s career in fitness took off from there, eventually leading him to his executive director role at Logan Health’s fitness center, formerly known as The Summit. The facility offers a wide range of wellness programs, including aquatics, tennis, youth programs, fitness training, and comprehensive wellness services.
A Journey Through Fitness and Wellness
Roy’s passion for fitness extended beyond his coaching career. After earning a master’s degree in exercise physiology from San Diego State University, he ran his first marathon, finishing in third place. His relentless drive led him to run the marathon again the following year, securing a gold medal. Roy later completed the Boston Marathon and Nike Marathon in under 2.5 hours.
In the early 1980s, Roy conducted research on the effects of altitude on endurance training in Mammoth Lakes, California, which further fueled his interest in the science behind fitness. After completing his master’s degree, he worked for a cardiologist in Bishop, California, before joining Athletes in Action, a Christian sports ministry. Roy eventually relocated to Eugene, Oregon, with the organization, where he met his wife and began his hospital career.
At Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Roy worked for 13 years at the Oregon Heart Center, where he founded a cardiopulmonary exercise testing lab. During this time, he earned a doctorate in clinical exercise physiology from Columbia Pacific University.
Roy’s move to Logan Health in 1995 marked a significant turning point in his career. When he saw an advertisement for the director position at a newly proposed medical fitness center, he was inspired by discussions with cardiologists at the hospital system. He applied for the position and was hired in October. Roy played a key role in opening the facility—now Logan Health Medical Fitness Center— in January 1996.
The vision for the center was to create a hybrid of an athletic club with a wellness-focused approach. “The vision really was an athletic club with a wellness twist to it,” Roy explained, drawing inspiration from the Rochester Athletic Club in Minnesota.
Roy’s contributions to Logan Health’s fitness programs are vast. He expanded cardiopulmonary rehabilitation practices, relocated the rehab program to the fitness center floor to integrate patients into regular fitness routines, and launched a children’s program. Roy also secured funding for research projects and developed a health coaching program for athletes and patients.
Looking Back on a Legacy of Care
Despite the impressive programs offered by the center, Roy emphasizes that the staff is what truly makes it special. “The Summit was a ministry of people,” he said. “It’s about taking care of patients, offering constructive outlets for kids, and improving people’s health and well-being.”
Jonnette Sibson, a seasoned staff member who has been with the center for nearly two decades, will succeed Roy as the new executive director. Roy expressed confidence in Sibson’s leadership, noting that she is well-equipped to continue the center’s mission of wellness and care.
As Roy retires, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, coaching youth sports, and continuing to visit the gym. Though he is stepping down from his official role, Roy’s passion for fitness and wellness remains as strong as ever.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said with a laugh.
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