heartland forwardThe Bentonville-based think-and-do tank announced Monday (April 27) that John Bailey, a nationally recognized leader in technology and public policy, will become the organization’s first artificial intelligence (AI) fellow.
Bailey will support Heartland Forward’s AI Caucus and other AI-related initiatives to advance the responsible use of AI and “position Heartland as a national leader in AI-driven economic growth,” according to a news release. The Heartland region consists of 20 states in the central United States, including Arkansas.
“AI is rapidly reshaping industries, jobs, and economies, and Heartland is well-positioned to lead what comes next,” said Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward. “We have the talent, the ideas, and the momentum to seize this opportunity, and John brings the experience to turn that potential into real results and deliver AI reliably to our states and communities.”
As the organization’s AI Fellow, Mr. Bailey will help inform the policy dialogue on AI as a tool for economic competitiveness in core regions. He contributed to Heartland Forward’s AI research and “heartland heartbeat” and will provide advisory support to the group’s AI Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and executives working to advance the smart use of AI, the release said.
Mr. Bailey will support the caucus’ priorities and programs, provide insight on new federal and state AI developments, and contribute to core community strategies.
“AI is one of the most important opportunities for economic growth and innovation in core regions, and decisions about how to move forward should be shaped by the populations and communities that AI will most impact,” Bailey said. “The question is not whether core regions will participate, but whether they will lead. It depends on the choices policymakers and local leaders make now: how they develop talent, adopt these tools, and create the conditions for innovation.”
Bailey has experience in government, philanthropy and the private sector, advising entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers on emerging technologies. He has helped philanthropic and venture funds develop and execute investment strategies, supporting founders and building the partnerships, capital channels, and policy alignments needed to scale their impact. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bailey served as the White House Domestic Policy Advisor, the Deputy Director for Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Director of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education.
