Beth Simone Noveck

My grandparents came to this country as refugees, seeking safety and a better life for their children. I saw the back-breaking work they did, and how technology – whether it was an automatic feeder or watering systems – could make their lives better and ease their burden. I never forgot that lesson, and it has guided me in everything I do.

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Today, I have the great honor and privilege of exploring how to use emerging technologies – first the Internet, and now artificial intelligence (AI) – to improve lives. I am the Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey, a pioneering role aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence in public service.

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Generative AI is evolving in real-time, and if we leverage it responsibly, it has boundless potential to help us build a better New Jersey. My role involves advising on integrating AI technologies across State departments to improve efficiency, ensuring that these innovations are accessible and beneficial to all New Jerseyans, while also protecting their rights and privacy.

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In addition, I advise the State on how it can create an environment that supports private-sector innovation in AI. My career has been driven by a commitment to ensuring these powerful tools serve as a force for good, democratizing access to information and services to empower communities, especially those underserved.

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The greatest honor and challenge of my professional career was working with my colleagues to respond to the COVID pandemic. While it was a very difficult time, it was also inspiring to see everyone come together in the face of this devastating calamity and summon so much creativity and novel thinking to help others. The experience not only affirmed the vital role of technology in crisis management, but also strengthened my resolve to ensure these tools are used responsibly and effectively.

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