Crimson Conversations:
Addressing the Homelessness Crisis
Event Sponsors:
Rebecca Posten · David Roosevelt · John Sughrue
Cocktail Hour Hosts:
Vickie Allen · Theresa Chung
The miss
ion of Crimson Conversations is to provide a forum for engaging thoughtfully with today’s most complex issues. By fostering open dialogue and listening to diverse perspectives, we aim to leave participants with deeper, more nuanced understandings of difficult societal challenges, even when no easy solutions exist. Rooted in civility and curiosity, we aspire to spark continued reflection and conversation long after the program ends.
Solving homelessness is one of the most urgent, and most debated, challenges facing America today. Is the solution as simple as housing for all, or does it require deeper interventions around mental health, addiction, and employment? Should we invest in permanent housing or expand emergency shelters? Who bears responsibility: local governments, federal agencies, nonprofits, or the private sector?
This panel brings together experts with diverse perspectives to explore these tough questions head-on. The conversation will not shy away from complexities or disagreements. Instead, we aim to surface the tensions in current policy approaches and ask: Where can we agree? What’s working? What needs to change?
Whether you work in policy, care deeply about social justice, or simply want to understand the real story behind one of the country’s most visible issues, join us for a thoughtful, solutions-focused discussion that goes beyond the headlines.
About Our Speakers
Peter Brodsky is a Dallas-based philanthropist, real estate investor, community leader, and chair of the board of Housing Forward, the lead agency coordinating homelessness response in Dallas and Collin counties. Through a majority-owned company, Peter owns The Shops at RedBird (formerly known as Southwest Center Mall and, prior to that, Red Bird Mall). He is investing in the property to restore it to a place of pride and quality in the community. Prior to acquiring RedBird, Peter was a founder and partner of HBC Investments LLC and a partner at the private equity firm of HM Capital Partners and its predecessor, Hicks Muse. Peter holds a bachelor’s in Russian literature from Yale College.
Sarah Kahn is President & CEO of Housing Forward (previously Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance). the lead agency of the homeless response system in Dallas and Collin counties. For over 20 years, Sarah has pioneered solution-focused interventions, informing public policy and mobilizing systems to solve homelessness. She has worked alongside communities to improve homeless response systems in the U.S. and internationally. Sarah holds an MSW from the University of Kansas.
Mark Nunnelly is a Senior Managing Director at Ashford Inc., where he has served since 1988. He previously held the position of Chief Accounting Officer for Ashford Inc. and its two publicly-traded REITs. A Certified Public Accountant in Texas, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science from Pepperdine University and a Master of Tax from the University of Houston. He is an active member of the Dallas Regional Chamber and has worked for many years on homeless solutions, bringing together top business executives, state government leaders, and community partners to implement solutions that make the City of Dallas a better place to live and work.
DETAILS:
Date: November 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm CT
Wine and Beer Social Hour: 5:30pm - 6:30pm CT
Dinner and Conversation: 6:30pm -9:00pm CT
Location: Cafe 43, George Bush Presidential Library, 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205
Attire: Business casual
Cost: HCD Members: $70
HCD Members may bring one additional guest at the member price
Non-Members: $75
NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 31, 2025
If tickets are sold out, please contact Velda to be placed on the waitlist. We will contact you if we have a cancellation.
Questions: Call or email: 469-431-1436 or velda@sacleadership.com.