Keynote Speakers
Amanda Daflos
Executive Director, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University
Amanda Daflos, the inaugural Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, brings more than 25 years of experience in government transformation and public innovation to her role. Most recently, as the Director of Los Angeles Innovation Team (i-team) and the city’s Chief Innovation Officer, she oversaw responses to urgent and long-standing issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, gender equity in city services and operations, police hiring and recruitment, future of work, employee benefits, and affordable housing. Daflos also lead the effort to pass paid parental leave citywide and implemented consequential projects like MyVoiceLA and a five year effort to transform housing policy to recognize and incentivize accessory dwelling units as an important part of the solution to Los Angeles’ housing crisis.
Recognized as the leading government influencer among the Top 100 Local Government Leaders in 2018 by Engaging Local Government Leaders, Daflos’ work was also recognized as a Fast Company World Changing Idea. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Fast Company, and U.S. News and World Reports. Previous to her mayoral appointment, Daflos worked for Deloitte Consulting where she was a leader in the public sector practice for nearly a decade. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Angela Brooks, FAICP
President-Elect, American Planning Association
Angela is the Illinois Program Director for the Corporation for Supportive Housing working to improve capacity throughout the state to house and support vulnerable populations. She previously served as the development manager for the Chicago Housing Authority. Her career has focused on improving housing and ensuring equitable access. She is a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners and holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of New Orleans, and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Jackson State University. As an active member of APA, Angela has served on the Board of Directors and as chair of the Housing and Community Development Division. She is vice president of membership for Lambda Alpha International and a past member of the City of Seattle Planning Commission. When not working to improve housing opportunities, Angela is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, a triathlete and an active commuter and road cyclist. She is also a living organ donor.