Overview

March 26

Artificial intelligence is having a moment, and the impact on government operations will be transformative. Governors are working to strategically appoint AI leaders, with roles ranging from integral positions within IT organizations to direct reports to the executive office. At the same time, state CIOs are actively engaged in shaping and refining governing policies, tailoring them not only for IT but also for the agencies and departments under their purview.

Join the Center for Digital Government on March 26, 2024, to hear key government leaders share invaluable insights into the proactive measures they are taking to harness the potential of AI while navigating the associated challenges.

Get answers to questions like:

What policies and governance frameworks have already been implemented to guide the integration of AI into government operations?
What stakeholders need to be involved in the AI adoption process?
Have specific roles and individuals been named to develop AI strategies?
How can IT departments and agency leaders best collaborate to identify and implement AI solutions?

Speakers

Laura Clark

CIO, State of Michigan

Laura Clark serves as the chief information officer (CIO) for the State of Michigan, directing the state’s technology and security efforts. As deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), she also oversees operations for the department, which provides information technology, business, and administrative services to state employees and stakeholders, as well as Michigan residents, visitors, and businesses. During her 20-year career in public service, Clark has embraced a hands-on, adaptable approach to leadership. Since being appointed as CIO by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, she has helped the State of Michigan achieve success through many initiatives, such as the launch of the award-winning Michigan Secure mobile app and successfully securing $20 million in critical cybersecurity funding from the Michigan Legislature for statewide security enhancements.

Bill Kehoe

Director and State CIO, Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), Washington State

William “Bill” Kehoe joined Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) as the Director and State CIO for Washington on August 1, 2021. Prior to WaTech, Bill was the Chief Information Officer for Los Angeles County in California from 2017-2021, where he managed enterprise security, information management, enterprise architecture and technology consulting services for 37 county departments. He also served as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) regarding enterprise technology strategy, policy, and governance. Bill has a long history of managing information technology departments in local and state governments, including more than 15 years in Washington state agencies and counties. Before working as CIO for Los Angeles County, he held the Chief Information Officer and Information Department Director for King County from 2010-2017 and served as the first Chief Information Officer for the Department of Licensing from 2002-2010. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Gonzaga University and a project management certificate from the University of Washington. He has also completed Lean Six Sigma training.

Harrison MacRae

Director of Emerging Technology for Pennsylvania’s Office of Administration

Harrison MacRae serves as the Director of Emerging Technology for Pennsylvania’s Office of Administration. In this position, Harrison focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and opportunities for the Commonwealth to improve service delivery through responsible implementation of AI. Previous to joining the Commonwealth, Harrison was a Govern for America Fellow for the state of Missouri, where he worked for the Division of Personnel as the Strategy and Analytics Lead.

Christopher J. Rein

Chief Technology Officer, State of New Jersey

Chris Rein is the Chief Technology Officer for the State of New Jersey. In this position, he leads the State’s Office of Information Technology which is a 700-person team charged with operating the technology infrastructure for the Executive Branch - over 50 State departments, agencies, and offices. Mr. Rein was the former Deputy Director of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell. In this role, he also served as our State's Deputy CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). His background includes 38 years developing, integrating, and managing software as well as holding leadership roles with large and complex information technology projects. Prior to joining the NJ Office of Homeland Security, Mr. Rein held the position of Vice President and Chief Information Officer for CSI Technology, a New Jersey software development company serving Law Enforcement, Regulatory, and Judiciary markets. He served as the NJ State Police IT Program Manager/CIO, and earlier advanced in technical and management roles over some 20 years at the former Bell Atlantic and its technology subsidiary, Bellcore.

Teri Takai — Moderator

Senior Vice President, Center for Digital Government

Teri Takai is the Senior Vice President of the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors. A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California, and subsequently the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan. She is a member of several industry advisory boards. Teri has won numerous awards including Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Webinar

AI in State Government 2024: Emerging Policies, Governance and Strategies for Collaboration