Who We Are
Ben Schwartz, MD, Chair
Ben has an established record as an innovator and entrepreneur in medicine. He was a pioneer in urgent care, having established locations around the Portland Metro Area that are still in service today under new ownership.
While treating patients in an urgent care setting, he observed the need for addictions services and the efficacy of buprenorphine assisted treatment. The clinics he founded thereafter, Recovery Works NW, have gone on to serve thousands of Oregonians with whole-person addictions care.
Ben is dedicating the final chapter of his career to addressing the systemic deficiencies he has noted over a decade of operating within the continuum of substance use disorder care.
Joe Bazeghi, MBA
Joe is a tireless advocate for a more humane response to the human condition of substance addictions. His is proud to be credentialed as an Internal Family Systems (IFS) trained Certified Recovery Mentor in his home state of Oregon.
Susan Jeffords
Susan Jeffords is an experienced leader with over 30 years in higher education administration, most recently as Provost at Portland State University. Motivated by experiences in her own family, she is committed to bringing her leadership and organizational experience to improving treatment for those who struggle with addictions.
Bryan Schwartz, MD
After graduating from Emory University with a BA in computer sciences, Bryan completed his Doctor of Medicine at NY Medical Collage. He returned to his hometown of Portland, Oregon and in January, 2015 joined Recovery Works Northwest as Chief Executive Officer and co-owner.
Justine Avera
Justine Avera is a 30+ year commercial insurance veteran and brings her passion to supporting diverse organizations and entrepreneurs in their missions. Specializing in technology, cyber security, professional liability, medical malpractice, and health and human services, she works closely with her clients to leverage resources and navigate insurance options. She is a frequent speaker on insurance and risk management topics which highlight how collaboration and strategic problem solving can increase organizational resiliency in the face of an increasingly volatile and changing threat landscape.
Art Richards
Art Richards, a native Oregonian, began his insurance career in 1982 at Sedgwick (now Marsh) as a commercial lines producer. He worked in the Public Entity and Medical Professional Liability Departments, addressing the insurance needs of large businesses, cities, counties, and school districts, as well as placing MPL insurance for physicians and clinics.
In 1992, Art joined ABI Insurance, focusing exclusively on medical professional liability insurance. He represents The Doctor’s Company and Medical Protective, two of the largest medical malpractice insurers in the U.S., and has assisted many physicians and medical groups in obtaining coverage in the non-standard medical malpractice market.