At Civic Roundtable, our mission is to power a more effective, efficient, and integrated government by bridging silos, streamlining coordination, and building institutional memory. This commitment to creating capacity for public servants was at the heart of our inaugural Public Sector AI Summit, where Ben Henderson, Director of Operations for the State of Arizona, shared invaluable insights into how AI can support governments in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Watch his talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqfjOmE3kaI
Ben Henderson has dedicated his career to public service, bringing expertise in budgeting, operations, and technology-driven innovation. Having worked in various leadership roles across multiple administrations, Ben offers a broad perspective on how governments can adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities:
“I’ve been fortunate to see how different approaches to governance can create lasting impact. What’s consistent is the need for strong teams, clear goals, and a commitment to making a difference.”
This foundation allows Ben to focus on solutions that prioritize efficiency and outcomes, making his insights particularly relevant in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Ben emphasized the opportunities AI presents for addressing capacity challenges, especially in growing states like Arizona: “Since 2002, our population has grown 38% while the state workforce has shrunk 10%. AI gives us a chance to do more with less, but it’s not a silver bullet.”
Arizona is already leveraging AI in transformative ways, including using models to detect Medicaid fraud and optimize resource allocation. One standout initiative Ben highlighted was the state’s response to record-breaking heat waves. Arizona repurposed decommissioned shipping containers into solar-powered cooling centers, providing critical relief to vulnerable communities during extreme weather events.
These cooling centers are connected through Civic Roundtable’s collaboration platform, which enables seamless communication and resource sharing across a diverse network of libraries, museums, and public spaces. Ben explained:
“These centers are more than just shelters—they’re hubs of information and coordination. With Civic Roundtable’s platform, we’ve created a network that didn’t exist two years ago, ensuring communities can adapt and respond to challenges in real time.”
This example underscores the power of Civic Roundtable’s mission: to connect public servants with the tools and information they need to succeed. By integrating AI and collaborative technology, Arizona is addressing immediate needs while building long-term resilience.
Ben left the audience with three critical lessons for leveraging AI and innovation effectively:
Civic Roundtable is dedicated to empowering public servants with the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed. Ben Henderson’s talk is a powerful reminder that effective governance requires collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes.
As Ben put it: “We’re not just building systems to go faster. We’re building systems to make the world better.”
Let’s keep this conversation going. Join us in shaping the future of government with people-centered, technology-driven solutions.
