Overview

September 15
11AM PT, 2PM ET

Register

Everyone is talking about AI. Far fewer are talking honestly about what it takes to adopt it responsibly in government.

That’s why we’ve convened a special conversation with government leaders on the front lines of AI adoption. In this executive panel discussion, executive IT, finance and human resources leaders will share how they are evaluating opportunities, addressing concerns and preparing their organizations for a future in which AI becomes part of everyday operations.

What risks keep them up at night? Where do they see the greatest opportunities? How are they balancing innovation with accountability? And what steps are they taking today to ensure AI enhances public services without compromising trust?

What Attendees Will Learn

  • How executive leaders across different areas are approaching AI adoption
  • The biggest governance, ethical and operational questions organizations are wrestling with today
  • Strategies for protecting constituent data while enabling innovation
  • 5 practical steps government leaders can take to build a foundation for responsible, trustworthy AI

Bring your questions for our panel! This interactive discussion will move beyond the headlines and hype to explore the real-world decisions government leaders are making right now.

Speakers

Sean McSpaden headshot

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.

Frederick X. Ravin III headshot

Frederick X. Ravin III

Assistant Director of Technology Solutions, City of Durham

Frederick X. Ravin III, MBA/MIS, is Assistant Director of Technology Solutions for the City of Durham, North Carolina, where he provides executive leadership across artificial intelligence, enterprise technology, data, and digital transformation initiatives. In this role, he helps shape the City’s approach to responsible AI adoption while leading efforts to modernize technology, strengthen data governance, and improve how technology supports City operations and service delivery.

Viggo Forde headshot

Viggo Forde

Chief Information Officer and IT Director, Snohomish County

Viggo Forde is the Chief Information Officer and IT Director for Snohomish County, Washington, where he leads digital transformation for over 3,000 employees. A veteran of the tech industry, Viggo spent 22 years at Microsoft, earning the Bill Gates Engineering Excellence Award, and led global knowledge architecture initiatives at Amazon. He was appointed by the Governor to Washington State’s Technology Services Board in 2020 where he supports statewide initiatives as a local government representative. In addition, he also serves as the Honorary Consul of Norway for the Pacific Northwest. Recently named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers, Viggo is a recognized leader in modernizing public sector systems through strategic innovation.

Cathy Smith headshot

Cathy Smith

IT Director, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

Cathy Smith is currently the IT Director at Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. She leads enterprise technology operations for SWBNO and her team supports all IT functions across the utility. With well over a decade at SWBNO and a track record of advancement through five technical and administrative roles, Cathy brings institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to technology and governance. A Tulane University graduate with a CAPM, she is overseeing the major modernization of four core business systems to boost efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

Olufemi Aina headshot

Olufemi Aina

Interim CIO and executive director of technology, Atlanta Public Schools

Olufemi Aina is a strategic and transformational technology executive and has served as interim CIO and executive director of technology for Atlanta Public Schools, where he’s worked for 14+ years. Olufemi brings extensive experience leading high-performing teams to drive robust enterprise implementations, support services, and cutting-edge security solutions. Throughout his distinguished career, he has proven to be a highly skilled negotiator, successfully securing contracts and licensing agreements that drastically reduce technology costs while seamlessly supporting thousands of users. An industry-leading expert, Olufemi excels at overseeing large-scale projects and creating user-friendly environments through innovation and strategic problem-solving. He is currently leading the implementation of a multi-phased, multi-year Oracle Cloud Fusion implementation as the executive director of ERP.

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