Meet Our Team
As a non-profit organization, we believe that the successful execution of our mission and growth plans begins with strong leadership
Board of Directors
Nick Williams
CHAIR
Nick Williams is the CEO of both R.I.S.E LLC and the American Subcontractor’s Association of Colorado. He has chaired the AGC Mental Health Working Group since 2021. He is a graduate of the Total Worker Health program at the Colorado School of Public Health. His avid passion for improving mental health in construction is rooted in the loss of loved ones, but grown in the calling to enhance and save lives of those that are still with us. He loves travelling the world with his wife and son, is almost always with his West Highland Terriers named Pacey and Joey, and is an avid consumer of all things pop culture.
Josephina Carlacci-King
VICE CHAIR
Josephina Carlacci-King is the Senior Sales Manager for the Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites Denver Downtown Convention Center and an Ambassador for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about building relationships, connecting people, and creating experiences that bring communities together. Her connection to Recovery Friendly Leader began when she helped plan and execute the organization’s inaugural Leadership Social. After learning more about the mission, she knew she wanted to be involved in advancing the important work of supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use and helping organizations create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures. Having lost her father to addiction at the age of 18, Josephina understands the far-reaching impact substance use can have on families and communities. She is honored to support Recovery Friendly Leader’s mission and help create environments where people are empowered to thrive.
Cheryl Merriwether, MHR, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CM, CPRC, CRSS
SECRETARY
Cheryl is the Co-founder, Vice President, and Executive Director of the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (ICARE), a non-profit dedicated to addressing global substance misuse and addiction. With over two decades of leadership in corporate management, wellbeing, HR, adult education, and recovery awareness, Cheryl oversees ICARE’s administration, operations, strategic planning, partnerships, and business development for ICARE Workforce Solutions™, the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC), and the NET Institute Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. As the Immediate Past President of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Development (GOSHRM), Cheryl led the organization to win SHRM’s Pinnacle Award for training HR professionals on workplace substance misuse. As a thought leader in recovery-friendly workplaces, Cheryl understands the importance of workforce inclusion. With her extensive HR, training, and education background, Cheryl is thrilled to advance the work of Recovery Friendly Leader to transform individual lives and workplaces.
Bradley Ullrich, CPA
TREASURER
Bradley provides accounting, finance, and information systems transformation with a rare blend of technical rigor and entrepreneurial spirit. A CPA by training and former Growth-Group leader at Moss Adams, he provided assurance and advisory services to over 65 clients across virtually all industries. After building his skills, knowledge, and expertise in public accounting, he subsequently founded a high-impact advisory practice specializing in fractional CFO engagements, audit readiness, and systems implementation—helping businesses build financial infrastructures that are both resilient and forward-looking. His passion for addiction and recovery-related causes motivates his efforts in his role as our Treasurer. At home, Bradley is a proud father of two who cherishes spending time with them and can be found on the ski slopes or golf course during his other free time.
Monica Jacobs
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Monica Jacobs is the founder of Copper Penny Coaching, a coaching and consulting practice built on a simple premise: fix systems, not symptoms. With 20+ years spanning both the operations and people side of the construction industry, she brings a rare combination of operational credibility and authentic insight to the leaders and teams she works with. Her own recovery journey is what drew her to Recovery Friendly Leader because recovery deserves more than awareness. It deserves action, advocacy, and workplaces brave enough to do the uncomfortable work. As Fundraising Chair, that’s exactly what she does. When she’s not at it, Monica’s somewhere new in the world, mid-creative-project, or hanging at home with her family, dogs and chickens.
Stephen Rotter, Attorney
LEGAL ADVISOR
Stephen Rotter is an Employment Law Attorney who focuses on helping companies create and maintain healthy, safe workplaces. Stephen’s firm, The Workplace Counsel™️, helps clients address company culture, implement progressive policies, and protect their workforce, including legal compliance and employee needs. Stephen regularly assists clients with the review and implementation of policies and practices that address mental health, substance use, and recovery in the workplace. Stephen’s expertise also includes related management training and support, which directly aligns with the work of Recovery Friendly Leader. Stephen is excited and honored to be a part of the organization and strives to effectuate positive change in the workplace for those in recovery or who are facing challenges with substance use.
Staff
John Narine, DBA, CEAP, CPFS.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. John Narine is a person in recovery. John is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and received his Doctorate in Business Administration by completing a qualitative research study on Leadership Strategies to Prevent Substance Abuse Relapse and Optimize Business Viability. He is also the author of Leading Workplace Addiction, which is heavily based on his research conducted, and founder of Recovery Friendly Leader. As an employee who has struggled with addiction, John understands and can relate to others who constantly live-in fear of being judged or fired while trying to keep up demand. John is a passionate recovery advocate who is wholeheartedly committed to the success of Recovery Friendly Workplaces.
Alumni
Tim Wackenreuter
Board Member
Melinda Dorn
Board Member
Jennifer Young
Board Member
Ryan “Willy” Sorila
Board Member
Marcie Phillis
Board Member
Andrew Chiala
Intern
We are a mission-driven organization empowering leaders with recovery based solutions for businesses to thrive. A Project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, operating as a 501(c)(3).
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