Community Impact Committee

The Oakland Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Committee proudly presents The Path Forward: Oakland Chamber on Housing and Houseless Policy Forum. Moderated by Blaze Bova, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, this session will dive into:

• The current scope and evolving impact of homelessness in our region
• How for-profit and nonprofit entities can collaborate to support those experiencing housing insecurity
• Policy innovations, community solutions, and next steps to bolster coordinated action

Featured Panelists:
 

Joanne Karchmer, Chief Impact Officer, All Home

With over 20 years at the nexus of public policy and human services, Joanne previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf—where she spearheaded homelessness response and immigrant rights initiatives. She began her career as a public interest lawyer and has directed policy efforts across Uptown from HomeBase to UC Berkeley’s public interest law program.

Jonathan Russell, Director, Alameda County Health Housing & Homelessness Services

Prior to his appointment in 2024, he served as Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at Bay Area Community Services (BACS), where he led strategic planning, policy, and housing development initiatives across the region. His work is grounded in racial and housing justice, informed by years of leading programs from Los Angeles to the Bay Area. Jonathan holds a PhD from Claremont Graduate University and lives in Oakland on Ohlone Chochenyo land.

Emily Weinstein, Director, Housing & Community Development, City of Oakland

A lifelong Oaklander with 20+ years driving affordable housing initiatives, Emily was recently appointed permanent Director after serving as Deputy Director. Her career includes leadership roles at BRIDGE Housing, where she spearheaded trauma-informed community building and guided the City’s investment of $350 million in Measure U bond funds for the City of Oakland.

 

Tomiquia Moss, Secretary, California Business, Consumer Services & Housing Agency

Appointed in November 2023 (sworn in February 2024), Tomiquia leads 12 entities and 40+ boards dedicated to safe, affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Previously founding CEO of All Home and CEO of Hamilton Families, she brings 20+ years in public policy, civil rights, and community development. She’s been Chief of Staff in San Francisco and Oakland, led the HOPE SF initiative, chaired SPUR, and continues co-chairing Cal-ICH.