Pillar 2: Improving Financial and Operational Effectiveness

Submitted by on Tue, 02/17/2026 - 11:53

This is the second blog in a series highlighting key insights from the IBM Center's Special Report, Five Pillars of Effective Government.

Weekly Roundup: February 9-13, 2026

Submitted by on Fri, 02/13/2026 - 17:24

TECHNOLOGY

USPTO’s ‘Scout’ GenAI Platform Gains Traction as Cloud Modernization Hits 58%. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is betting that a strong cloud foundation will accelerate adoption of generative AI across the agency, with its in-house GenAI tool “Scout” now rolled out agencywide, acting Chief Information Officer (CIO) Debbie Stephens said on Thursday.

Pillar 1: Advancing Multi-Sector Partnerships: Improving Outcomes and Productivity

Submitted by on Thu, 02/12/2026 - 11:41

This is the first blog in a series highlighting key insights from the IBM Center's Special Report, Five Pillars of Effective Government.

Leveraging AI in Local Government: A Conversation with Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager, City of Maricopa, Arizona

Submitted by on Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:41
What does an "AI-ready culture" look like in city government? What are the common cultural barriers to AI adoption? How does AI create efficiencies in city operations? How should local government leaders evaluate AI vendors and their promises? How do you ensure accountability when AI systems are involved in public safety or other critical city services? Join host Michael J.
Broadcast Date: 
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 10:39
Author: 
Micah Gaudet
Audio: 
Audio icon micah_gaudet_podcast_abc.mp3

Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager

Submitted by on Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:34
Micah Gaudet serves as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Maricopa, AZ. Gaudet is the creator of the first-ever AI course specifically designed for government, and he is the author of Fragile Systems: An Ecological Approach to AI in Government and 1001 Prompts for Unlocking Generative AI in Local Government. He is an in-demand speaker and author on AI in government. Holding a bachelor’s from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s in public management from The Johns Hopkins University, Gaudet’s work has significantly contributed to the practical use of AI in local government.

Weekly Roundup: February 2-6, 2026

Submitted by on Fri, 02/06/2026 - 11:15

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The Long Arc of Innovation: Lessons from History's Greatest Disruptions

Submitted by on Mon, 02/02/2026 - 12:51
What are the most common misconceptions about disruption, and why does getting the definition right matter for government leaders? How can leaders distinguish between genuine failures and innovations that are simply ahead of their time? What are the societal downsides of disruption that leaders need to actively manage. Join host Michael J. Keegan as he explores these questions and more with Prof. Scott D. Anthony, author of Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World on The Business of Government Hour.
Broadcast Date: 
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 11:08
Author: 
Scott Anthony
Audio: 
Audio icon scott_anthony_author_podcast_abc.mp3

Robert E. Luby Jr.

Submitted by on Fri, 01/30/2026 - 14:42
Bob Luby serves as Managing Director of True North Equities. Before he joined True North Equities, Mr. Luby served as a Vice President in IBM Global Business Services, where he led the Public Sector Consulting Practice. This practice included several thousand professionals, with signings in excess of $1.1B. Prior to leading the IBM Public Sector Consulting Practice, Mr. Luby led the IBM Supply Chain Management Services practice for the public sector. He held this position for over 12 years.

Roland S. Harris III

Submitted by on Fri, 01/30/2026 - 14:36

Roland Harris is an experienced executive whose career spans senior leadership roles in technology, consulting, and healthcare. He has led large operational organizations of more than 9,000 employees and over 125 executives, overseeing activities that generated up to $4 billion annually. His work reflects a long-standing focus on organizational performance, strategic direction, and operational integrity.

Kevin M. Bacon

Submitted by on Fri, 01/30/2026 - 14:10

Kevin Bacon was a management consultant with Price Waterhouse and PricwaterhouseCoopers from 1981 to 2002 when PwC was acquired by IBM. During that time Bacon worked on a wide variety of consulting projects with government agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Bacon retired from IBM in 2004.

Bacon was an adjunct professor teaching public management courses in the masters degree program at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He was an adjunct professor from 2006 to 2020.

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