Overview

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Everyone is talking about AI. Far fewer are actually leading with it.

Across state and local government, there’s a growing divide between agencies experimenting with AI and those using it to reshape how services are delivered, decisions are made and operations are run. The difference isn’t access to technology. It’s clarity, governance and execution.

In this exclusive session, part of Government Technology’s CXO Webinar Series, we sit down with Karthik Anbalagan, general manager for emerging technologies at Granicus, to unpack what it really means to lead in AI — and why some agencies are pulling ahead while others are stuck in pilot mode.

You’ll learn:

  • What separates AI leaders from everyone else — including how leading agencies approach governance, scale and long-term strategy
  • Why disconnected pilots and point solutions create risk — and how to avoid repeating past technology sprawl
  • How to think about AI as an ongoing capability — including the tradeoffs between building internally versus partnering to sustain momentum over time


Speakers

Karthik Anbalagan headshot

Karthik Anbalagan

General Manager for Emerging Technologies, Granicus

Karthik Anbalagan is a technology leader at Granicus, where he leads emerging technologies focused on helping government agencies deliver more connected, effective services to their communities. With over two decades of leadership experience driving digital transformation across Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 organizations, he brings deep expertise at the intersection of platforms, data, and customer experience, and now applies that experience to civic technology and public sector innovation.

Based in the Greater Seattle Area, Karthik focuses on translating complex systems into more intuitive, resident-centric digital experiences. He combines technical depth with a pragmatic, collaborative approach, helping organizations adopt modern platforms and strategies that improve efficiency, strengthen trust, and enhance how people experience government.

Rob Lloyd headshot

Rob Lloyd — Moderator

Executive Director, Center for Digital Government

Rob Lloyd is a seasoned public-sector technology leader with nearly three decades of experience driving innovation across government organizations. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government, where he leads national research and advisory efforts focused on AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Previously, Lloyd was Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle and Deputy City Manager/CIO for the City of San José, where he led large-scale IT operations, advanced resident-focused digital services, and earned national recognition for innovation. Known for building high-performing teams and aligning technology strategy with community outcomes, he is a widely recognized voice in public-sector technology leadership.