Judge Block was appointed to the bench in 2013. Born in Centerville, IA, he received his associate arts degree from IHCC in 1977, his bachelor's degree from Drake University in 1979, and his law degree, with honors from Drake University in 1981. Judge Block was in private practice for thirty-one years in Ankeny, Iowa until his appointment. He has taught at Grand View University and served two terms on the Ankeny School Board, and four terms on the Ankeny City Council. Two years prior to his appointment to the bench, he was the COO/General Counsel for the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Judge Block is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations and the Iowa Judges Association.