In the public sector, the promise of AI isn’t measured in profit margins — it’s measured in citizen trust, service delivery, and accountability. For government leaders, the real challenge isn’t whether to adopt AI, but how to do so responsibly, with data as the foundation. Without trusted, governed data, AI cannot scale in ways that citizens will accept — or benefit from.

On October 8, 2025, at the Westin Cincinnati – Downtown, the CDO Magazine Global AI Leadership Summit will feature a breakout session that puts this challenge center stage: “The Critical Role of Data in Harnessing AI for the Public Good.” Leaders from the City of Westerville, the State of Ohio, the City of Cincinnati, and Deloitte will share how they are building the governance, infrastructure, and ethical frameworks needed to make AI serve the people — not the other way around.

Meet the panelists

• Michael Farrar, CIO, City of Westerville
• Raivo Murnieks, CDO, State of Ohio
• Sean Ware, CIO, City of Cincinnati
• Moderator: Adita Karkera, Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Government & Public Services, Deloitte Consulting LLP

Why this session matters

Public sector AI has the potential to transform citizen services, from city planning to digital service delivery. But transformation comes with responsibility. Leaders must ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in every deployment.

This session will explore:

• How governments are laying data foundations for AI that is both innovative and sustainable.
• Best practices for ensuring governance and accountability at scale.
• Real-world lessons from state and city leaders deploying AI to deliver measurable value.
• How to balance efficiency with ethics while earning citizen trust.

More than a panel: A networking gateway

The breakout isn’t just about insights — it’s also about deep connections. Attendees will be able to exchange perspectives with fellow data leaders, building relationships that can influence the next wave of responsible AI adoption.

Michelle Ziegler, CDO Magazine Global VP of Partner Development and Events, underscores the importance of this gathering: “This session is where policy meets practice, where leaders don’t just talk about the future of AI — they shape it together. It’s a must-attend for anyone serious about using AI to deliver public good.”

Don’t miss out

If you’re a CDO, CIO, or senior government leader navigating the intersection of data, AI, and citizen trust, this is the breakout session you cannot afford to skip.