Program Guide

Session Presentation Resources

Meet your 2022 Keynote Speakers

Dr. Christopher Thornberg

Founder of Beacon Economics LLC

Christopher Thornberg founded Beacon Economics LLC in 2006. Under his leadership the firm has become one of the most respected research organizations in California serving public and private sector clients across the United States. In 2015, Dr. Thornberg also became Director of the UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development and an Adjunct Professor at the School.

An expert in economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy, and labor and real estate markets, Dr. Thornberg has consulted for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies. He became nationally known for forecasting the subprime mortgage market crash that began in 2007, and was one of the few economists on record to predict the global economic recession that followed. Dr. Thornberg holds a Ph.D in Business Economics from The Anderson School at UCLA, and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Derek Clark

Author, Speaker, Survivor, & Trauma Informed

Motivational Speaker Derek Clark’s life is one of resilience and redemption. As a child, he suffered unthinkable child abuse, abandonment and emotional distress before being turned over to the psychiatric hospital at age five. His 13 years in the San Francisco bay area foster care system reflected an early life of humiliation, aggression, emotional distress, overwhelming anxiety, and being wrongfully labeled. Eventually, with the help of foster parents, a fantastic social worker and mentors, he defied the artificial limitations imposed upon him. Derek knows first-hand how to cope with adversity and overcome hardship. His past has never held him back from accomplishing what he set his heart and mind to.

Derek is an inspiring motivational speaker/trainer. His popular keynotes are “The Power of Resilience and Redemption: From Brutal Trauma to Triumph” and “You Cannot Think Negative About a Child and Expect a Positive Outcome.” He is the author of seven books including Disable the Label: Never Limit the Potential of a Child, Never Limit Your Life, and the I Will Never Give Up book series. Derek’s true-life trials and personal triumphs have inspired organizations worldwide with his message of resilience, hope, courage, unwavering perseverance, and redemption. He recently received the International Foster Care Award through SOS Children’s Village where they are located in 134 countries helping and protecting children.

Derek has also been a featured expert on CNN Headline News, The Steve Harvey TV Show, The Ricki Lake TV Show and other TV shows around the world. Recently, Derek has become a viral video sensation for his “Rapping Dad” videos which have had over 250 million social media views.

William J. Doherty, PhD

Family Therapist and Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota

Bill Doherty is a family therapist and Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. Braver Angels now has volunteers working in all 50 states. Bill has presented frequently to county commissioners in Minnesota and nationally. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy.

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