Tony Dapp

Tony Dapp held multiple positions over the 20 years he served in the United States Navy. He began working in the nuclear propulsion program, training to maintain the nuclear reactors that power submarines and aircraft carriers. He then became a Civil Engineer Corps Officer with the Seabees (CBs- Construction Battalion). In this position, he was responsible for leading engineering and construction efforts in the Navy across the globe. He served for two decades, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was an honor and a privilege for Dapp to serve in the Navy. He has a long family tradition of Military service with three generations before him dedicating their lives to serve the nation. Following in their path, Dapp proudly decided to serve.

Dapp was involved in a seven-month peacetime deployment in Africa where his team of Seabees built schools and medical clinics and drilled water wells. These Military operations (called Phase Zero) focus on humanity efforts and winning the hearts and minds of the people. Over the course of this deployment, he led various projects across three  continents and 26 countries, helping make a positive impact in those communities.

Dapp is married and has two daughters — the first named Honor after one of the three Navy core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. His second daughter, Sailor, also a name influenced by his Navy career, was born while he was deployed to Afghanistan. He was able to be a part of the birth of his daughter over Skype and met her for the first time when she was three months old.

Dapp acknowledges the hardship that family members are put through during a deployment. Military members are aware of their exposure to risk for the duration of the deployment, but often times loved ones back home live in a world of constant uncertainty. Family members are unaware of what could happen at any moment, and he commends them for their sacrifices and service to their country. It’s a sacrifice that may be equal to or greater than that of the Service Members themselves.

During his time in the Navy, Dapp learned the importance of strong leadership. He states that in the presence of a strong leader, other elements of a well-performing team can be greatly enhanced. A powerful and influential leader can be a force-multiplier, bringing the team together for a common cause and fostering an environment of inclusion that results in a diverse and well-rounded team. This lesson has followed him since retiring from the Navy and is one that has positively influenced his leadership style at Optum Serve.

Dapp retired from the U.S. Navy in 2011. After nine years at UnitedHealth Group and UnitedHealthcare, he is now the Optum Serve Vice President of Federal Programs. He has been responsible for helping increase access to quality care for Veterans and now also leads programs to support Service Members and their families.

His time in the Military has greatly influenced the work Dapp does at Optum Serve. He states that having a service background makes it easier to relate to the people that we serve. He has walked in their shoes. As a Veteran himself, he understands what Veterans and Service Members are thinking and feeling while trying to navigate the often-complex health care system. This allows Dapp to see them as individuals, not as a faceless beneficiary or a number in the system.