Overview

May 13
11AM PT, 2PM ET

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

General Manager for Emerging Technologies, Granicus

Karthik Anbalagan is a technology leader at Granicus, where he focuses on delivering innovative solutions that empower government agencies to better serve their communities. Based in the Greater Seattle Area, Karthik brings extensive experience in digital transformation and civic technology.

Outside of his professional role, Karthik is deeply committed to community engagement and education. He contributes as a Board Member at Summer Search and volunteers as an instructor for organizations such as the Porsche Club of America and the Boeing Alpine Society, reflecting his passion for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Karthik combines technical expertise with a collaborative approach, helping organizations adopt modern platforms and strategies that improve efficiency and citizen engagement. His work exemplifies a commitment to innovation, public service, and building stronger communities through technology.

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.