Season 6: Episode 5: AI, Organizational Leadership, and the Water Sector: The Power, Peril, and Potential of AI for Emerging Leaders

A conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM.

Why AI matters now in the water sector. In an Emerging Leaders Workshop held a few days ago in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA), Dr. Alan R. Shark led a session, “AI, Organizational Leadership, and the Water Sector: The Power, Peril, and Potential of AI for Emerging Leaders. He spoke about why AI matters now in the water sector and the implications for many other sectors as well.

Season 6: Episode 4: Overcoming AI Paralysis and the Dangers of Shadow AI

A conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM.

In a recent interview with AI Data Press, Dr. Shark discusses the growing tension between institutional caution and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. He argues that public sector leaders are suffering from governance paralysis, remaining stagnant while waiting for flawless regulations. This hesitation leads to the rise of "shadow AI," where employees use unapproved tools independently, inadvertently creating security and privacy risks. To combat this, Shark suggests that organizations must prioritize AI literacy and engage in measured experimentation rather than avoid AI altogether. Listening to the virtual “guests” is illuminating.

Season 6: Episode 3: An Innovator in Practice – from AI accountability to improving citizen communications.

A conversation with Mike Dawisha, CIO of Genesee County (MI), with Co-host Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, CITIBOT.

Mike Dawisha is a seasoned IT professional leader who is action-oriented and an innovator in practice. He inspires his staff to be innovators themselves and is someone with a shared vision that is what is most needed now in Genesee County. In this episode, we explore many of the issues he faces and his biggest concern about AI and accountability.

Season 6: Episode 2: : Leading Change: How Chief Digital & Innovation Officers Are Reshaping Public Service

A conversation with Crosby Burns, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, County of Marin (CA), with Co-host Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer, CITIBOT.

A relatively new position, Crosby shares how he is navigating the path forward, making Marin County a model of excellence through it digital services. For over a decade, before coming to Marin County, Crosby has straddled both the public and private sectors, building on his impressive experience viewing the world through the lens of customer experience. You will find Crosby both inspiring and visionary.

Season 6: Episode 1: AI and the Student Paradox, AI Agent, NotebookLM Explains  

A conversation with Alan Shark and Google’s NotebookLM

We begin Season Six with a demonstration of the powerful and inventive AI Agent, NotebookLM. The “student paradox” can be explained as follows: While private and public employers increasingly demand candidates with strong proficiency in AI, higher education institutions often view these same skills as academic dishonesty. NotebookLM was designed as an experimental AI-powered research and note-taking too. Listen, as you will be simply amazed by what it can do! It is a podcast within a podcast.

Season 5: Episode 17: Predictions for 2026 and AI

A conversation with Alan Shark and cohost Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer at CITIBOT

In this concluding episode of Season 5, Alan shares his predictions for 2026, primarily about AI, and Mary Frances discusses changes she has witnessed firsthand in the adoption of AI in state and local government. Together, they discuss what we might expect in 2026.

Season 5: Episode 16: Pharr Out Tech Leadership with Passion and Vision

A conversation with Jose Peña, Innovation & Technology Director, City of Pharr, TX

In this episode, we feature Jose Peña, Innovation & Technology Director for the City of Pharr, Texas, cohosted by Mary Frances Coryell, Chief Revenue Officer at CITIBOT. Joe has done some fantastic things at the City of Pharr, which is nothing less than inspiring. He is a true leader and indeed not your typical city CIO!

Season 5: Episode 15: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership

A conversation with Jeff Scheetz, CGCIO, CISM, Chief Information Officer, City of Avondale, Arizona

In this episode, we feature Mary Frances Coryell from CITIBOT as our co-host. Jeff Scheetz is a well-known and highly regarded tech leader who has served as the CIO of Avondale for over eight years. Join us as we learn how Jeff has led his city into digital transformation, including the adoption of AI. 

Season 5: Episode 14: A Thoughtful Approach to Tech Leadership

A conversation with Joe Rivera, Director, Information Services & Telecommunication Administration, City of Laredo, Texas

Having started in the private sector, Joe has demonstrated a steady progression in tech leadership and, more importantly, a track record of success. Join us as we discuss local tech and the numerous challenges that confront today’s tech leaders. In this episode, we feature Mary Frances Coryell from CITIBOT as our co-host. 

Season 5: Episode 13: Three Buckets of Concern – The Perils of Federal Data Curation

A conversation with Denice Ross, Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists and former U.S. Chief Data Scientist.

Denice was invited to be a guest lecturer on the current state of data risks in an increasingly polarized environment for Alan’s recent MPA class. She was so well-received and did an excellent job of spelling out what appears to be the current state of data (and research) at the federal level, which is being presented here. Join us for a fascinating discussion.