“AI Talks” is a series from the Huntsville Business Journal on Artificial Intelligence and its applicability to the world of business. Each month, HBJ plans on bringing you interesting topics led by our contributing expert writer, Carl Holden.

This has also introduced another “writer” to our journal: Artificial Intelligence itself. Using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), we plan on bringing our readers an “article” written directly by AI.

While AI cannot currently write a news article with fully original sources, this series hopefully will introduce our readers to the nuances of Artificial Intelligence in the modern age of business. The first article in this series is written from our contributing expert writer, Carl Holden. One the next page, you can find an article using ChatGPT.

From executive order to Mayor’s task force, Huntsville is pushing ahead on AI

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has captured the attention of leaders at the highest levels of government all the way to our local leaders. From the White House to state capitols to city halls, elected officials are recognizing the immense potential and importance of AI. Recent executive orders and initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels demonstrate a growing commitment to harnessing the power of AI to improve government services, drive economic growth, and maintain competitive advantages.

As a major hub for government, defense, and technology, Huntsville, Alabama finds itself uniquely positioned to lead the way in the responsible development and implementation of AI. With active engagement from Mayor Tommy Battle, the formation of a Mayor’s Task Force on AI, and the city’s deep talent pool in key areas like cybersecurity, acquisitions, healthcare and biotech, Huntsville could position to be at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Unlike most previous presidential Executive Orders, this one is on-time or early with every deadline that was set. In a government town like Huntsville, we know that’s simply unusual. The United States is paying close attention to this technology and the highest leadership sees it of great importance.

I recently spoke at a conference of government contracting in Fort Liberty, North Carolina, a smaller version of our SMD Symposium here in Huntsville. My topic was reviewing in detail the 13 sections of the Executive order. I was reminded once again how well Huntsville is positioned for this endeavor. Formerly called Fort Bragg, Fort Liberty is a smaller fort the size of Athens Alabama. While they have plenty of government presence, they are nowhere near as well-positioned as Huntsville when it comes to the highlighted subjects in the Executive Order. It mentions multiple times the need for AI in cybersecurity, government acquisitions, healthcare, and biotechnology – all strengths of our Rocket City metro!

At the beginning of February, Governor Ivey issued an Executive Order on AI.

“The state of Alabama is a pioneer in the development and use of advanced technologies, from manufacturing nanotechnology to empowering mankind to walk on the moon. In that innovative spirit, GenAI represents a monumental step forward in the potential for our state government to serve the public. However, its capabilities must first be studied carefully to ensure it is implemented in the most responsible and efficient manner possible,” said Governor Ivey.

Many states have yet to issue their own orders, but it’s obvious that state leadership is keen on seeing our State successfully through this transition. The document is drastically smaller at only 5 pages, likely to give room for the State to adjust as they discuss findings. The Alabama Office of Information Technology will be heading up initial AI access for state officials.

So where is Huntsville when it comes to AI? On February 20th, the Mayor tweeted on X, “Impressed with our community’s forward thinking about AI and its applications. Thank you, @RocketCenterUSA, for hosting these important discussions.” Not much else is currently on public record about the city’s full stance on AI. However, you will see occasional mention and talk of a Mayor’s Task Force on AI at the Symposium.

Guess what? I got in! At a recent Chamber event, I was invited to serve on this Task Force on AI. Now I never signed anything and it’s not a secret meeting per se. But I’d like to speak to a few important points.

First of all, the Mayor does care about AI and its use in the city. He made that clear in the Symposium and also speaking at the most recent Task Force meeting. Like all other organizations and leaders, we are still in a discovery and discussion phase.

There were a lot of impressive people in that room – the types of people that need to be included in this kind of conversation. We all have varying opinions but agreed that this has to be addressed now. Huntsville has to make changes and grow with AI or lose out on the next frontier. In my few mentions in the group, I strongly encouraged that we leverage the engineering scrappiness of our moon-landing culture into this new frontier of cognition. We have the talent and the resources.

Decisions were made in the Task Force meeting I attended. Committees are being formed to address specific functional parts of AI in education, workforce development, and more. For now, it looks like meetings will occur monthly which is also a great indicator of local progress. I’m not speaking for the city but only a single voice in a large group of smart, concerned professionals.

I’m not the voice for the Task Force and I’m sure official announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Pay attention! What I want people to understand is two things.

The city is paying attention and actively organizing. Leadership in Huntsville, contracting, government agencies, academia, corporate, and entrepreneurship are all at the table looking to move this forward.
This is more than we alone can handle. As you begin to see more formal announcements and calls to action, stand up and help. Huntsville simply hasn’t seen an opportunity like this since the moon.

I’m incredibly excited to see how Huntsville will answer the Orders placed at the State and Federal level. I’m nervous that some of the contracting community that relies on the status quo will miss out. Be a part of the solution, not the problem!