What does safe and responsible AI adoption look like in a public sector environment that handles sensitive data and must protect trust at every step?

In this episode, we talk with Kerry Jordan, Chief of Staff for the City of Boston. He explains how his team approaches AI with clear guardrails, approved tools, and training that supports security and transparency. He gives a real example of financial data uploaded to an unapproved model and shows why controlled environments and policy alignment matter.

We cover how to evaluate AI by use case, select the right ecosystem such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini, and set up monitoring and auditing. Kerry also outlines the factors that shape public sector decisions, including consent requirements and accountability to citizens.

The conversation then shifts to adoption. Teams gain confidence when they see AI remove repetitive tasks and reduce errors. We walk through a simple approach: survey your workforce, communicate the purpose, start with high-impact pilots, and measure results in time saved and quality gains. We also discuss governance to reduce bias and the value of human review as these tools evolve.

If you need clarity on AI tool selection, data protection, or how to support your teams without enabling shadow IT, this episode provides a clear playbook you can apply in your organization.

The Beyond the Firewall podcast features discussions with technology leaders and practitioners who provide valuable insights into today’s IT and business challenges.
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