Governor McKee to Host First Artificial Intelligence Task Force Meeting Published on Friday, July 12, 2024 PROVIDENCE, RI – On Monday, July 15, Governor Dan McKee will host the inaugural meeting of Rhode Island’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force. The task force, established by an executive order issued by the Governor, has been charged with assessing and advising state policymakers on the risks and opportunities presented by the advancement of AI. Former Congressman Jim Langevin chairs the 24-member task force, which includes stakeholders from Rhode Island’s public and private sectors. Langevin also leads Rhode Island College’s new Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, created by Governor McKee in his FY24 budget. Christopher Parisi, president of Trailblaze Marketing and founder of the Rhode Island Small Business Coalition, serves as vice chair. “Embracing AI and finding safe methods and practices for it in our government and economy is crucial for our state’s future,” said Governor Dan McKee. “With this task force and other efforts underway, Rhode Island is poised to better the lives of Rhode Islanders and help chart a new course for the innovation technology landscape.” “Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change the world. This emerging technology is unparalleled in its potential to transform our state and our economy,” said former Congressman Jim Langevin, chairman of the task force. “The members of the AI Task Force represent various sectors of Rhode Island’s economy, including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and small businesses, as well as our government agencies and schools. The diverse perspectives of the task force members will allow us to create a comprehensive roadmap that will prepare Rhode Island to implement artificial intelligence effectively and ethically. Our work will realize Governor McKee’s vision to best position the Ocean State to maximize the benefits of AI, while minimizing the downsides.” “We are at the midst of the AI Revolution that will change our daily lives, communities and economy,” said Chris Parisi, vice chair of the task force. “Having a leader like Governor Dan McKee to take on this initiative is important for the State of Rhode Island, as we have the opportunity to become a leader in the AI-driven future. The AI Task Force will collaboratively chart the course towards that bright future while ensuring we acknowledge the risks and biases that come with this innovation. It’s taking a human-centric mindset while we embrace this technology. I’m excited and hopeful for what the AI Task Force delivers.” Members of the Rhode Island Artificial Task Force include: Former Congressman Jim Langevin, Chair Christopher Parisi, Small Business Representative, Vice Chair Jonathan Womer, Director, Department of Administration Matthew Weldon, Director, Department of Labor & Training Liz Tanner, Secretary, Executive Office of Commerce Richard Charest, Secretary, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer Marc Pappas, Director, Emergency Management Agency Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer, Director, Department of Business Regulation Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner, Department of Education Dr. Shannon Gilkey, Commissioner, Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner Francis Doyle III, Provost, Brown University Senator Lou DiPalma, Rhode Island Senate State Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski, Rhode Island House of Representatives Mayor Charles Lombardi, North Providence, Municipal Government Michael Sabitoni, Organized Labor Representative Christopher Horvath, Citizens Bank, Financing/Banking Sector Kenneth Jeanos, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Defense Sector John Hazen White, Jr., Taco Comfort, Manufacturing Sector Dr. Michael Wagner, Care New England, Healthcare Sector Edmund Shallcross III, CEO, Amica, Insurance Sector Nina Pande, Skills for RI, Workforce Development Sector Addison Heffernan, Bishop Hendricken, Student Representative Oscar Mejias, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Non-Profit Sector The AI Task Force’s first meeting will be at 3:00 p.m. on July 15, 2024, in Conference Room 2B at the Department of Administration. An agenda can be found here.