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Amanda Beswick began her career in mental health services at a time when large institutions were being closed and long-term patients were returning to the community. Housing issues were a significant barrier to people trying to rebuild their lives. As a result of this experience she pursued a career developing affordable housing, which culminated in a ‘special initiatives’ role at the Peabody Trust, one of London largest affordable housing providers. Ms. Beswick then moved on to the Oak Foundation, where over 17 years she built up a significant program of UK and US grant-making designed to address homelessness. Under her leadership the program expanded from service delivery to advocacy; broadened to encompass poverty as a major driver of homelessness; adopted a social rights lens and strategic litigation as an instrument for change; and recognized the part played by research, learning and capacity building. She recently left Oak Foundation to pursue independent work. Ms. Beswick holds a B.A. in psychology and english from Lancaster University and an MSc in policy studies from the University of Bristol.

Charles Branas is Gelman Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University. Dr. Branas has conducted research that extends from urban and rural areas in the US to communities across the globe, incorporating place-based interventions and human geography. His pioneering work on access to medical care has changed the healthcare landscape, leading to the designation of new hospitals and a series of national scientific replications in the US and other countries. His research on gun violence has been cited by landmark Supreme Court decisions, Congress, and the NIH Director. Dr. Branas has also led large-scale scientific work to transform thousands of vacant lots, abandoned buildings and other blighted spaces in improving the health and safety of entire communities. He has led multi-national efforts, producing extensive cohorts of developing nation scientists, national health programs, and worldwide press coverage.

Marland Buckner serves as co-founder and principal of MB2 Solutions LLC, a social impact focused public affairs firm with offices in Washington, DC, and Richmond, VA. Buckner previously served as Director of Federal Government Affairs for Microsoft Corporation in Washington, DC, where he worked closely with senior leadership and executive staff to integrate Microsoft’s philanthropic, policy, and political efforts. Buckner has served as a policy analyst at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and the Progressive Policy Institute, and his writings have appeared in a variety of publications, and he frequently serves as a commentator and panelist on policy and political issues. Mr. Buckner completed his doctoral examinations at the College of William and Mary and holds a certificate in Business Administration from Georgetown University.

Amanda Beswick began her career in mental health services at a time when large institutions were being closed and long-term patients were returning to the community. Housing issues were a significant barrier to people trying to rebuild their lives. As a result of this experience she pursued a career developing affordable housing, which culminated in a ‘special initiatives’ role at the Peabody Trust, one of London largest affordable housing providers. Ms. Beswick then moved on to the Oak Foundation, where over 17 years she built up a significant program of UK and US grant-making designed to address homelessness. Under her leadership the program expanded from service delivery to advocacy; broadened to encompass poverty as a major driver of homelessness; adopted a social rights lens and strategic litigation as an instrument for change; and recognized the part played by research, learning and capacity building. She recently left Oak Foundation to pursue independent work. Ms. Beswick holds a B.A. in psychology and english from Lancaster University and an MSc in policy studies from the University of Bristol.

Charles Branas is Gelman Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University. Dr. Branas has conducted research that extends from urban and rural areas in the US to communities across the globe, incorporating place-based interventions and human geography. His pioneering work on access to medical care has changed the healthcare landscape, leading to the designation of new hospitals and a series of national scientific replications in the US and other countries. His research on gun violence has been cited by landmark Supreme Court decisions, Congress, and the NIH Director. Dr. Branas has also led large-scale scientific work to transform thousands of vacant lots, abandoned buildings and other blighted spaces in improving the health and safety of entire communities. He has led multi-national efforts, producing extensive cohorts of developing nation scientists, national health programs, and worldwide press coverage.