Who Should Attend

• Employees of academic institutions in the state of Alabama interested in sharing and learning about the impact of AI on research, teaching and learning, business operations or student services.
• Representatives of companies doing business in Alabama using artificial intelligence and related technologies to enhance research, teaching and learning, business operations or student services.
• Professionals interested in the uses of artificial intelligence and related technologies in higher education.
• Employees of state government agencies developing policies and strategies related to artificial intelligence and related technologies.

Tracks

Objectives

1. Explore the Transformative Role of AI in Higher Education and Workforce Development
   Participants will examine how AI is reshaping teaching, advising, academic integrity and research in higher education, while identifying strategies to upskill and reskill Alabama’s workforce for emerging AI-driven industries.
2. Showcase Real-World Applications of AI in Industry, Government and Public Services
   Attendees will gain insights into how AI is being used across key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance and public services in Alabama and discuss its impact on operational efficiency, service delivery, and workforce transformation.
3. Engage with Emerging Trends in AI Innovation, Ethics and Strategic Planning
   The workshop will highlight cutting-edge research, generative AI experimentation, and frameworks for ethical, transparent and responsible AI use—while fostering dialogue around data privacy, compliance and risk management.
4. Foster Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships Across Education, Industry, and Government
   Participants will identify opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, explore funding and coordination strategies and contribute to shaping a unified vision for Alabama’s AI ecosystem.

Chris Hein
Field Chief Technology Officer, Google Public Sector

Chris Hein, a tenured Google employee of over 10 years, is the Field CTO at Google Public Sector, where he is driven to make a tangible impact on the world through technology. With a Master’s in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from DePaul University, he’s become a leading voice in applying AI to the public sector. Chris brings a unique blend of technical expertise (honed as a former VP of Technology in the private sector) and a deep understanding of the critical missions of government and educational institutions. He recognizes that these organizations are the backbone of our society, and he’s dedicated to empowering them with the best tools and strategies.

Beyond simply providing technology, Chris also assists IT leaders in navigating the transformative shift to an AI-driven world. He helps them rethink their approaches to running corporate IT systems, ensuring they’re not just keeping up, but leading the way in leveraging AI responsibly and effectively. He believes technology should be a force for good, and he works tirelessly to ensure it is used ethically and to its full potential

Paula Payton
Senior Manager, Growth & Purpose, Center for Machine Intelligence and Data Science, Deloitte Services LP

Paula Payton, PhD is a senior executive, behavioral scientist, educator, speaker and writer, with a unique background that includes leadership roles in both industry and academia. In her role as part of the Deloitte research leadership team, she infuses data, analytics, AI and behavioral science into dozens of research studies each year to inform firm and client understanding of current political, technological, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts on the marketplace.

In addition to her industry role, she is a longtime educator in her role as an Associate Teaching Professor at the Wake Forest School of Business, along with former appointments at Columbia University, New York University and other academic institutions. Payton is a frequent speaker and mentor and is a member of the HSV AI Taskforce.

Schedule