AI for Impact: How State and Local Governments Can Build the Workforce of Tomorrow

Mary Beth Carroll

Justice Involved Populations Director, SAS Institute

Leah Burton

Principal Higher Education Industry Consultant, SAS Institute

Leah Burton began her role as Principal Higher Education Industry Consultant in the SAS Education Practice in 2022. Prior to that, she spent 22 years at North Carolina State University, building the award-winning Centennial Campus, launching the industry partnership office, and contributing to the university’s world-renowned stature as an innovative and engaged public university. Leah is committed to helping educational institutions leverage data to drive student success, faculty success and operational efficiency. At SAS Institute, she works closely with higher education institutions and workforce entities to transform a world of data into a world of intelligence. The use of data analytics to optimize decisions makes a positive impact on our education system, driving workforce readiness and building communities that thrive. Leah serves on the Board of Directors of AURP, an international association dedicated to building communities of innovation, most recently serving as the President of the Board. She also serves on the Board of TLC, a Raleigh nonprofit empowering individuals of all abilities to live their fullest life.

Dr. Meg Schaeffer

Global Health Advisor, SAS Institute

Dr. Meg Schaeffer an epidemiologist and Global Health Advisor for SAS. At SAS, Dr. Schaeffer is focused on technologic modernization and population health projects in the U.S. and globally. For over 20 years, Dr. Schaeffer managed various epidemiology programs in local and state government. She holds a bachelor’s in microbiology, master’s degrees in public health epidemiology and public administration, and a doctoral degree. Before joining SAS in 2020, Dr. Schaeffer held several executive roles on data quality and acquisition. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Schaeffer supported numerous agencies and organizations in the public health emergency response.

Curt Wood — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Curtis M. Wood is a distinguished professional renowned for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach in the field of technology and public administration. With a career span of over four decades, he has made significant contributions to the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions that have transformed organizations and improved service delivery. In the public sector, Curtis most recently served as the Technology and Security Cabinet Secretary and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 2018-2023. In this role, he was instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive IT strategies that enhanced operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and public engagement. His leadership was pivotal in modernizing legacy systems, adopting cloud computing, and fostering a culture of innovation within government entities. Prior public sector executive leadership roles included serving as the Massachusetts Public Safety Undersecretary for Forensic Science and Technology with strategic leadership and oversight of multiple public safety agencies and operations, including the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the State Police Crime Laboratory, the Office of Technology and Information Services, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, the State 911 Department, and Statewide Public Safety Radio. He also served as the Commissioner for the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services and the Chief Parole Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Curt began his long government career in 1975 with the state’s Department of Correction, serving in multiple custodial, investigative and administrative roles including being appointed the first-ever CIO for the state correctional organization.