The 18th Annual CDOIQ Symposium, held in Cambridge, MA, in mid-July, featured a dedicated Public Sector track for the first time this year. The CDOIQ Program has shared the videos from these sessions, which are focused on the role of data and AI in government operations and public policy.

Sessions for the first half of the Symposium are listed below, while the remaining sessions will be included in a post next week. Click on the session numbers to view the recordings via DropBox.

Session 2-A – Fireside Chat – (Data) Ethics for AI, a panel featuring Allison Banzon (SAIC), Sarah Weber (California Court of Appeal), and Dr. Laura Prietula (Dept. of Veterans Affairs).

Session 3-A – Legislative Strategy and Federal Data Policy, featuring Nick Hart (Data Foundation). Drawing from the Data Foundation’s extensive research and advocacy work, the discussion will trace the implementation and impact of policies like the Evidence-Based Policymaking Act and OPEN Government Data Act, demonstrating how they collectively reshaped the federal data landscape.

Session 4-A – Panel: Securing the Border of the Future, a panel featuring Jason Hannah (SAIC), Douglas Lindquist (FBI, retired), Craig McIntire (SAIC), and Shweta Mulcare (SAIC). The panelists share perspectives on the importance of data, access, integration, and transparency in defining the future of U.S. borders – how we welcome legitimate trade and travel while ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

Session 6-A – Panel: Expanding Federal Data Strategies to Address AI Risks, featuring Alba Aleman, Andie Srivastava, and Kartik Dave of Citizant. This panel discusses how a “Middle-Out Approach” to data strategy can achieve 360-degree alignment and provide the flexibility to accommodate emerging and fast-evolving opportunities like AI. CDOs must be conversant in AI Risk Management strategies so they can partner effectively with new Chief AI Officers.

Session 7-A – Panel: Accelerating Data and AI Literacy in the Public Sector: The Upskilling Imperative, featuring Nancy Morgan (Ellis Morgan Enterprises); Erik Price (ODNI); Daniel Baller (U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command); Kathleen Kennedy (MIT Open Learning); and Eileen Vidrine (Vidrine Vantage Consulting). The panel featuring data leaders from the U.S. military, Intelligence Community, and academia explore practical strategies to drive cultural change, form strategic alliances, and encourage leadership to prioritize Data and AI skills.

Session 9-A – Panel: From Data to Governed Decisions with AI: Driving Practical Outcomes Without Burning the House Down, featuring Patrick McGarry, data.world); Justin Magruder (SAIC); Ren Essene (CFPB); and Dessa Glasser (Financial Risk Group). The panel discusses how Agile data governance is essential for the success of GenAI projects, as well the importance of maintaining data quality, meeting regulatory standards, reducing bias, and ensuring security in AI-generated outcomes.

Session 10-A – Panel: Data-Driven Transformation: Empowering VA Health Policy and Outcomes. Panelists include Tina Burnette (SAIC); Dr. Laura Prietula (VA); Lynette Sherrill (VA); and Ian Komorowski (VA).

Session 11-A – Panel: Leadership Panel on Sustainability Data. Panelists include Nathan Rogers (SAIC); Jason Duke (US Fish & Wildlife Service); Sandi Marra (Appalachian Trail Conservancy); and Lisa Manley (Abbott Lange Sustainability Consulting). The panel discusses how data is a powerful tool in driving environmental sustainability – from monitoring and assessment to resource optimization, modeling, public engagement, and regulation. Data-driven approaches enable a more holistic and informed approach to environmental management and evidence-building.