Opioid use disorder shows up in workplaces across Arizona, affecting employees, teams, and organizational culture, often in ways leaders feel unprepared to address. Building Stigma-Free Workplaces: A Leadership Conversation brings business and organizational leaders together for an intimate, invitation-only convening grounded in lived experience, peer dialogue, and expert insight.
This is not a lecture or large conference. Through personal storytelling, a cross-sector panel, and facilitated small-group conversations alongside individuals with lived experience, participants will explore how stigma impacts recovery and what employers can do to respond with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Leaders will leave with greater understanding, reduced stigma, and practical considerations for building more supportive, recovery-ready workplaces.
April 23, 2026 | 7:30-9:00 a.m. MST
7:30–7:40 a.m.
7:40–7:55 a.m
Opening & Story of Recovery
A powerful personal story from an individual with lived experience, grounding the conversation in the human impact of opioid use disorder.
7:55–8:15 a.m
Panel Discussion: Perspectives from Business, Lived Experience & Healthcare
A moderated discussion featuring:
8:15–8:50 a.m
Facilitated Small Group Conversations
Participants engage in guided small-group dialogue alongside individuals with lived experience and peer leaders.
Conversations will focus on reflection, shared learning, and practical employer-driven responses. The goal will be for leaders to leave with reduced stigma around OUD and humanizing the reality of SUD and that it’s an illness that needs to be treated compassionately.
8:50–9:00 a.m
Closing Reflections & Next Steps
Group reflections and an overview of available resources and opportunities for continued engagement.
Scott Gates is the Co-Founder and CEO of Awake Window & Door Co., a Gilbert, Arizona-based manufacturer of luxury aluminum window and door systems for modern architecture. Since launching the company in 2020 with Maria Gates, Andrew Darr, and John Engelstad, Scott has focused on building world-class products and a world-class culture. Under his leadership, Awake is known for refined, high-performance systems that minimize sightlines and maximize glass, reflected in the brand promise, “Less us. More view.” The company serves architects, builders, and homeowners across North America with precision-engineered solutions. Awake operates on a second-chance employment model, with more than half of its 100+ employees being justice-involved. Scott believes craftsmanship, accountability, and opportunity can scale together. He frequently speaks on mission-driven manufacturing, culture, entrepreneurship, and second-chance hiring as a competitive advantage.
Fellowship Director, Chief Medical Information Officer, HonorHealth
Dr Norquist serves as the CMIO for HonorHealth as well as the Clinical Informatics Fellowship Director. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine as well as Clinical Informatics and is an EPIC physician builder. Prior to becoming CMIO, he was the first Patient Safety Officer for HonorHealth, has been a Chief of Staff, as well as Chair of Emergency Medicine. Having been a leader in the medical staff for almost 20 years, he has strong relationships in many areas of the network. His emphasis is on provider wellbeing, use of clinical decision support, and Health IT safety and the balance of them each in a functioning system. He is a veteran of the US Navy, as well as alumni of San Diego State University and Harvard Medical School. When away from work and the Hospital, he enjoys reading, cooking, travelling, trail running, cycling, and triathlons.
Director of Community and Public Relations, Community Medical Services
John Koch is the Director of Community and Public Relations at Community Medical Services and serves as the President to the board of directors for The Barbell Saves Project. Mr. Koch helps lead Community Medical Services (CMS) national business development efforts and is also an advocate of those experiencing substance use disorder at a government level. Since starting with CMS, John has helped work with a team to open forty-nine opioid treatment programs nationwide, as well as opening the first 24/7 opioid treatment program in the United States. John is alumni of Arizona’s Valley Leadership program, which helps lead the change on pressing issues such as health and education. He also volunteers his time dispensing the lifesaving medication naloxone to those experiencing homelessness throughout Phoenix.
Industrial Real Estate Advisor,
Cresa
David Perez is an Industrial Real Estate Advisor with Cresa, where he helps businesses make strategic, tenant-focused real estate decisions. He also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to community impact. With six years of sobriety, David brings a powerful personal perspective to the conversation around substance use in the workplace. Having overcome significant challenges, he has built a life grounded in purpose, service, and leadership. At this event, David shares his journey from adversity to achievement, offering insight on how businesses can foster supportive environments for those navigating recovery.
Justin Proulx is the Director of Vocational Services at New Freedom, where he leads workforce development initiatives supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration and substance use disorder. Drawing on his lived experience with recovery and reentry, Justin is a passionate advocate for second-chance employment and the role meaningful work plays in rebuilding lives and communities. Through vocational training and employer partnerships, he works to create pathways to long-term stability for those returning home. Justin is an MBA candidate at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and an alumnus of Valley Leadership.
Arizona Community Impact Manager, Community Medical Services
Desiree Auge is the Community Impact Manager for Arizona at Community Medical Services. With more than six years of experience and lived expertise navigating homelessness, incarceration, and recovery, she brings a deeply compassionate and person-centered approach to her work. Beginning her career as a Peer Support and later serving on the Correctional Health Team, Desiree has focused on supporting justice-involved individuals and expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), harm reduction, and community-based care. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University.
Director of Community and Public Relations, Community Medical Services
John Koch is the Director of Community and Public Relations at Community Medical Services and serves as the President to the board of directors for The Barbell Saves Project. Mr. Koch helps lead Community Medical Services (CMS) national business development efforts and is also an advocate of those experiencing substance use disorder at a government level. Since starting with CMS, John has helped work with a team to open forty-nine opioid treatment programs nationwide, as well as opening the first 24/7 opioid treatment program in the United States. John is alumni of Arizona’s Valley Leadership program, which helps lead the change on pressing issues such as health and education. He also volunteers his time dispensing the lifesaving medication naloxone to those experiencing homelessness throughout Phoenix.
Indirect Building & Construction Sales, Bron Tapes
My name is EJ. I have 11 years of sobriety from opiate addiction. Getting sober was the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It allowed me to start two successful branches for my company Bron Tapes. I started Georgia in 2015 with about 1 year in recovery. I exclusively hired other addicts and we worked hard to build the branch into a multi million dollar location. After 5 years I moved my young Family to Chicago to start another branch. Again with the help of other addicts we built that into a multi million revenue stream for the company. Recently Bron was sold to Private equity which was a very successful transition. This allowed me and my family to move here to Phoenix. I feel my true purpose is to be of service to other addicts and help bring awareness around the opiate addiction disorder.
