Board of Directors

  • Josh Baron - President, Founder

    Josh is the founder of Run For Sobriety. He recently celebrated his 4th year of sobriety at the event this year and is an avid ultramarathon runner. He is passionate about mental health and inspiring others to unlock their true fitness potential as a direct result from overcoming his alcohol addiction by replacing it with healthy activities. Lately, Josh has started coaching runners for their first races or PRs. He has coached over a dozen athletes to success ranging from half marathons to 50k Ultra distances.

  • Natalie Varga - Vice-President, Treasurer

    Natalie works as a Project Manager within the Mental Health and Substance Use portfolio at Fraser Health. She is currently working on developing new, low-barrier recovery services and advocating for substance use voices to be heard throughout projects and initiatives. Natalie tries to keep up with Josh’s running but sticks to her half marathon distances (so far). She is passionate about helping this organization grow and supporting people that have been affected by substance use and addiction.

  • Brock Fast - Event Coordination

    Brock has been running every day since September of 2022 in a mission to bring the joy and positivity he experienced through this activity to others. Brock is the Event Director for Noel Booth Community Parkrun and the Ambassador for Parkrun BC, and has had the privilege to watch the community grow through running!

  • Claudia Ivanova - Secretary

    Claudia works as the Head of Human Resources at FISPAN, a Vancouver growth stage company. In addition to building programs and implementing structures for the people at FISPAN, Claudia participates in the company’s weekly jogging club and has started competing in long distance triathlons. Claudia is passionate about helping the R4S organization expand in order to help as many people suffering or that have been affected by mental health and substance use as possible.

  • R Cole Izsak - Advisory Council

    Cole is a man in long-term recovery and the founder of Back On Track Recovery. Since its inception in 2012, Back On Track has helped thousands of men and women, offering them a solution to addiction, mental health and homelessness.  Cole has received several awards for his work and dedication, won the Medal of Good Citizenship and sits on several boards for organizations serving the community.

  • Dan Connop - Advisory Council

    Dan is a dedicated Learning and Development professional with over 30 years of sobriety, bringing both personal insight and professional expertise to support others on their path to wellness. An avid runner and a certified Mental Health First Aid provider, Dan is a passionate mental health advocate committed to destigmatizing mental health challenges and promoting resilience. Deeply invested in community service, Dan actively gives back and is honored to serve as a Director for Run for Sobriety, helping to empower others through the healing power of movement and community.