From Vision to Reality: Making AI Work for Smarter Cities and States

Carm Taglienti, EdD

Chief Technology Officer & Distinguished Technologist, Insight

Carm has more than 25 years of experience as a technologist and leader. He has deep expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, data engineering, modern application platforms and cybersecurity. Carm earned his B.S. in computer science from RIT, his MS in systems engineering from Boston University and his PhD in organizational innovation and transformation from Northeastern University. He is a recognized leader in AI and Analytics, data visualization, data science, data governance and big data. Currently, Carm is the CTO for Insight Public Sector.  Prior to joining Insight, Carm led the global data management and governance team for State Street Bank as the company transformed to a data-centric, governed, ontology approach to embrace data as a key asset within the organization. Carm has held global roles in advanced analytics/AI, data architecture and informatics. Additionally, he built and led an information and analytics practice for Slalom in Boston, which focused on working with clients to enable business focused high impact analytics/AI solutions driven by modern data architecture platforms.    Carm is also the Academic Director for Wake Forest's Masters program in AI Strategy and Innovation as well as the principal instructor at Northeastern University Khoury College of Computer Science and the College of Professional Studies teaching graduate courses in data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity and analytics. He is also a lecturer at UC Berkeley, MITxPro, Emeritus (Columbia, SMU) and Merrimack College. Carm is a published author and speaks at industry/technology events.  

Nina Damato

Chief Technology Strategist, Lenovo

Dr. Darren Pulsipher

Chief Enterprise Architect, Public Sector, Intel

Dr. Darren Pulsipher specializes in IT/OT cybersecurity and explores the application of Generative AI in government to enhance decision-making and operations. Darren is a forward-thinking technologist who integrates people, processes, and technology to drive digital transformation for government entities and enterprises like IBM, GE, and Toyota. With 8 patents in Cloud and Grid computing, he focuses on data transformation, cloud-native development, and multi-hybrid cloud architectures. A published author and host of the Embracing Digital Transformation podcast, Darren shares insights on innovation and technology management.

Richard Lisa

General Manager, WW Government Center of Excellence, Intel

Rick Lisa is a technology leader with more than 45 years of experience helping companies grow in the semiconductor and computing industries. He spent over two decades at Motorola Semiconductor and later held senior executive roles at Intel (14 years), AMD (6 years), Anadigics, Exar, and Fairchild. In each role, he built strong teams that delivered results and drove business success. Rick has been involved in the introduction of many key computer technologies, from the processors that power personal computers to the chips used in phones, cars, and connected devices. His work has touched areas such as communications (wired and wireless), networking, power management, memory, and graphics,supporting the technology behind products used every day by people and businesses worldwide driving adoption of computing intelligence. Today, Rick leads Intel’s Worldwide Public Sector Strategy and Solutioning Office. In this role, he works with governments around the world to modernize their digital infrastructure and use new technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, HPC, and the Internet of Things.

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.