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Pepperdine | School of Public Policy

Harnessing AI for Public Service: A Course for Government Leaders

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Shaping Smarter Government with AI Innovation

Training Details

October 1, 2025

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT

Pepperdine University

 

 

Attendees who complete the full day will receive an official Digital Certificate of Completion issued by the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, recognizing their participation in this course.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future aspiration—it’s already here, changing the way government agencies operate, deliver services, and engage with citizens. From automating routine processes to powering smarter decision-making, AI presents a significant opportunity to transform public service. But for many government leaders, there’s still uncertainty around where to begin, how to navigate ethical concerns, and what it really takes to implement AI successfully in a public sector context.

This one-day, in-person course at the stunning Pepperdine University campus in Malibu, Southern California, has been purpose-built for public sector professionals in leadership and decision-making roles—including managers, directors, and transformation leads—who want a practical, accessible introduction to AI in government.

Through a mix of expert instruction, real-world case studies, interactive group work, and a focused ethics panel, you’ll gain the tools, frameworks, and insights needed to move from AI curiosity to AI capability. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities within your agency, understand how to manage AI vendors and projects, and explore strategies for building trust, reducing bias, and ensuring transparency and accountability in your initiatives.

Designed to be non-technical and immediately applicable, this course will leave you with a clear roadmap for how to lead AI adoption in your department—starting the very next day. Whether you’re launching pilot programs, managing cross-departmental collaboration, or simply trying to determine where AI makes the most sense, this session will help you unlock value and deliver impact—ethically, effectively, and sustainably.

Digital Certificate from Pepperdine SPP will be awarded to all who complete the seminar.

 

Pricing Options

Early Bird - Until August 31, 2025: $999
Regular - After August 31, 2025: $1,295

Facilitator: Dr. Jonathan Reichental


Jonathan ReichentalDr. Jonathan Reichental is the founder of Human Future, a global business and technology advisory, investment, and education firm. Previous roles have included senior software engineering manager, director of technology innovation, and he has served as chief information officer at both O’Reilly Media and the City of Palo Alto, California.

In 2013 he was recognized as one of the 25 doers, dreamers, and drivers in government in America. In 2016, he was named a top influential CIO in the United States and in 2017, he was named one of the top 100 CIOs in the world. He has also won a best CIO in Silicon Valley award and a national IT leadership prize.

Reichental is a recognized global thought leader on a number of emerging trends including urban innovation, smart cities, sustainability, blockchain technology, data governance, the fourth industrial revolution, and digital transformation.

He holds several degrees including a Ph.D. in Information Systems. He is an adjunct professor in the School of Management at the University of San Francisco and instructs at several other universities. Reichental regularly creates online video courses for LinkedIn Learning.

Reichental is a popular global keynote speaker and writer. He writes for Forbes and has published many books including: Smart Cities for Dummies, Exploring Smart Cities Activity Book for Kids, and Exploring Cities Bedtime Rhymes. His latest include Data Governance for Dummies and Cryptocurrency QuickStart Guide.

 

Key Sessions


  Understanding AI in Government - Module 1

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction 

  • Opening Remarks  
  • Overview of the Day’s Objectives and Agenda 

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Understanding AI in Government  

  • What is AI? Key Concepts and Trends
  • How AI is Transforming Public Services
  • Benefits and Challenges of Adoption of AI in Government 

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break 

  Ethical Considerations of AI in Public Sector (Panel Discussion) - Module 2

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

  • AI Ethics and Bias Mitigation
  • Transparency, Accountability, and Explainability
  • Data Privacy and Security Regulations
  • Public Trust and Stakeholder Communication 
  Case Studies from Government Agencies (Interactive Session) - Module 3

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Examples of Successful AI Implementations in Local, State, and Federal Governments
  • Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways 

12:30 PM – 1:15PM Lunch 

  Practical Workshop- Identifying Opportunities for AI in your Agency - Module 4

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

  • Hands-on Group Activity: Identify Potential AI Use Cases
  • Developing Problem Statements and Solution Frameworks
  • Facilitated Group Discussions 
  Managing AI Projects: Roles, Ricks, and Resources - Module 5

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

  • How to Manage AI Vendors and Technology Partners
  • Budgeting and Timeline Management for AI Initiatives
  • Risk Management and Contingency Planning 


3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Coffee Break

  Implementing AI: Roadmap for Managers - Module 6

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM

  • Building Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Pilot Programs vs. Full-Scale Deployment
  • Measuring Impact and Reporting Outcomes 
     

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks 

  • The Future of AI
  • Summary of Key Learnings
  • Q&A Session
  • Next Steps