Pinnacle executives see AI journey reshaping Oklahoma's technology landscape in 2026

As 2026 approaches, Oklahoma's technology sector is at a pivotal time, with artificial intelligence reshaping industry and workforce dynamics at an unprecedented pace. Brandy Semore, vice president of professional services at Pinnacle Business Systems and co-founder of Oklahoma Women in Technology, provides insight into how businesses and individuals can address these rapid changes.

From AI-enabled automation to cybersecurity challenges to workforce transformation, Semore will discuss the opportunities and obstacles ahead for Oklahoma's economy and residents.

Semore said that in his role as vice president of professional services at Pinnacle, he will be able to lead engineers and project managers to deliver smooth technology implementation and a great customer experience.

“My role is to blend strategy and execution (streamlining processes across the team, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring every project is aligned with customer goals),” Semore said. She also focuses on financial performance, human resources development, and quality assurance.

Q: What aspects of the industry do you think will change rapidly in 2026?

answer: As we head into 2026, the professional services and technology landscape will continue to be reshaped by the introduction of AI. AI is moving from experimental use to the backbone of operations: automating workflows, strengthening cybersecurity, and driving predictive analytics. Managed services will also continue to evolve into strategic partnerships focused on continuous optimization. And we will see an increased focus on cybersecurity as a board-level priority, with AI-powered threat detection and zero trust models taking the lead.

At the same time, we will see further workforce transformation in terms of human-AI adoption and workforce reskilling for collaboration.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing your industry? And what factors are contributing to these challenges these days?

The world of professional services and technology is changing rapidly, and with that speed comes real challenges. Advances in AI are happening faster than most organizations can absorb, creating gaps in governance and friction with legacy systems. AI attacks and supply chain risks increase cybersecurity threats, while moving to the cloud comes with unpredictable costs and headaches. Add to this the state-wide talent shortages (particularly in AI and cybersecurity), and the pressure to deliver speed, security, and innovation increases.

At Pinnacle, we're not waiting for these changes to catch up with us (we're on board with them). We've built a strong governance framework, strengthened cybersecurity, and ensured that our delivery teams receive the training and reskilling they need to stay ahead of the curve. That way, customers can enjoy the benefits of innovation without sacrificing security or reliability. For us, these challenges are opportunities to lead and grow.

Q: What specific changes do you expect to see in your industry by the end of 2026 in terms of AI adoption?

A: By the end of 2026, we will be on a journey where AI moves from a useful tool to a true engine behind business operations, powering smarter workflows, predictive insights, and faster decision-making. We will begin to see agent AI act like digital coworkers, taking on more complex tasks and connecting systems in ways that make work seamless. Specialized models will begin to unlock real value in areas such as cybersecurity and cloud services, and security strategies will lean more toward AI-driven threat detection. Managed services will move toward being proactive and results-focused, and governance will receive more attention at the C-suite level as companies work to implement ethical AI policies. This won't happen overnight, but the direction is clear. AI is laying the foundations for changing how services are delivered, solutions are priced, and teams are built (human-AI collaboration will be a key advantage for those who are ready to embrace it).

How do you think these changes could impact the local economy, the state economy, the job market, and the nation in terms of opportunities and challenges?

I'm not an economist, but I think Oklahoma's economy could feel both the benefits and pressures of rapid AI adoption and technology growth in the coming years. On the positive side, smarter systems in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing could attract large-scale investment and create well-paying jobs in fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering. Education could also receive a much-needed boost with personalized learning tools that help local schools close gaps and prepare students for the future. But there are also challenges that cannot be ignored (automation will impact day-to-day roles and without strong reskilling programs people can be left behind). Without careful planning, gaps in infrastructure, uneven readiness, and rising technology costs can widen disparities. For our citizens, this means more digital opportunities and entrepreneurial potential (but also the need for lifelong learning and smart policies to ensure everyone has access to what's coming).

As an expert in your industry, what advice can you give our readers for 2026?

The pace of change is not slowing down, so make your ability to adapt your strength. AI and automation are reshaping the way we work, but success doesn't come from technology alone (it comes from people who are unafraid to continue learning, pivoting when needed, and innovating). We will focus on building critical skills such as data literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and knowing how to work with AI. If you're an enterprise, put ethical AI and transparency at the top of your list and prioritize reskilling to ensure your team is ready. For individuals, rely on what technology cannot replace: creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. The future belongs to those who combine technological know-how with human insight.