MF_MATFORCE Announces New Board Member, Thanks Retiring Board Member_nov2020

With integrity and determination we, the citizens of Yavapai County, commit to working in partnership to build healthier communities by striving to eliminate substance abuse and its effects For Immediate Release November 2, 2020 Contact: Nikki Rosson, Marketing & Outreach Manager (520) 831-4488 nrosson@matforceaz.org MATFORCE Announces New Board Member, Thanks Retiring Board Member Yavapai County, AZ – MATFORCE, an anti-drug organization that educates and raises awareness about substance abuse issues, announces the appointment of Chief Steve Gesell, Chief of Police for the City of Cottonwood to their Board of Directors A respected leader and collaborator, Chief Gesell has served the public for over 30 years, the last decade as Chief Executive for two police departments in Arizona and California With a highly diverse professional background in policing and distinguished career, Chief Gesell was appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Cottonwood in 2016 Teaching has been a passion throughout Chief Gesell’s career, instructing at Arizona's largest police academy, as an adjunct community college professor, and most recently as an adjunct instructor for Northwestern University He has experience working with governmental entities, non-profits, business, and educational institutions at all levels Chief Gesell holds an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies with a minor in psychology from Arizona State University, as well as a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University He is also a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command in addition to the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration's Drug Unit Commanders Academy After years of service and dedication to building healthier communities, long time board member, Dr Leon Cattolico announced his retirement in October Dr Cattolico was instrumental in effecting change at the state and local level regarding the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, specifically opioids He was a champion for the cause, speaking with state and national organizations to reduce barriers to prescription drug monitoring use, advocating for changes in regulations for practitioner education and participation in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and more In 2013, Dr Cattolico was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and in 2015, the Hon Kachina Volunteer Award for his work with MATFORCE Dr Cattolico’s dedication and service to our community will be missed Merilee Fowler, Executive Director of MATFORCE, remarked on these changes “It has been an honor to work with Dr Cattolico For the past several years, he has worked tirelessly to combat the opioid epidemic MATFORCE is grateful for his service We look forward to our continued work with Chief Gesell in his role as a Board member.” For more information about MATFORCE please visit matforce.org ### Photo file: Gesell 2017.jpg Photo caption: Cottonwood Chief of Police Steve Gesell appointed to the MATFORCE Board of Directors in November 2020 8056 E Valley Rd., Ste B ~ Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 (928) 708-0100 matforce@cableone.net matforce.org Photo file: lmcdo315.jpg Photo caption: Dr Leon Cattolico retired from the MATFORCE Board of Directors after almost a decade of service MATFORCE is a community organization that educates and raises awareness about substance abuse issues, and advocates for policy change throughout Yavapai County With over 200 active volunteers, MATFORCE encompasses the belief that stopping drug use before it starts through primary prevention strategies is an essential part of building healthier communities Programs of MATFORCE include drug prevention education in the schools, the Yavapai Reentry Project, Trauma Lens Care, public awareness and education campaigns, and advocating for policy change at the state and local level For more information about MATFORCE visit matforce.org or our family of websites: MarijuanaHarnlessThinkAgain.org | OpioidOD.com | YavapaiReentryProject.org | TraumaLensCare.org | SACLAz.org ...Photo file: lmcdo315.jpg Photo caption: Dr Leon Cattolico retired from the MATFORCE Board of Directors after almost a decade of service MATFORCE is a community organization that educates