Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on July 15 hosted the inaugural meeting of Rhode Island’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force, which includes members from the state’s public and private sectors.
The task force is the product of an AI executive order that McKee issued earlier this year to explore how AI can create efficiencies within state government operations and enhance services provided to the public.
Former Congressman Jim Langevin chairs the 24-member task force, while also leading Rhode Island College’s new Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. 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,” Gov. McKee said in a press release. “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.”
“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,” Langevin said. “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.”
According to an agenda document, the inaugural meeting included opening remarks from McKee, Langevin, and Parisi. It also included an introduction of all members and an open discussion.
In addition to Langevin and Parisi, the members of the Rhode Island Artificial Task Force include:
- 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
- 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
- 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
