Speakers

When Kerrie Wilson was presented with The Commonwealth Institute’s Virginia Legacy Award in 2016, she was described as “a tireless advocate for positive change on issues that strengthen families and communities in Virginia.” With over 35 years’ experience in advocacy, policy development, and nonprofit leadership in the field of health and human services, and multiple awards recognizing her achievements, Kerrie holds fast to the vision of a community where all have equitable access to the resources they need to participate and prosper. As CEO of the Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstones and its affiliate, Cornerstones Housing Corporation, Kerrie has helped create that community through innovative and strategic partnerships, impactful programs, and successful advocacy for those whose voices needs to be heard.

Dr. Watson is a Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her policy research focuses on public health risk assessment, crisis and risk-based decision making, public health and healthcare preparedness and response, biodefense, and emerging infectious disease preparedness and response. She also conducts research on the funding and management of biodefense and health security in the US federal government.

Senator Favola represents parts of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun and has been a leader on the Arlington County Board and on various Northern Virginia regional commissions.  The Senator will talk about the work and accomplishiments of the State Assembly over the past year and provide some comments on the economic impact of Covid-19 on the Virginia economy and budget.