Overview

State and local governments are rapidly advancing their AI capabilities, but where do they really stand on workforce readiness? Join industry experts from Government Technology and Pluralsight as they reveal exclusive insights from a new national survey that dives deep into the state of AI adoption, workforce skills gaps, and agency investment priorities. Whether you’re exploring use cases or fine-tuning AI-driven strategies, this session offers a valuable look at where agencies are thriving—and where they’re challenged.

Here's what’s in store:

Discover the Top Challenges and Priorities: Get a clear view of the top barriers and training needs holding agencies back from fully embracing AI.
Actionable Recommendations: Learn how state and local agencies are paving the way for AI skill development and ethical AI deployment.
Benchmark Against Peers: See where your agency stands on AI readiness, and uncover strategies to address workforce gaps efficiently.

Speakers

Tony Holmes

Practice Lead for Solutions Architects Public Sector

Pathological problem solver, and serial question asker, a lifelong student of mental models, experienced in creating innovative solutions where analogical ideas meet rigorous socratic method. For more than two decades Tony has been solving complex problems for some of the largest, and most forward-thinking technology organizations in the world; including British Broadcasting Corporation, Digital Equipment Corporation, Microsoft Research, Opsware, Hewlett Packard, Oracle and currently Pluralsight, THE Technology Skills platform for the Government.

Sean McSpaden — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Sean McSpaden is an executive level information technology professional with over 30 years of experience in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. His background includes the start-up and management of several small businesses and he has served on the Board of Directors or in Executive Director positions for several 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Sean’s public service experience includes progressively responsible positions as an IT analyst, and in statewide coordination, management and leadership positions within the Executive and Legislative branches of Oregon state government. From June 2008 to September 2013, Sean served as the state of Oregon’s Deputy State Chief Information Officer. Since 2013, Sean has served as a Principal Legislative IT Analyst with the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office and as the Committee Administrator for Oregon’s Joint Legislative Committee on Information Management and Technology. In addition, Sean serves as a member Oregon’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and as Oregon’s representative to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy. Throughout his 26-year tenure in Oregon state government, Sean and the teams he has led have received several state, regional and national recognitions and awards. In addition, Sean has represented the state of Oregon on numerous state, regional and national project steering committees, task forces, governing boards, committees, commissions and associations, and has presented on various topics at local, state, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences.

Webinar

Is Your Workforce Ready for AI? What the Latest Research Says for State & Local Governments