John Sapero has more than 22 years of experience in HIV/AIDS activities, including peer education, advocacy, fundraising, policy development and program management. Upon his HIV diagnosis in 1989, John entered medical care via the Ryan White program. In 1999, John was appointed to the Phoenix EMA Ryan White Planning Council as a consumer representative, serving as Council Chair and later as Secretary during his tenure. Since 2004, John has been the Program Coordinator for the Planning Council. In this role, he has facilitated the transition of the Council from an interest-driven, adversarial group to that of a data-driven, highly collaborative team that has received local and national recognition for innovative responses to the needs of the local HIV community.