Our Leadership Team
At Guide Anesthesia, our people are at the center of everything we do. Each leader brings experience, dedication, and compassion to advancing anesthesia care, ensuring we deliver the highest quality and value to patients and providers alike.
Joseph A. Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA
Chief Development Officer | Co-Founder
Joseph Rodriguez is the Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Guide Anesthesia. Having previously served in facility and regional clinical leadership roles, he transitioned into a primarily administrative role in 2020. Under his leadership, Guide Anesthesia has achieved sustained growth through strategic client partnerships. Joseph directs the company's growth initiatives and contract renewal activities.
With two decades of healthcare experience, Joseph began his career as an RN in 2005 before advancing to become a CRNA in 2012. He completed his doctorate in 2020, where his doctoral research focused on building healthcare organizations with professionals with overlapping scopes of practice.
Joseph's industry leadership extends beyond Guide Anesthesia through his service as president of the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and his board membership with the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. He serves as primary host of Anesthesia Deconstructed, an award-winning, top-ranked podcast in the anesthesia field, and maintains a faculty appointment at National University. His expertise has been featured in leading publications including The Washington Times, Anesthesiology News, The Arizona Capitol Times, and Outpatient Surgery. A recognized thought leader in anesthesia business strategy and clinical leadership, Joseph is a frequent speaker at industry conferences.
Ali Baghai, DNAP, CRNA
Chief Clinical Operations Officer | Co-Founder
Ali Baghai is a CRNA and the Chief Clinical Operations Officer of Guide Anesthesia. Since co-founding the company in 2014, Ali has played a pivotal role in shaping its clinical excellence, leadership structure, and multi-state expansion. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and provider autonomy, he leads operational strategy and supports site-level and regional clinical leadership across Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
Ali began his healthcare career in 2002 as a registered nurse and became a CRNA in 2009. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston College and later completed his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) at Midwestern University, where his scholarly work focused on expanding safe and effective use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). His clinical expertise is matched by a deep understanding of healthcare systems, change management, and legislative advocacy. He has been instrumental in advancing CRNA scope of practice through both organizational and statewide efforts, and continues to champion patient-centered, team-based models of care.
Ali is a dedicated educator and mentor, overseeing internal professional development through Guide Academy.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys travel, boating, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Randy Quinn, DNAP, CRNA
Chief Integration and Compliance Officer | Co-Founder
Randy Quinn is the Chief Integration and Compliance Officer for Guide Anesthesia, where he leads operational integration, compliance initiatives, and strategic growth across multiple states. A CRNA with extensive clinical experience, he has practiced in settings ranging from rural hospitals to high-volume surgical centers. Randy served on the Arizona State Board of Nursing for 10 years—nine of those as President—where he championed patient safety, nursing education, and the advancement of the profession.
Outside of work, Randy values time with his wife, their four children, and one grandchild. He enjoys mentoring anesthesia professionals, contributing to the future of the field, and finding balance between his professional commitments and family life. His leadership is grounded in evidence-based practice, regulatory expertise, and a deep dedication to helping both patients and colleagues thrive.
Howard Lazar, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Howard "Howie" Lazar serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Guide Anesthesia. With more than three decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lazar has held multiple leadership roles across Arizona, including Chairman of Anesthesia, Vice Chair of Credentials Committees, and Medical Executive Committee member within the Banner Health system. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at A.T. Still University.
Dr. Lazar joined Guide Anesthesia in 2022 and brings a steady, thoughtful approach to leadership. Known for his calm presence, insightful guidance, and sharp sense of humor, he is deeply respected by colleagues across disciplines. In 2024, he was honored as Physician of the Year by the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. As CMO, Dr. Lazar supports provider engagement, clinical quality initiatives, and organizational growth while continuing to practice as a physician anesthesiologist.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Lazar is an avid snow skier who enjoys making the most of the winter season. He is a passionate foodie who loves to cook and explore new cuisines. His travels often reflect a desire to experience the diversity of cultures, people, and places around the world.
Justin Sharp, MHA
Market President of Arizona and Texas
Justin has been with Guide since 2017 and has worn several hats and titles since then but his current role is Market President of Arizona and Texas. He oversees management of the Administrative team and coordination of services with clients.
Justin has a Masters of Health Administration degree as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management. He is also a member of the MGMA organization.
When not at work Justin enjoys time with his wife of 21 years, Jill, and their four kids. When free time is available he can often be found in the outdoors of Arizona enjoying hiking, fishing and hunting opportunities around the state.
